Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
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5.6 Marine evacuation systems
5.6.1 Construction of marine evacuation system
(Life Saving Appliances Code Chapter VI, 6.2.1)
The passage of the marine evacuation system shall provide for safe
descent of persons of various ages, sizes and physical capabilities, wearing
approved lifejackets from the embarkation station to the floating platform or
survival craft.
Strength and construction of the passage and platform shall be to the
satisfaction of the Administration.
The platform, if fitted, shall be:
- such that sufficient buoyancy will be provided for the
working load. In the case of an inflatable platform the main buoyancy chambers,
which for this purpose shall include any thwarts or floor inflatable structural
members, are to meet the requirements of section 4 .2 based upon the platform
capacity, except that the capacity shall be obtained by dividing by 0.25 the
usable area given in paragraph 6 .2.1. 3.3;
- stable in a seaway and shall provide a safe working area
for the system operators;
- of sufficient area that will provide for the securing of at
least two liferafts for boarding and to accommodate at least the number of
persons that at any time are expected to be on the platform.
This usable platform area shall be at least equal to:
20% of total number of persons that
the marine evacuation system is certified for (m² )
4
or 10 m², whichever is the greater. However, Administrations may approve
alternate arrangements which are demonstrated to comply with all of the
prescribed performance requirements;
- self-draining
- subdivided in such a way that the loss of gas from any one
compartment will not restrict its operational use as a means of evacuation. The
buoyancy tubes shall be subdivided or protected against damage occurring from
contact with the ship's side;
- fitted with a stabilizing system to the satisfaction of the
Administration;
- restrained by a bowsing line or other positioning systems
which are designed to deploy automatically and, if necessary, to be capable of
being adjusted to the position required for evacuation; and
- provided with mooring and bowsing line patches of
sufficient strength to securely attach the largest inflatable liferaft associated with
the system.
lf the passage gives direct access to the survival craft, it should be
provided with a quick-release arrangement.