Lifebuoys

2.1.1 Lifebuoy specification

Every lifebuoy shall:

.1 have an outer diameter of not more 800 mm and an inner diameter of not less 400 mm;

.2 be constructed of inherently buoyant material; it shall not depend upon rushes, cork shavings or granulated cork, any other loose granulated material or any air compartment which depends on insulation for buoyancy;

.3 be capable of supporting not less than 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for a period of 24h;

.4 have a mass of not less than 2.5 kg;

.5 not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 s;

.6 be constructed to withstand a drop into the water from the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever is greater, without impairing either its operational capability or that of its attached components;

.7 if it is intended to operate the quick-release arrangement provided for the self-activated smoke signals and self igniting lights, have a mass sufficient to operate the quick-release arrangement; and

.8 be fitted with a grabline not less than 9.5 mm in diameter and not less than four times the outside diameter of the body of the buoy in length. The grabline shall be secured at four equidistant points around the circumference of the buoy to form four equal loops.

2.1.2 Lifebuoy self-igniting lights

Self-igniting lights required by regulation III/7.1.3 shall:

.1 be such that they cannot be extinguished by water;

.2 be of white color and capable of either burning continuously with a luminous intensity of not less than 2 cd in all directions of the upper hemisphere or flashing (discharge flashing) at a rate not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with at least the corresponding effective luminous intensity;

.3 be provided with a source of energy capable of meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.1.2.2 for a period of at least 2 h; and

.4 be capable of withstanding the drop test required by paragraph 2.1.1.6.

2.1.3 Lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals

Self-activating smoke signals required by regulation III/7.1.3 shall:

1. emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of at least 15 min when floating in calm water;

2. not ignite explosively or emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time of the signal;

3. not be swamped in a seaway;

4. continue to emit smoke when fully submerged in water for a period of at least 10 s; and

5. be capable of withstanding the drop test required by paragraph 2.1.1.6.

2.1.4 Buoyant lifelines

Buoyant lifelines required by regulation III/7.1.2 shall:

1 be non-kinking;

2 have a diameter of not less than 8 mm; and

3 have a breaking strength of not less than 5 kN.