The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Rule 85

PART II RIGID LIFERAFTS

Every rigid liferaft shall comply with the following requirements:—

(a) the liferaft shall be so constructed that if it is dropped into the water from its stowed position neither the liferaft nor its equipment will be damaged;

(b) any liferaft which is designed for use with a launching appliance shall be properly constructed for the purpose for which it is intended and shall be of sufficient strength to permit it to be safely lowered into the water when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment;

(c) the liferaft shall be so constructed that its air cases or buoyant material are placed as near as possible to its sides;

(d) the deck area of the liferaft shall be situated within that part of the liferaft which affords protection to its occupants. The nature of the deck shall be such as to prevent so far as practicable the ingress of water and it shall effectively support the occupants out of the water;

(e) the liferaft shall be fitted with a cover or equivalent arrangement of a highly visible colour, which shall be capable of protecting the occupants against injury whichever way up the liferaft is floating;

(f) the equipment of the liferaft shall be so stowed as to be readily available whichever way up the liferaft is floating;

(g) the total weight of any liferaft and its equipment shall not exceed 180 kilogrammes except that such total weight may be exceeded where the liferaft is capable of being launched from both sides of the vessel or if means are provided for putting it into the water mechanically on either side of the vessel;

(h) the liferaft shall at all times be effective and stable when floating either way up;

(i) the number of persons which the liferaft shall be deemed fit to accommodate shall be equal to—

(i) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by .096 the volume measured in cubic metres of the air cases or buoyant material; or

(ii) the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 3720 the deck area of the liferaft measured in square centimetres;

whichever number shall be the less;

(j) the liferaft shall have a painter attached and a lifeline securely becketed round the outside. A lifeline shall also be fitted round the inside of the liferaft;

(k) the liferaft shall be fitted at each opening with efficient means to enable persons in the water to climb on board;

(l) the liferaft shall be so constructed as not to be affected by oil or oil products;

(m) a buoyant light of the electric battery type shall be attached to the liferaft by a lanyard;

(n) the liferaft shall be fitted with arrangements enabling it to be readily towed;

(o) liferafts shall be so stowed as to float free in the event of the vessel sinking;

(p) every liferaft carried on a vessel which is provided with portable radio equipment which complies with the specification set forth in Part I of Schedule 13 to these Rules shall be provided with arrangements for accommodating properly in the operating position the aerial referred to in the specification set out in the said Schedule.