LSA part 2: Carriage requirements for lifebuoys, lifejackets and immersion suits
Including general requirements for LSA
Relevant documents: SOLAS Chapter III, LSA code, MSN 1676 (this MSN is your best resource for the requirements but it is big; search for ‘Ships of Class VII’ within the document)
Examiners want to see you demonstrate not just that you know the carriage requirements, but also that you have the practical and theoretical knowledge to carry out regular inspections. Will you spot that the retro-reflective tape has peeled off, and replace it with new tape? Will you realise that the grabline has become brittle due to UV damage and know how to fit a new one?
General requirements for LSA
These apply to everything considered to be life saving appliances; liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats, lifebuoys, lifejackets etc. A lot of this is common sense (well-made, easily seen) but being able to use the phrases below when asked about general requirements for LSA will show the examiner that you know what you’re looking for.
All life-saving appliances should:
be constructed with proper workmanship and materials
not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range -30°C to +65°C
if they are likely to be immersed in seawater during their, use, operate throughout the seawater temperature range -1°C to +30°C
where applicable, be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack
where exposed to sunlight, be resistant to deterioration
be of a highly visible colour on all parts where this will assist detection
be fitted with retro-reflective material* where it will assist in detection
if they are to be used in a seaway, be capable of satisfactory operation in that environment
be clearly marked with approval information**, including the Administration which approved it and any operational restrictions
where applicable, be provided with electrical short-circuit protection to prevent damage or injury
*Commonly referred to as SOLAS tape
**This means a SOLAS wheel mark, or the Red Ensign Mark.
Lifebuoys
Lifebuoy specifications are found in the LSA code Chapter II 2.1.
Outer diameter of not more than 800mm
Inner diameter of not less than 400mm
Mass less than 2.5kg*
Fitted with a grabline, not less than 9.5mm diameter and not less than 4x the outside diameter of the lifebuoy in length. This is secured at four equidistant points around the circumference of the buoy, to form four equal loops. Think about
Fitted with retro-reflective tape
Name and port of registry of the vessel marked on it in block capitals
Distributed so as to be readily available on both sides of the ship, and on all open decks extending to the ships side
Stowed so that they can be rapidly cast loose (not permanently secured)
At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship must be fitted with a buoyant lifeline of either 30m in length or twice the stowage height of the lifebuoy above the waterline; whichever is greater.
At least one lifebuoy must be places in the vicinity of the stern
Not less than half of the total number of lifebuoys onboard must be fitted with self-igniting lights
Not less than two of these shall also be fitted with self-activating smoke signals and be capable of quick release from the navigation bridge, and these shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship. *
*The lifebuoys mentioned in the last bulletpoint are often referred to as the MOB lifebuoys. Various arrangements exist to allow for their immediate deployment. They must have mass sufficient to operate the quick release arrangement (i.e. jerk the light and smoke float from its backet) or 4kg; whichever is greater.
Self-igniting lights
These can be either electrical or chemical, though chemical self-igniting lights are not permitted on tankers. They must have sufficient power to last for 2 hours.
Light and smoke floats
Generally the light and smoke float are combined into one unit which is held loosely in a bracket and attached to the lifebuoy by a line. On activation this must emit highly visible smoke for at least 15 minutes, and light for at least 2 hours.
A practical consideration: when carring out checks on lifebuoys, make sure that the line between the self-activating light and the lifebuoy hasn’t been wrapped round a rail for neatness, or passed through a bracket in a way that would prevent the deployment of the unit.
During pilot transfer operations a lifebuoy rigged with a self-igniting light should be kept at hand.
The number and location of lifebuoys should be marked on the fire control and safety plan, which is posted on the bridge.
Carriage requirements
These can be best expressed in the form of tables. These work well as flash cards.
Cargo vessels
SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 32 lays out the requirement for cargo vessels
Cargo ships of less than 500GT must carry at least 4 lifebuoys
Cargo ships of more than 500GT must carry at least 8 lifebuoys
To learn this, remember that:
the minimum number is 8
it goes up in multiples of 2 with every 50 of additional length.