Navigation and Seamanship

5.2.3. Lifebuoys

Every lifebuoy shall

a) be constructed of inherently buoyant material like thermocole or cork or any approved buoyant material.

b) be of highly visible and bright colour( red/ orange/bright yellow).

c) be capable of supporting 14.5kg of iron in fresh water for a minimum period of 24 hours.

d) have weight minimum of 2.5 kg but not exceeding 6 kg.

e) withstand a drop into the water from the height of 30 m, without impairing either its operating capability or that of its attached components;

f) be fitted with four grab lines of 9.5mm diameter secured equidistantly to form four loops.

g) have outer diameter not exceeding 800 mm and inner diameter not less than 400 mm.

h) be marked with name of ship and port of registry in English language.

i) be fitted with self igniting lights with power backup for the use at least 2 hours (a fixed light or a light giving at least 50 flashes per minute).

j) Self activating lifebuoy smoke signals should emit highly visible smoke (without flame or explosion) at uniform rate for at least 15 minutes.