Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
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e) Buoyancy
All lifeboats shall have inherent buoyancy or shall be fitted with inherently
buoyant material sufficient to float the lifeboat with all its equipment on board
when flooded and open to the sea.
The buoyant material used in a lifeboat shall not be adversely affected by
sea water, oil or oil products. Notwithstanding the up mentioned requirements, all
lifeboats shall have additional inherently buoyant material equal to 280 N of
buoyant force per person for the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to
accommodate.
Buoyant material, shall not be installed external to the hull of the lifeboat.
f) Freeboard and Stability
All lifeboats shall be stable and have a positive GM value when loaded
with 50% of the number of persons the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate in
their normal positions to one side of the centre line.
All lifeboats, when loaded with 50% of the number of persons the lifeboat
is permitted to accommodate seated in their normal positions to one side of the
centre line, shall have a freeboard, measured from the waterline to the lowest
opening through which the lifeboat may become flooded, of at least 1.5% of the
lifeboat's length or 100 mm, whichever is greater.
g) Fittings
Every lifeboat shall be provided with at least one drain valve fitted near the
lowest point in the hull, which shall
- open automatically to drain water from the hull when not
waterborne;
- close automatically to prevent entry of water when
waterborne;
Each drain shall be:
- provided with cap or plug to close the valve which shall be
securely attached to the lifeboat by a lanyard, chain, or other suitable means;
- readily accessible from inside; and,
- clearly indicated as to its position.
Every lifeboat shall be provided with a rudder and tiller.
When a wheel or other remote steering mechanism is also provided, the
tiller shall be capable of controlling the rudder in case of failure of the steering
mechanism.
The rudder shall be permanently attached to the lifeboat and the tiller shall
be permanently installed on, or linked to, the rudder stock; however, if the lifeboat
has a remote steering mechanism, the tiller may be removable and securely
stowed near the rudder stock.