SOLAS Requirements on Personal Life-Saving Appliances

This Regulation comes under SOLAS Chapter III, Part B - Requirements for ships and life-saving appliances, Section I - Passenger Ships and Cargo Ships, Regulation 7 - Personal Life-saving appliances.

Lifebuoys:

• Lifebuoys complying with the requirements of the code shall be:

• so distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and as far as practicable on all open decks extending to the ship's side; at least one shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern.

• so stowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and not permanently secured in any way.

• At least one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline complying with the requirements of the Code equal in length to not less than twice the height at which it is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, or 30 m, whichever is the greater. 

• No less than one half of the total number of lifebuoys shall be provided with lifebuoy self-igniting lights complying with the requirements of the Code.

• No less than two of these shall also be provided with lifebuoy self-activating smoke signals complying with the requirements of the Code and be capable of quick release from the navigation bridge.

• Lifebuoys with lights and those with lights and smoke signals shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship and shall not be the lifebuoys provided with lifelines. 

• Every lifebuoy shall be marked in block capitals of the Roman Alphabet with the following:

• Name of the Ship
• Port of Registry of the Ship

Lifejackets:

• Lifejackets complying with the requirements of the code shall be provided for every person on board the ship and, in addition:
• For passenger ships on voyages less than 24 hours, a number of infant lifejackets equal to at least 2.5% of the number of passengers on board shall be provided.
• For passenger ships on voyages 24 hours or greater, infant lifejackets shall be provided for each infant on board.
• A number of lifejackets suitable for children equal to at least 10% of the number of passengers on board shall be provided or such a greater number as may be required to provide a lifejacket for each child.
• A sufficient number of lifejackets shall be carried for persons on watch and for use at remotely located survival craft stations. The lifejackets carried for persons on watch should be stowed on the bridge, in the engine control room and at any other manned watch stations.
• If the adult lifejackets provided are not designed to fit persons weighing up to 140kg and with a chest girth of up to 1750 mm, a sufficient number of suitable accessories shall be available on board to allow them to be secured to such persons.
• Lifejackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be plainly indicated. Where, due to the particular arrangements of the ship, the lifejackets provided may become inaccessible, alternative provisions shall be made to the satisfaction of the Administration which may include an increase in the number of lifejackets to be carried. 

• The lifejackets used in totally enclosed lifeboats, except free-fall lifeboats, shall not prevent entry into the lifeboat or seating, including operation of the seat belts in the lifeboat. 

• Lifejackets selected for free-fall lifeboats, and how they are carried or worn, shall not interfere with entry into the lifeboat, occupant safety or operation of the lifeboat. 

Immersion Suits & anti-exposure suits:

• An immersion suit and anti-exposure suit of appropriate size shall be provided for every person assigned to crew the rescue boat or assigned to the marine evacuation system party. 

• If the ship is constantly engaged in warm climates where in the opinion of the Administration thermal protection is unnecessary, this protective clothing need not be carried. 

Reference: IMO Publications & Documents - International Conventions - SOLAS - Chapter III - Life-saving appliances and arrangements.