QuestionsQuestions (PHTBNP)
They must be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.
They must not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range of −30°C to +65°C.
It must operate throughout the seawater temperature range of 1°C to +30°C.
The Administration determines the period of acceptability; such appliances must be marked with a means for determining their age or the date by which they must be replaced.
Outer diameter: not more than 800 mm; inner diameter: not less than 400 mm.
The lifebuoy shall not depend upon rushes, cork shavings, granulated cork, any other loose granulated material, or any air compartment which depends on inflation for buoyancy.
They must not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds.
It must 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 operating capability or attached components.
Grabline diameter: not less than 9.5 mm; length: not less than four times the outside diameter of the buoy. It must be secured at four equidistant points to form four equal loops.
It cannot be extinguished by water; it must burn continuously with luminous intensity ≥2 cd in all directions of the upper hemisphere OR flash at ≥50 flashes/min with corresponding effective intensity; and must have a source of energy meeting the ≥2-hour duration requirement.
They must emit highly visible smoke of uniform rate for at least 15 minutes in calm water; not ignite explosively or emit flame during smoke emission; not be swamped in a seaway; and continue to emit smoke when fully submerged for at least 10 seconds.
After demonstration, a person can correctly don it within 1 minute without assistance.
It must turn the body of an unconscious person so that the mouth is clear of water in not more than 5 seconds.
Each lifejacket must be fitted with a waistline firmly secured by a cord.
They must have at least two separate compartments; inflate automatically on immersion; have a device to permit inflation by a single manual motion and be capable of mouth inflation; and if buoyancy is lost in one compartment, they must still comply with donning/buoyancy requirements.
It can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 minutes (considering associated clothing and a lifejacket if worn together).
They must be waterproof with thermal conductivity not more than 0.25 W/(m·K), and when used to enclose a person, must reduce both convective and evaporative heat loss.
They must be capable of withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all conditions.
Normal equipment includes four rocket parachute flares, six hand flares, and two buoyant smoke signals (subject to the liferaft’s equipment category and any special reductions allowed by the Administration).