The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI (A)) Regulations 1992

Schedule 2 Parts I, II and III

PART IV RESCUE BOAT DISENGAGING GEARS

1.  Except in the case of single point suspension the rescue boat disengaging gear shall be so arranged that all hooks are released simultaneously on the operation of the control mechanism.

2.  The means of effecting release shall be placed near the coxwain’s position.

3.  The gear shall have two release capabilities:

3.1  a normal release capability which will release the rescue boat only when it is waterborne or when there is no load on the hook(s); and

3.2  an on-load release capability which will release the rescue boat with a load on the hook(s). This release shall be so arranged as to release the rescue boat under any condition of loading from no-load with the rescue boat waterborne to a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the rescue boat when loaded with its full certified complement of persons and equipment. This release shall be adequately protected against accidental or premature use.

4.  The means of connection between the hook(s), safety device and the operating lever or release unit shall:

4.1  be arranged and led so as to ensure the efficient operation of the gear;

4.2  wherever necessary be properly cased in for the safety or efficient action of the gear or for the protection of persons from injury; and

4.3  where cased in, means shall be provided for lubricating this equipment.

5.  The release control(s) are to be clearly marked in a colour that contrasts with its surroundings, and a suitably worded instruction plate indicating the method of safe operation of the gear shall be provided.

6.  Such parts of the gear as would otherwise be likely to be set fast by rust or corrosion shall be made of non-corrodible metal.

7.  The mechanism shall be designed with a factor of safety of 6 based on the ultimate strength of the materials used, assuming that the mass of the rescue boat is equally distributed.