The Fishing Vessels (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations 1988

Regulation 4(3)

SCHEDULE 2 LIFEJACKET LIGHTS

A lifejacket light shall comply with the following requirements—

1.  Construction

1.1 The complete light unit shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials. The materials shall be compatible with materials used in the construction of a lifejacket.

1.2 The unit shall be provided with a fixed or flashing light.

1.3 The unit shall be rot-proof, corrosion resistant and not be unduly affected by sea-water, oil or fungal attack.

1.4 The unit shall not have any adverse effect on the performance of the lifejacket to which it is attached.

1.5 Each component of the unit shall be designed to remain serviceable for at least as long as the storage life of the power source.

1.6 The unit shall be so designed that it will not leak any substance which would be harmful to the lifejacket, immersion suit or wearer.

1.7 A flashing light shall be provided with a manually operated switch.

1.8 A flashing light shall not be fitted with a lens or curved reflector to concentrate the beam.

1.9 Components of electronic circuits of the unit shall comply with the quality control requirements of BS 9000 or the Ministry of Defence Standard 05-21. Where components cannot be obtained under one of the above standards these components shall be covered by a Certificate of Conformance from the manufacturer of the components.

2.  Attachment

2.1 The method of attachment shall not require penetration of a lifejacket’s buoyancy material.

2.2 The method of attachment shall be such that the light cannot become accidentally detached.

2.3 The light and power source shall be capable of being removed and replaced without causing damage to the lifejacket.

3.  Activation The light shall be easy to activate with wet, cold or gloved hands in adverse conditions and with the minimum of preparation.

4.  Performance

4.1 A lifejacket light shall not be damaged in stowage throughout an air temperature range of −30 degsC to +65 degsC.

4.2 It shall operate as prescribed in paragraphs 4.7 and 4.8 throughout a sea water temperature range of −1 degsC to +30 degsC. It shall also be capable of operating in fresh water.

4.3 It shall be capable of operation in a sea-way when attached to a lifejacket .

4.4 It shall be visible over as great a segment of the upper hemisphere as is practicable when attached to a lifejacket.

4.5 A flashing light shall flash at a rate of not less than 50 flashes per minute and shall attain this rate within 5 minutes of activation.

4.6 A water activated light shall commence functioning within 2 minutes of immersion and have reached a luminous intensity of 0.75 candela within 5 minutes in salt water at temperatures of −1 degsC and +30 degsC, and within 10 minutes in fresh water at ambient temperature.

4.7 A fixed light and a flashing light with a flash duration of not less than 0.15 seconds shall have a luminous intensity of not less than 0.75 candela. A flashing light with a flash duration of less than 0.15 seconds shall have an effective luminous intensity of not less than 0.75 candela.

4.8 A light shall have a source of energy capable of providing the luminous intensity, or the effective luminous intensity, as appropriate, for a period of at least 8 hours.

4.9 The unit and the lifejacket attachment arrangements shall be capable of withstanding a jump into the water from a height of 4.5 metres without the unit being damaged or dislodged or causing injury to the wearer of the lifejacket.

4.10 The unit shall be capable of withstanding a drop of 2 metres onto a rigidly mounted steel plate or concrete surface.

5.  Marking

5.1 The unit shall be marked indelibly with—

.1 the manufacturer’s name or trade mark;

.2 the batch number or other means of identifying the unit;

.3 the words “DOT (UK) APPROVED” or “DTp (UK) APPROVED”; and

.4 clear and concise directions in English for activating the light supported by illustrations.

5.2 The unit or power source as appropriate, shall be marked indelibly with the date of manufacture and expiry of the power source.

6.  Instructions and Information

6.1 Instructions and information shall be provided in English in a clear and concise form and shall include the following—

.1 method or methods of attachment to lifejackets;

.2 type of power source for the particular type of light;

.3 if the power source is replaceable, method of replacement;

.4 type of light source and whether replaceable;

.5 any maintenance requirements including the method and recommended frequency of checks of power source; and

.6 operation of light.