CHAPTER I

General

1.1 Definitions

1.1.1 Convention means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

1.1.2 Effective clearing of the ship is the ability of the free-fall lifeboat to move away from the ship after free-fall
launching without using its engine.

1.1.3 Free-fall acceleration is the rate of change of velocity experienced by the occupants during launching of a
free-fall lifeboat.

1.1.4 Free-fall certification height is the greatest launching height for which the lifeboat is to be approved,
measured from the still water surface to the lowest point on the lifeboat when the lifeboat is in the launch
configuration.

1.1.5 Launching ramp angle is the angle between the horizontal and the launch rail of the lifeboat in its launching
position with the ship on even keel.

1.1.6 Launching ramp length is the distance between the stern of the lifeboat and the lower end of the launching
ramp.

1.1.7 Regulation means a regulation contained in the Annex to the Convention.

1.1.8 Retro-reflective material is a material which reflects in the opposite direction a beam of light directed on it.

1.1.9 Water-entry angle is the angle between the horizontal and the launch rail of the lifeboat when it first enters
the water.

1.1.10 The terms used in this Code have the same meaning as those defined in regulation III/3.

1.2 General requirements for life-saving appliances

1.2.1 Paragraph 1.2.2.7 applies to life-saving appliances on all ships.

1.2.2 Unless expressly provided otherwise or unless, in the opinion of the Administration having regard to the
particular voyages on which the ship is constantly engaged, other requirements are appropriate, all life-saving
appliances prescribed in this part shall:

.1 be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;

.2 not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range -30°C to +65°C and, in the
case of personal life-saving appliances, unless otherwise specified, remain operational
throughout the air temperature range -15°C to +40°C;

.3 if they are likely to be immersed in seawater during their use, operate throughout the seawater
temperature range -1°C to + 30°C;

.4 where applicable, be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by seawater, oil
or fungal attack;

.5 where exposed to sunlight, be resistant to deterioration;

.6 be of international or vivid reddish orange, or a comparably highly visible colour on all parts
where this will assist detection at sea;
 .7 be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in detection and in accordance with the
*
recommendations of the Organization ;

.8 if they are to be used in a seaway, be capable of satisfactory operation in that environment;

.9 be clearly marked with approval information including the Administration which approved it, and
any operational restrictions; and

.10 where applicable, be provided with electrical short circuit protection to prevent damage or
injury.

1.2.3 The Administration shall determine the period of acceptability of life-saving appliances which are subject to
deterioration with age. Such life-saving appliances shall be marked with a means for determining their age or the
date by which they must be replaced. Permanent marking with a date of expiry is the preferred method of
establishing the period of acceptability. Batteries not marked with an expiration date may be used if they are
replaced annually, or in the case of a secondary battery (accumulator), if the condition of the electrolyte can be
readily checked. In the case of pyrotechnic lifesaving appliances, the date of expiry shall be indelibly marked on
the product by the manufacturer.

*
Refer to the Recommendation on the use and fitting of retro-reflective material on life-saving appliances, adopted by the
Organization by resolution A.658(16), as it may be amended.
 CHAPTER II

Personal Life-Saving Appliances

2.1 Lifebuoys

2.1.1 Lifebuoy specification

Every lifebuoy shall:

.1 have an outer diameter of not more than 800 mm and an inner diameter of not less than 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
inflation for buoyancy;

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

.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 the greater, without impairing
either its operating 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 of not less than 4 kg; and

.8 be fitted with a grabline not less than 9.5 mm in diameter and not less than 4 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 colour 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
of not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per min with at least the corresponding
effective luminous intensity;

.3 be provided with a source of energy capable of meeting the requirement 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;

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

.6 be provided with a quick-release arrangement that will automatically release and activate the
signal and associated self-igniting light connected to a lifebuoy having a mass of not more than
4 kg.

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.

2.2 Lifejackets

2.2.1 General requirements for lifejackets

2.2.1.1 A lifejacket shall not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period
of 2 s.

2.2.1.2 Lifejackets shall be provided in three sizes in accordance with table 2.1. If a lifejacket fully complies with
the requirements of two adjacent size ranges, it may be marked with both size ranges, but the specified ranges
shall not be divided. Lifejackets shall be marked by either weight or height, or by both weight and height,
according to table 2.1.

Table 2.1 – Lifejacket sizing criteria

Lifejacket marking Infant Child Adult

Weight (kg) less than 15 15 or more but 43 or more

Height (cm) less than 100 100 or more but 155 or more
less than 155

2.2.1.3 If an adult lifejacket is not designed to fit persons weighing up to 140 kg and with a chest girth of up to
1,750 mm, suitable accessories shall be available to allow it to be secured to such persons.

2.2.1.4 The in-water performance of a lifejacket shall be evaluated by comparison to the performance of a
suitable size standard reference lifejacket, i.e. reference test device (RTD) complying with the recommendations
*
of the Organization.

2.2.1.5 An adult lifejacket shall be so constructed that:

.1 at least 75% of persons who are completely unfamiliar with the lifejacket can correctly don it
within a period of 1 min without assistance, guidance or prior demonstration;

*
Refer to the Revised Recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)), as amended.
 .2 after demonstration, all persons can correctly don it within a period of 1 min without assistance;

.3 it is clearly capable of being worn in only one way or inside-out and, if donned incorrectly, it is
not injurious to the wearer;

.4 the method of securing the lifejacket to the wearer has quick and positive means of closure that
do not require tying of knots;

.5 it is comfortable to wear; and

.6 it allows the wearer to jump into the water from a height of at least 4.5 m while holding on to
the lifejacket, and from a height of at least 1m with arms held overhead, without injury and
without dislodging or damaging the lifejacket or its attachments.

2.2.1.6 When tested according to the recommendations of the Organization on at least 12 persons, adult
lifejackets shall have sufficient buoyancy and stability in calm fresh water to:

.1 lift the mouth of exhausted or unconscious persons by an average height of not less than the
average provided by the adult RTD minus 10 mm;

.2 turn the body of unconscious, face-down persons in the water to a position where the mouth is
clear of the water in an average time not exceeding that of the RTD plus 1 s, with the number of
persons not turned by the lifejacket no greater than that of the RTD;

.3 incline the body backwards from the vertical position for an average torso angle of not less than
that of the RTD minus 10˚;

.4 lift the head above horizontal for an average faceplane angle of not less than that of the RTD
minus 10°; and

.5 return at least as many wearers to a stable face-up position after being destabilized when
floating in the flexed foetal position as with the RTD when tested on the wearers in the same
manner.

2.2.1.7 An adult lifejacket shall allow the person wearing it to swim a short distance and to board a survival craft.

2.2.1.8 An infant or child lifejacket shall perform the same as an adult lifejacket except as follows:

.1 donning assistance is permitted for small children and infants;

.2 the appropriate child or infant RTD shall be used in place of the adult RTD; [ ]

.3 assistance may be given to board a survival craft, but wearer mobility shall not be reduced to
any greater extent than by the appropriate size RTD.

.4 for infants the jump and drop tests shall be exempted;

.5 for children, five of the nine subjects shall perform the jump and drop tests; and

.6 in lieu of paragraph 2.2.1.8.5, manikins may be substituted for human test subjects.

2.2.1.9 With the exception of freeboard and self-righting performance, the requirements for infant lifejackets may
be relaxed, if necessary, in order to:

.1 facilitate the rescue of the infant by a caretaker;

.2 allow the infant to be fastened to a caretaker and contribute to keeping the infant close to the
caretaker;
 .3 keep the infant dry, with free respiratory passages;

.4 protect the infant against bumps and jolts during evacuation; and

.5 allow a caretaker to monitor and control heat loss by the infant.

2.2.1.10 In addition to the markings required by paragraph 1.2.2.9, an infant or child lifejacket shall be marked
with:

.1 the size range in accordance with paragraph 2.2.1.2; and

.2 an “infant” or “child” symbol as shown in the “infant’s lifejacket” or “child’s lifejacket” symbol
*
adopted by the Organization.

2.2.1.11 A lifejacket shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after 24 h submersion in fresh
water.

2.2.1.12 The buoyancy of a lifejacket shall not depend on the use of loose granulated materials.

2.2.1.13 Each lifejacket shall be provided with means of securing a lifejacket light as specified in paragraph 2.2.3
such that it shall be capable of complying with paragraphs 2.2.1.5.6 and 2.2.3.1.3.

2.2.1.14 Each lifejacket shall be fitted with a whistle firmly secured by a lanyard.

2.2.1.15 Lifejacket lights and whistles shall be selected and secured to the lifejacket in such a way that their
performance in combination is not degraded.

2.2.1.16 A lifejacket shall be provided with a releasable buoyant line or other means to secure it to a lifejacket
worn by another person in the water.

2.2.1.17 A lifejacket shall be provided with a suitable means to allow a rescuer to lift the wearer from the water
into a survival craft or rescue boat.

2.2.2 Inflatable lifejackets

A lifejacket which depends on inflation for buoyancy shall have not less than two separate compartments, shall
comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1 and shall:

.1 inflate automatically upon immersion, be provided with a device to permit inflation by a single
manual motion and be capable of having each chamber inflated by mouth;

.2 in the event of loss of buoyancy in any one compartment be capable of complying with the
requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.5, 2.2.1.6 and 2.2.1.7; and

.3 comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.1.11 after inflation by means of the automatic
mechanism.

2.2.3 Lifejacket lights

2.2.3.1 Each lifejacket light shall:

.1 have a luminous intensity of not less than 0.75 cd in all directions of the upper hemisphere;

.2 have a source of energy capable of providing a luminous intensity of 0.75 cd for a period of at
least 8 h;

*
Refer to Symbols related to life-saving appliances and arrangements, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.760(18), as
amended.
 .3 be visible over as great a segment of the upper hemisphere as is practicable when attached to
a lifejacket; and

.4 be of white colour.

2.2.3.2 If the light referred to in paragraph 2.2.3.1 is a flashing light, it shall, in addition:

.1 be provided with a manually operated switch; and

.2 flash at a rate of not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with an
effective luminous intensity of at least 0.75 cd.

2.3 Immersion suits

2.3.1 General requirements for immersion suits

2.3.1.1 An immersion suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that:

.1 it can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into account donning of
*
any associated clothing , donning of a lifejacket if the immersion suit must be worn in conjunction
with a lifejacket to meet the requirements of paragraph 2.3.1.2, and inflation of orally inflatable
chambers if fitted;

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

.3 it will cover the whole body with the exception of the face, except that covering for the hands
may be provided by separate gloves which shall be permanently attached to the suit;

.4 it is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs of the suit; and

.5 following a jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water there is no undue ingress of
water into the suit.

2.3.1.2 An immersion suit on its own, or worn in conjunction with a lifejacket if necessary, shall have sufficient
buoyancy and stability in calm fresh water to:

.1 lift the mouth of an exhausted or unconscious person clear of the water by not less than 120
mm; and

.2 allow the wearer to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in not more than 5 s.

2.3.1.3 An immersion suit shall permit the person wearing it, and also wearing a lifejacket if the immersion suit is
to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, to:

.1 climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;

.2 perform normal duties associated with abandonment;

.3 jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water without damaging or dislodging the
immersion suit or its attachments, or being injured; and

.4 swim a short distance through the water and board a survival craft.

2.3.1.4 An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be fitted with
a light complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.3 and the whistle prescribed by paragraph 2.2.1.14.

*
Refer to paragraph 3.1.3 of the Recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances, adopted by the Maritime Safety
Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.81(70), as amended.
2.3.1.5 An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be provided
with a releasable buoyant line or other means to secure it to a suit worn by another person in the water.

2.3.1.6 An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be provided
with a suitable means to allow a rescuer to lift the wearer from the water into a survival craft or rescue boat.

2.3.1.7 If an immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the lifejacket shall be worn over the
immersion suit. Persons wearing such an immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance. The
immersion suit shall be marked to indicate that it must be worn in conjunction with a compatible lifejacket.

2.3.1.8 An immersion suit shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after 24 h submersion in
fresh water and does not depend on the use of loose granulated materials.

2.3.2 Thermal performance requirements for immersion suits

2.3.2.1 An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulation shall be:

.1 marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing; and

.2 so constructed that, when worn in conjunction with warm clothing, and with a lifejacket if the
immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket, the immersion suit continues to provide sufficient
thermal protection, following one jump by the wearer into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to
ensure that when it is worn for a period of 1 h in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5°C,
the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C.

2.3.2.2 An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, when worn either on its own or with a
lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, shall provide the wearer with
sufficient thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to ensure that the wearer's
body core temperature does not fall more than 2°C after a period of 6 h immersion in calm circulating water at a
temperature of between 0°C and 2°C.

2.4 Anti-exposure suits

2.4.1 General requirements for anti-exposure suits

2.4.1.1 An anti-exposure suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that it:

.1 provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N;

.2 is made of material which reduces the risk of heat stress during rescue and evacuation
operations;

.3 covers the whole body except, where the Administration so permits, the feet; covering for the
hands and head may be provided by separate gloves and a hood, both of which shall be
permanently attached to the suit;

.4 can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;

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

.6 is equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone; and

.7 has a lateral field of vision of at least 120°.

2.4.1.2 An anti-exposure suit shall permit the person wearing it to:

.1 climb up and down a vertical ladder of at least 5 m in length;

.3 swim through the water at least 25 m and board a survival craft;

.4 don a lifejacket without assistance; and

.5 perform all duties associated with abandonment, assist others and operate a rescue boat.

2.4.1.3 An anti-exposure suit shall be fitted with a light complying with the requirements of paragraph 2.2.3 such
that it shall be capable of complying with paragraphs 2.2.3.1.3 and 2.4.1.2.2, and the whistle prescribed by
paragraph 2.2.1.14.

2.4.2 Thermal performance requirements for anti-exposure suits

2.4.2.1 An anti-exposure suit shall:

.1 if made of material which has no inherent insulation, be marked with instructions that it must be
worn in conjunction with warm clothing; and

.2 be so constructed that, when worn as marked and following one jump into the water which totally
submerges the wearer, the suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protection to ensure that
when it is worn in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5°C, the wearer’s body core
temperature does not fall at a rate of more than 1.5°C per hour, after the first 0.5 h.

2.4.3 Stability requirements

A person in fresh water wearing an anti-exposure suit complying with the requirements of this section shall be
able to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in not more than 5 s and shall be stable face-up. The suit shall
have no tendency to turn the wearer face-down in moderate sea condition.

2.5 Thermal protective aids

2.5.1 A thermal protective aid shall be made of waterproof material having a thermal conductance of not more
2
than 7,800 W/(m K) and shall be so constructed that, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce both the
convective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body.

2.5.2 The thermal protective aid shall:

.1 cover the whole body of persons of all sizes wearing a lifejacket with the exception of the face.
Hands shall also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided;

.2 be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance in a survival craft or
rescue boat; and

.3 permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2 min, if it impairs ability to swim.

2.5.3 The thermal protective aid shall function properly throughout an air temperature range -30°C to +20°C.
 CHAPTER III

Visual Signals

3.1 Rocket parachute flares

3.1.1 The rocket parachute flare shall:

.1 be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2 have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the rocket parachute flare
printed on its casing;

.3 have integral means of ignition; and

.4 be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing when used in
accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.1.2 The rocket shall, when fired vertically, reach an altitude of not less than 300 m. At or near the top of its
trajectory, the rocket shall eject a parachute flare, which shall:

.1 burn with a bright red colour;

.2 burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd;

.3 have a burning period of not less than 40 s;

.4 have a rate of descent of not more than 5 m/s; and

.5 not damage its parachute or attachments while burning.

3.2 Hand flares

3.2.1 The hand flare shall:

.1 be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2 have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the hand flare printed on its
casing;

.3 have a self-contained means of ignition; and

.4 be so designed as not to cause discomfort to the person holding the casing and not endanger
the survival craft by burning or glowing residues when used in accordance with the
manufacturer's operating instructions.

3.2.2 The hand flare shall:

.1 burn with a bright red colour;

.2 burn uniformly with an average luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd ;

.3 have a burning period of not less than 1 min; and

.4 continue to burn after having been immersed for a period of 10 s under 100 mm of water.
3.3 Buoyant smoke signals

3.3.1 The buoyant smoke signal shall:

.1 be contained in a water-resistant casing;

.2 not ignite explosively when used in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions;
and

.3 have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the buoyant smoke signal
printed on its casing.

3.3.2 The buoyant smoke signal shall:

.1 emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for a period of not less than 3 min when
floating in calm water;

.2 not emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time;

.3 not be swamped in a seaway; and

.4 continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for a period of 10 s under 100 mm of water.
 CHAPTER VII

Other Life-Saving Appliances

7.1 Line-throwing appliances

7.1.1 Every line-throwing appliance shall:

.1 be capable of throwing a line with reasonable accuracy;

.2 include not less than four projectiles each capable of carrying the line at least 230 m in calm
weather;

.3 include not less than four lines each having a breaking strength of not less than 2 kN; and

.4 have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the line-throwing appliance.

7.1.2 The rocket, in the case of a pistol-fired rocket, or the assembly, in the case of an integral rocket and line,
shall be contained in a water-resistant casing. In addition, in the case of a pistol-fired rocket, the line and rockets
together with the means of ignition shall be stowed in a container which provides protection from the weather.

7.2 General alarm and public address system

7.2.1 General emergency alarm system

7.2.1.1 The general emergency alarm system shall be capable of sounding the general emergency alarm
signal consisting of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle or siren and
additionally on an electrically operated bell or klaxon or other equivalent warning system, which shall be
powered from the ship's main supply and the emergency source of electrical power required by regulation II-
1/42 or II-1/43, as appropriate. The system shall be capable of operation from the navigation bridge and,
except for the ship's whistle, also from other strategic points.

7.2.1.2 The minimum sound pressure levels for the emergency alarm tone in interior and exterior spaces shall
be 80 dB (A) and at least 10 dB (A) above ambient noise levels existing during normal equipment operation
with the ship underway in moderate weather.

7.2.1.3 The sound pressure levels at the sleeping position in cabins and in cabin bathrooms shall be at least
*
75 dB (A) and at least 10 dB (A) above ambient noise levels.

7.2.2 Public address system

7.2.2.1 The public address system shall be a loudspeaker installation enabling the broadcast of messages
into all spaces where crew members or passengers, or both, are normally present, and to muster stations. It
shall allow for the broadcast of messages from the navigation bridge and such other places on board the ship
as the Administration deems necessary. It shall be installed with regard to acoustically marginal conditions
and not require any action from the addressee. It shall be protected against unauthorized use.

7.2.2.2 With the ship underway in normal conditions, the minimum sound pressure levels for broadcasting
emergency announcements shall be:

.1 in interior spaces 75 dB (A) and at least 20 dB (A) above the speech interference level; and

.2 in exterior spaces 80 dB (A) and at least 15 dB (A) above the speech interference level.

*
Refer to the Code on Alarms and Indicators, 1995, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.830(19).