Rule 82(1)
1. Every lifeboat shall be constructed with rigid sides.
2. In any lifeboat fitted with a rigid shelter the shelter shall be capable of being readily opened from both inside and outside and shall not impede rapid embarkation and disembarkation or the launching and handling of the lifeboat. Such a shelter where fitted may be accepted as complying with the requirements of sub-paragraph (x) of Rule 90(1).
3. Every lifeboat except wooden lifeboats made of planks shall have a block co-efficient of the cubic capacity as determined in accordance with Schedule 5 to these Rules of not less than 0.64.
4. Every lifeboat shall be of such form and proportions that it shall have ample stability in a seaway and sufficient freeboard when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.
5. Every lifeboat shall be so constructed that it shall be capable of maintaining positive stability when open to the sea and loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.
6. Every lifeboat shall be properly constructed for the purpose for which it is intended and shall be of sufficient strength to permit its being safety lowered into the water when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment. It shall be of such strength that it will not suffer residual deflection if subjected to an overload of at least 25 per cent.
7. No lifeboat shall be less than 4.9 metres in length except that where these Rules permit a lifeboat to be carried as an alternative to a Class C boat, the length of such lifeboat shall not be less than that of the Class C boat as determined in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 8 to these Rules.
8. No lifeboat when laden with its full complement of persons (calculated at 75 kilogrammes per person) and equipment shall weigh more than 20 tonnes.
9. In every lifeboat all thwart and side seats shall be fitted as low in the lifeboat as practicable and bottom boards shall be fitted.
10. Every lifeboat shall have a mean sheer at least equal to 4 per cent of its length. The sheer shall be approximately parabolic in form.
11. Every lifeboat shall be fitted with internal buoyancy appliances which shall consist either of air cases or buoyant material which shall not be adversely affected by oil or oil products and which shall not adversely affect the boat.
12. In every lifeboat the total volume of the internal buoyancy appliances shall be such that it will be at least equal to the sum of the volumes of:
(a)that required to float the lifeboat and its full equipment when the lifeboat is flooded and open to the sea so that the top of the gunwale amidships is not submerged; and
(b)that equal to 10 per cent of the cubic capacity of the lifeboat.