13 Searchlights for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.81(70) - Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances - (adopted on 11 December 1998) - Annex - Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances - Part 1 - Prototype Test for Life-Saving Appliances - 13 Searchlights for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats

13 Searchlights for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats

Parent topic: Part 1 - Prototype Test for Life-Saving Appliances

13.1 Visual examination

 Searchlights should be marked clearly and durably according to the requirements contained in the LSA Code paragraphs 1.2.2.9 and 1.2.3, and additionally with the manufacturer's label.

Furthermore, on the illuminant and on the manufacturer's label, the voltage and power consumption should be marked clearly and durably.

According to the LSA Code paragraphs 1.2.2.10, searchlights should, where applicable, be provided with an electrical short circuit protection to prevent damage or injury.

With respect to the LSA Code paragraph 4.4.6.11, means should be provided for recharging searchlight batteries.

The illuminant should be safely fitted in the searchlights; use of screwed sockets should be avoided.

Searchlights should be designed in such a way that the illuminant can be easily replaced also in darkness.

All parts of searchlights should be made of non-magnetic material.

Searchlights should be so constructed that the accumulation of condensed water in hazardous quantities is avoided.

With respect to safety precautions, searchlights should meet the relevant requirements of resolution A.694(17) and IEC 60945:2002.

13.2 Durability and resistance to environmental conditions

Temperature tests

  13.2.1 Searchlights which have passed the visual examination, should be subjected to temperature tests to ensure their compliance with paragraphs 1.2.2.1 and 1.2.2.2 of the LSA Code. First they should be subjected to the dry heat test according to IEC 60945:2002 paragraph 8.2, followed by the damp heat test (8.3), the low temperature test (8.4), and thermal shock test (8.5). After these tests, searchlights should show no sign of loss of rigidity, and no sign of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities and should be capable of being operated.

Vibration test

  13.2.2 Searchlights which have passed the temperature tests, should be subjected to a vibration test according to IEC 60945:2002 paragraph 8.7 to ensure their compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 1.2.2.1 and 1.2.2.8 of the LSA Code. After the vibration test, searchlights should show no sign of damage and should be capable of being operated.

Corrosion and rain test

  13.2.3 Searchlights which have passed the vibration test, should be subjected first to a corrosion test according to IEC 60945:2002 paragraph 8.12, where applicable, and second to a rain test according to IEC 60945:2002 paragraph 8.8 to ensure their compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 1.2.2.1 and 1.2.2.4 of the LSA Code. After these tests, searchlights should show no sign of damage and should be capable of being operated.

Interference

  13.2.4 With respect to electrical and electromagnetic interference, searchlights should meet applicable requirements of resolution A.694 (17) and of IEC 60945:2002 paragraph 9.

Power supply

  13.2.5 Searchlights should be operated with 12 V or 24 V. The power supply of searchlights should meet the applicable requirements of resolution A.694 (17) and of IEC 60945:2002.

13.3 Operational controls

 The operational controls of searchlights should meet the requirements of resolution A.694(17) and the applicable requirements of IEC 60447:2004 and IEC 60945:2002.

Additionally, the outer parts of searchlights should not reach temperatures during operation which restrict their manual use.

13.4 Light tests

 Searchlights which have passed the corrosion and rain test, and which are additionally in compliance with the requirements of 13.2.4, 13.2.5 and 13.3 above, should be subjected to the following light tests to ensure their compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.8.29 and 5.1.2.2.11 of the LSA Code.

Luminous intensity

  13.4.1 The luminous intensity of searchlights should be at least 2.5 × 103 candela.

The axial luminous intensity should be at least 90 % of the maximum luminous intensity.

The luminous intensity of searchlights should be at a maximum in the centre of the luminous distribution. A homogenous luminous intensity distribution should be ensured.

The effective light emission sectors should be circular and reach vertically and horizontally at least 6°.

Operation time

  13.4.2 Searchlights should be suitable for continuous operation of not less than 3 h. During this period the requirements of 13.4.1 above should be fulfilled.

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