17.—(1) Lifebuoys shall be distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and, as far as practicable, on all open decks extending to the ship’s side. At least one lifebuoy shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern.
(2) Lifebuoys shall be so stowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and not permanently secured in any way.
(3) Except as otherwise provided lifebuoys with lights and those with lights and smoke signals shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship and shall not be the lifebuoys provided with lifelines.