SOLAS Regulation of LIFE BUOY

• Carrying capacity of the life buoy will be with respective to the ships length.    

       if ship length is under 100 m, then the number of life buoys will be 8 no's.

                 if ship length is 100 m to 150 m, then the number of life buoys will be 10 no's.
                 if ship length  is 150 m to 200 m, then the number of life buoys will be 12 no's.
                 if ships length is above the 200 m, then the number of life buoys will be 14. no's.

• Size of the life buoy -

                      Inner diameter should not be less then the 400 mm or 16 inch.

                      Outer diameter should not be more then 800 mm or 32 inch.

• Total weight of the life buoy should not be less then 2.5 kg or not be more than 6 kg.
• Made with inherently buoyant material.
• The color of the life buoy used internationally is orange, because it is highly visible for longer distance.
• The accessories we use in Life Buoy are :

                   1. Retro reflective taps :
                                         reflects, when a beam of light is directed on it. so that the                                                                       men on search can see and trace the life buoy.

                   2. Grab line :    
                              a).  The grab line diameter should not be less then 9.5 mm and its length                                                      of line should not be less then the 4 times the outer diameter of body                                                      in length.

                             b).  Around the life buoy, the grab line must be secured at 4 equidistant                                                        space.

                  3. Self igniting light :   
                                       a).  Color : white. 

                                       b).  It has a continues burning and high luminous intensity not be                                                                  less then 2 candela , there should be minimum 50 and                                                                              maximum 70 flashes per minute for 2 hour time. Its is                                                                             battery operated.

                4. Buoyant life line :      
                                     a).  Non-sinking type.
                                     b).  Diameter not be less than 8 mm.
                                     c).  Breaking strength should not be less than 5 kN.

                5. Self-activating smoke signal :   
                                     a). Capable of quick release from the height of 30 m.
                                     b). Burning period should not be less than 15 min.
                                     c). Color of smoke is orange.

• Life buoy should be capable of at least 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for a time period of 24 hours.
• Shall not sustain the burning or continuous melting after total enveloping with fire for 2 seconds.
• Made to withstand, when thrown into water from the height of above water line in the smooth sea going condition.
• "PORT OF REGISTRY" of ship is marked.