Requirements of Lifebuoys

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 freshwater for 24 hours.
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 2 seconds.  
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 meters, 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
8. Be fitted with a grab line not less than 9.5 mm in diameter and not less than four ties the outer diameter of the body of the buoy in length. The grab line shall be secured at four equidistant points around the circumstances of the buoy to form four equal loops.

 
Lifebuoy Self-lighting lights:

Self-igniting lights shall:

1. Be such that that 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 candela in all directions of the upper hemisphere or flashing at a rate of not less than 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per minute with at least the corresponding effective luminous intensity.
3. Be provided with a source of energy capable of burning for at least 2 hours.
4. Be capable of withstanding the drop test. (Dropped into the water from the height at which Lifebuoy is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 meters, whichever is the greater).

Lifebuoy Self-activating smoke signals:

Self-activating smoke signals shall:

1. Emit smoke of a highly visible colour at a uniform rate for at least 15 minutes when floating in calm water.
2. Not ignite explosively or emit any flame during the entire smoke emission time of the signal.
3. Not to be swamped in a seaway.
4. Continue to emit smoke when fully submerged in water for at least 10 seconds.
5. Be capable of withstanding the drop test (Dropped into the water from the height at which Lifebuoy is stowed above the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 meters, whichever is the greater).
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.

Buoyant lifelines:

Buoyant lifelines shall:

1. Be non-kinking.
2. Have a diameter of not less than 8 mm.
3. Have a breaking strength of not less than 5 KN.

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Reference: 

1. IMO Publications & Documents - International Codes - LSA Code - Chapter II - Personal Life-saving appliances.
2. IMO Publications & Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolutions.MSC.48(66).