Line-Throwing Appliances used onboard and their Requirements as per LSA Code

Line-Throwing Appliances:

A line-throwing apparatus is used onboard for casting a pilot line for cables and ropes in rescue operations at sea.

A line-throwing Appliance is equipment used onboard the ship at the time of distress.

It can be used between ships, from shore to ship or ship to shore and for rescuing personnel.

It is a robust device placed in a water-resistant casing with an integral handle and trigger mechanism.

To activate it, one needs to remove the safety pin, hold the device study, aim at the position where it needs to be launched and pull the trigger. 

As per the requirement of SOLAS, these appliances shall be operated by a single person at the time of emergency.

 

There are three types of Line-throwing apparatus available such as:

• Rocket type

• Pneumatic type

• Slingshot type

Most commercially available and preferred to meet the SOLAS standard is Rocket type Line-throwing Appliances.

SOLAS Requirements on Line-Throwing Appliances:

As per SOLAS Chapter III - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, Regulation 18 states that a Line-throwing Appliance shall comply with the following requirements of Section 7.1 of the LSA Code.

Every Line-throwing Appliance shall:

• be capable of throwing a line with reasonable accuracy.

• includes not less than four projectiles each capable of carrying the line at least 230m in calm weather.

• include not less than four lines each having a breaking strength of not less than 2 KN.

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

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 that provides protection from the weather.

As per the requirement of SOLAS, there should be at least one Line-throwing Appliance available onboard.

Reference: 

1. IMO Publications & Documents - International Convention - SOLAS - Chapter III - Life-saving Appliances and Arrangement - Regulation 18 - Line-throwing Appliances.
2. IMO Publications & Documents - International Codes - LSA Code - Chapter VII - Other Life-Saving Appliances.
3. IMO Publications & Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolutions.MSC.48(66).