13 Life-Saving Appliances

 13.1 General

13.1.1 All life-saving equipment must be marked in accordance with the guidelines in MGN 105 (M+F)^footnote.

13.1.1.1 The minimum required life-saving equipment is indicated in Table 13.1 below.

TABLE 13.1

Carriage Requirements for Life-saving Appliances

R= Strongly Recommended.

13.2 Liferafts

13.2.1 Vessels Operating in Area Category 0

13.2.1.1 Vessels Operating in Area Category 0;

• .1 should be provided with liferafts of such number and capacity that, in the event of any one liferaft being lost or rendered unserviceable, there is sufficient capacity remaining for all on board; and

  The liferafts provided should;

• .2 be constructed to SOLAS standard and MED approved or MCA DfT approved, have insulated floor and insulated canopy and be equipped with a "SOLAS A PACK^footnote"; and

• .3 the stowage of liferafts should be on the weather deck or in an external open space, and shall ensure that they are accessible in all anticipated weather conditions.

• .4 liferafts should be fitted with float free arrangements^footnote so that the liferafts float free, inflate and break free automatically. See sections 13.2.4 and 13.10 for details of stowage, float free arrangements, weak links and attachments of raft painters. Other stowage and release mechanisms may be considered if they can be demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Administration, to provide an equivalent level of safety.

• .5 The owner / managing agent should demonstrate to the Certifying Authority by physical deployment that each raft can be moved from its stowed position and stowed state to launched in the water^footnote in the shortest practicable time^footnote. This demonstration should be carried out at compliance examination and when there are any changes to the liferaft or modifications to the liferaft stowage arrangements.

• .6 See 13.2.4.1 for servicing requirements.

13.2.2 Vessels Operating in Area Category 1

13.2.2.1 The following are the requirements for vessels operating in Area Category 1:

• .1 The liferaft carriage requirements apply as they do in section 13.2.1.1.1.

• Where the vessel is certificated to carry fewer than 16 persons, the liferaft requirement may be satisfied by a single liferaft. The liferaft capacity should accommodate at least the total number of persons on board.

• .2 The liferaft acceptable construction standard requirements apply as they do in section 13.2.1.1.2 except that, the liferaft need not have an insulated floor or insulated canopy where the vessel operates exclusively in waters having a temperature of 10 degrees centigrade or higher (see Note 1). The certification shall clearly show this limitation, or;

• liferafts built to the ISO 9650^footnote – Small Craft Inflatable Liferafts, Part 1, Type 1, Group A standard, are acceptable, provided the liferaft(s) are fitted with a boarding ramp; are equipped to the level of “SOLAS A PACK^footnote”, which may, where necessary, include a “grab bag” to supplement the equipment integral to the liferaft; and are certificated as compliant with Part 1, Group A and Part 3 of ISO 9650 from March 2005 onwards.

• Compliance certification issued by one of the EC notified bodies responsible for approval of life saving appliances, described in the Marine Equipment directive (www.MARED.org), will be recognised as full third party verification of compliance.

• .3 The stowage of liferafts should be on the weather deck or in an external open space, and shall ensure that they are accessible in all anticipated weather conditions.

• .4 Liferafts should be contained in fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) containers.

• .5 Liferafts should be fitted with float free arrangements^footnote so that the liferafts float free, inflate and break free automatically. See sections 13.2.4 and 13.10 below for details of stowage, float free arrangements, weak links and attachments of raft painters. Other stowage and release mechanisms may be considered if they can be demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Administration, to provide an equivalent level of safety.

• .6 The owner / managing agent should demonstrate to the Certifying Authority by physical deployment that each raft can be moved from its stowed position and stowed state to launched in the water^footnote in the shortest practicable time^footnote. This demonstration should be carried out at compliance examination and when there are any changes to the liferaft or modifications to the liferaft stowage arrangements.

• .7 See 13.2.4.1 for servicing requirements.

13.2.3 Vessels Operating in Area Categories 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

13.2.3.1 Vessels operating in Area Categories 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6;

• .1 should be provided with liferaft capacity to accommodate at least the total number of persons on board;

• .2 the liferaft(s) provided should be;

  • i) in accordance with section 13.2.1.1.2 except that the liferaft(s) should be equipped with “SOLAS B PACK”; or

  • ii) built to the ISO 9650^footnote – Small Craft Inflatable Liferafts, Part 1, Type 1, Group A standard, provided the liferaft(s) are fitted with a boarding ramp; are equipped to the level of “SOLAS B PACK”, which may, where necessary, include a “grab bag” to supplement the equipment integral to the liferaft, and are certificated as compliant with Part 1, Group A and Part 3 of ISO 9650 from March 2005 onwards;

  • iii) Liferafts carried in vessels which operate in Area Categories 2 and 3 outside the UK Search and Rescue Region, where the sea temperature is less than 10 degrees centigrade, shall have an insulated floor and insulated canopy. (See Note 1 below);

  • iv) Vessels operating in Area Category 6 only, may utilise open reversible liferafts, constructed to IMO High Speed Craft Code 2000 standard and MED approved (“Wheelmarked”) or DfT approved. Liferaft(s) should be equipped to a level equivalent to a "DfT E Pack^footnote". This may, where necessary, include a "grab bag" to supplement the equipment integral to the liferaft.

• .3 The stowage of liferafts should generally (i.e. except those fitted as per 13.2.3.1.4.2) be on the weather deck or in an external open space, and shall ensure that they are accessible in all anticipated weather conditions.

• 4.1 In general, liferafts should be contained in FRP containers and be subject to .5 below.

• 4.2 If a raft in an FRP container without float free, or a valise raft is fitted it should be stowed^footnote in readily accessible and dedicated (i.e. stowage space is to be for liferafts only) weathertight lockers opening directly to the weather deck. ISO valise rafts should also note 13.2.4.1.

• .5 Liferafts should be fitted with float free arrangements^footnote (except those fitted as per 13.2.3.1.4.2) so that the liferafts float free, inflate and break free automatically. See sections 13.2.4 and 13.10 below for details of stowage, float free arrangements, weak links and attachments of liferaft painters.

• .6 The owner / managing agent should demonstrate to the Certifying Authority by physical deployment that each raft can be moved from its stowed position and stowed state to launched in the water^footnote in the shortest practicable time^footnote. This demonstration should be carried out at compliance examination and when there are any changes to the liferaft or modifications to the liferaft stowage arrangements.

• .7 See 13.2.4.1 for servicing requirements.

• Note 1:Sea temperature data may be found in sources such as the Admiralty Pilot for a given sea area and period.

  • To facilitate rapid abandonment in an emergency, where a liferaft ‘grab bag’ is provided, it should be in an accessible position known to all on board.

  • Equipment carried in the ‘grab bag’ does not count towards the equipment the vessel itself must ordinarily carry, with the exception of TPAs described in 13.5.

13.2.4 General Requirements for Liferafts

13.2.4.1 All liferafts should be serviced at a service station approved by the manufacturer and at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. See either MGN 548^footnote or MGN 553^footnote which provide further guidance on the servicing of inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets and hydrostatic release units (HRU). However, where the liferaft(s) are stored in valises this should be at least annually.

13.2.4.2 Operators / managing agents should inspect liferafts frequently for damage e.g. to the container. If it is damaged it needs to be checked by an approved service station.

13.2.4.3 Inflatable liferaft hydrostatic release units^footnote (other than the types which have a date limited life and are test fired prior to disposal^footnote) should be serviced annually at a service station approved by the manufacturer. Also see section 13.10.

13.2.4.4 Some rafts have more than one line coming from the canister. In these cases the manufacturer’s literature must be consulted to establish which line is which.

13.2.4.5 Key Points on stowage of liferafts and HRUs

• Owners / managing agents should ensure that liferafts:

• □ are stowed as described in 13.2.1.1.3 & .4, 13.2.2.1.3 to .5 or 13.2.3.1.3 to .5;
• □ have launching instructions displayed;
• □ be lit by emergency lighting at the stowage position and launch area if the vessel is operated at night;
• □ clear any projections and belting when launched;
• □ be secured through an approved and compatible HRU, if fitted with a float free arrangement;
• □ have the correct painter length. See also 13.10.2.2
• □ ensure that the risk of the painter snagging on obstructions, that might prevent it from deploying fully, is minimised.

• Owner / Managing agents should:

• □ Ensure that the stowage, launching and embarking locations (if different) should be clear of propellers and thrusters;
• □ preferably stow rafts longitudinally in horizontally fixed cradle;
• □ stow to give protection from weather, smoke, soot, oil, flooding and accidental damage;
• □ when more than one liferaft is fitted, consideration should be given for distributing these around the vessel (port/starboard and fore/aft) in order to provide redundancy in the event of an incident such as fire or collision;
• □ where a liferaft does not have float free arrangements, ensure liferaft can be manually released easily in an emergency by operating the senhouse slip or other release mechanism, and does not need tools or a knife;
• □ stow containers with drain holes at the bottom;
• □ consider if it will be able to float free and clear;
• □ consider interference with other liferafts;
• □ consider effects of icing;
• □ consider effects on ships compass;
• □ carefully identify and remove transport lashings.

• Owner / Managing agent should not:

• □ lash liferafts in cradles;
• □ stow liferafts fitted with float free arrangements under overhanging decks or awnings;
• □ allow liferafts to have contact with materials containing copper or copper compounds;
• □ use bottle screws instead of slips;
• □ concentrate all life-saving appliances in one place;
• □ hose down the liferaft.

• Owner / managing agents should consider:

• □ the ability to transfer liferafts to either side of the vessel;
• • height above waterline – should be as near to waterline as safe and practicable;

13.3 Lifebuoys

13.3.1 Lifebuoys should be marked with the vessel’s name and one other means of identification, e.g. Port of Choice, Small Ships Register (SSR) number, home port if not registered, etc.

13.3.2 Vessels certified to operate in Area Categories 4 and 6 need not carry lifebuoys fitted with lights.

13.3.3 Buoyant lines, where fitted, should not be less than 18 metres in length. Guidance on lifebuoy buoyant lines and grablines can be found in MGN 106 (M+F)^footnote.

13.3.4 Where light-weight lifebuoys (e.g. horseshoe type) are used, if not fitted with a buoyant line, they shall be fitted with a drogue (the drogue is required to prevent the lifebuoy being blown across the sea surface at speed).

13.3.5 Inflatable lifebuoys are not acceptable.

13.4 Lifejackets

13.4.1 Lifejackets should be MCA (DfT) or SOLAS standard and MED approved (“Wheelmarked”); or should comply with BS EN 396 or BS EN ISO 12402, Part 3 or Part 6, for lifejackets of 150 Newtons; or BS EN 399 or BS EN ISO 12402, Part 2, for lifejackets of 275 Newtons (see Appendix 13) or equivalent ISO/CEN standard.

13.4.2 All lifejackets should be fitted with a whistle, retro-reflective materials and, if operating in Area Categories 0, 1, 2, 3 or 5, a light.

13.4.3 If the lifejackets are the inflatable type, an additional 10% or 2 lifejackets, whichever is the greater, should be provided.

13.4.4 Inflatable lifejackets for new vessels and new inflatable lifejackets for existing vessels are to be of the compressed gas inflation type, with either manual or automatic inflation, and fitted with oral top up valves. Lifejackets which are inflated orally only are not considered appropriate.

13.4.5 Compressed gas inflatable lifejackets should be serviced to manufacturers’ recommendations within a maximum of one month either side of the Compliance, Renewal and Intermediate examination. In the intervening years they are to be examined annually to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Certification or declaration of servicing must be available for inspection by the Certifying Authority/Administration. As far as is reasonable and practicable, visual examinations should be carried out weekly by the owner/managing agent to determine whether they are safe to use^footnote.

13.4.6 Where a lifejacket is serviced annually this is acceptable as an alternative to the servicing regime prescribed in 13.4.5.

13.4.7 A suitable lifejacket should be provided for each person on board less than 32kg.

13.4.8 It is most strongly recommended that no more than two different types of lifejacket are permitted on any vessel, to limit any confusion in use.

13.4.9 It is strongly recommended that donning instructions for the types of lifejackets carried are posted in a position(s) that is clearly visible to all persons on board the vessel.

13.5 Thermal Protective Aids (TPAs)

13.5.1 TPAs should be approved as meeting the standards of the MED.

13.5.2 TPAs may be stowed in the ‘grab bag’.

13.5.3 When immersion suits are provided for all on board, as part of the vessel’s equipment (see section 22 including 22.1.2.7, 22.2.8), only 2 TPAs need to be provided for the use of injured persons.

Immersion suits;

• .1 may be of the non-insulated type.

• .2 are to be compatible with the lifejackets provided.

• .3 may be provided to satisfy the personnel clothing requirements of section 22.2.8.

13.5.4 Vessels operating in Area Category 6 where the sea surface temperature is 10 degrees centigrade or less, using open reversible liferaft(s) in accordance with section 13.2.5, should carry TPAs for all persons on board. Vessels operating in Area Category 6 where sea surface temperatures are above 10 degrees centigrade, or those fitted with a canopied liferaft, need not carry any TPAs.

13.6 Portable VHF Radio

13.6.1 Each vessel should carry a portable Very High Frequency (VHF) radio fitted with a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facility^footnote, and charging facilities for the radio battery or batteries, or a spare battery or batteries to provide at least 8 hours operation after deploying to the liferaft. Arrangements should be made to protect the portable VHF and spare battery or batteries from water damage e.g. waterproof cover. Other portable VHF radiotelephones may be with or without DSC, those without DSC shall be of a recognised survival craft type. Where the radio is a DSC type, operating instructions must be readily available by printing on the case.

13.6.2 Each vessel should carry a portable Very High Frequency (VHF) radio capable of operation on Channel 16 and at least one other voice channel in the international VHF marine band and operable by the gloved hand of an immersion suit. (Note particular attention should be paid to push to talk (PTT) button). The radio and spare batteries should be protected against water damage by design or by a waterproof cover to a depth of 1 metre for 5 minutes. The construction shall not have any sharp projections that might damage a survival craft. The radio shall have a means to attach to clothing or a lanyard with a low breaking strain safety link. These requirements may be met by a Survival Craft Radio conforming to EN 300 225. The vessel shall also carry an appropriate sealed primary battery or batteries able to provide at least 8 hours operation. The battery or seal shall be marked with an expiry date by manufacturer and shall be in date. See Standards Appendix 13.

13.6.3 It is recommended that, where practicable, vessels carrying more than one liferaft carry one portable VHF per liferaft.

13.7 406 MHz EPIRB

13.7.1 The 406 megahertz (MHz) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) should be installed in a location so that it is capable of floating free and activating automatically if the vessel sinks. This location should also be easily accessible so that it can be manually released and placed in a liferaft. See Standards Appendix 13. Also refer to Section 16.7 for further details of carriage requirements and recommendations taking consideration of GMDSS Sea Areas.

13.7.2 The second EPIRB required for a Category 0 vessels should be stowed in an accessible place, where it is capable of being placed readily in a liferaft and need not be capable of floating free.

13.7.2 All EPIRBs should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Batteries should be replaced as required by a manufacturers approved service station. Additionally, it is a requirement that all EPIRBs are registered with the Administration. Further guidance on this can be found in MSN 1816 (M+F)^footnote, as amended.

13.8 Search and Rescue Locating Device

13.8.1 In areas covered by dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) assets (e.g. 60 n.m. around U.K. coast) and the EPIRB provided has a 121.5 MHz locator beacon and is of the non-float free type for placing in a liferaft an additional Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is not required. Outside these areas; a Radar SART; or AIS-SART; or an EPIRB-AIS beacon as part of the EPIRB; is required. See Standards Appendix 13.

13.9 Personal Emergency Radio Devices

13.9.1 It is strongly recommended, on a small workboat operating Cat 0 to 3 voyages, that at least one crew member wear a 406 MHz personal locator beacon (PLB)^{footnote, footnote} with GPS and a light whilst on the open deck at sea. Other crew are strongly recommended to wear a Class M VHF DSC MOB (Man Overboard) with AIS^footnote, and equipped with a light. This fitment is particularly useful when undertaking group working activities. See Standards Appendix 13 and below Notes i, ii, iii.

Note i: A Class M VHF DSC MOB will only inform the Coastguard if the nearest station is in VHF range. Therefore it is considered unsuitable for use on single handed vessels and it is prudent at least one other person on board vessels to have a 406 MHz PLB with GPS to ensure they alert Coastguard if they enter the water alone or with others.

Note ii: When registering a PLB consideration should be made to scheduled crew changes and to providing a 24 hour contact if the vessel operates 24 hours.

Note iii: MCA have published an information leaflet (entitled ‘Personal Emergency Radio Devices’) on PLBs giving guidance on attributes of different types of PLB and training, including how to respond if the PLB accidentally goes off. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/633925/10672-MCGA-Personal-Emergency-Radio-Devices.pdf

13.9.2 For PLB’s fitment during single handed vessel operations see 26.9.5.9.

13.10 Float Free Arrangements, Weak Links and attachment of Liferaft Painters

13.10.1 Owner / managing agents should consult manufactures instructions for fitting of HRUs, where they are fitted;

13.10.2 Ships operating in shallow waters or in favourable weather

13.10.2.1 On vessels, which operate only in ‘favourable weather’ it may be practicable or preferable to arrange for liferafts to float free from their stowage without the need for HRU to hold them in place. A weak link with the correct breaking load will still be required to secure the painter to the ship so that the inflation system is activated and the inflated liferaft is then able to break free.

13.10.2.2.1 In shallow water there is a danger that a sinking vessel will touch bottom before the HRU has released or the liferaft has pulled enough painter/firing line from the canister to activate the inflation system. Arrangements without HRUs should be considered, bearing in mind the possibility of accidental launching if the ship is likely to roll.

13.10.2.2.2 It is the owner / managing agents responsibility to ensure that when fitting a liferaft to a vessel that it should be obtained with the correct painter lengths matched for the vessel operational depth, the liferaft stowage height on the deck above the waterline and method of inflating the liferaft. A painter may be many meters long and must be deployed to its full length before the liferaft will inflate. Excessively short painters may result in a liferaft inflating before it enters the water. Excessively long painters which are attached to a firing line may require the manual handling of many metres of painter before the liferaft inflates. Owners should ensure that the arrangements give the best chance of successful manual and automatic release in the circumstances and plying area. If excess length of the painter line is provided, this may be folded, however this is the responsibility of the owner / managing agent to ensure that there are no obstacles in order to avoid entanglement and any potential failure to deploy the liferaft. It should also be noted that the painter line must not be cut, this will invalidate the Approval Certificate.

13.10.2.3 On Open Reversible Liferafts (ORLs) the firing is typically arranged to operate after 1 – 1.5 m of line is pulled out, but this must be checked with the service station which prepared the liferaft. Where ORLs are stowed on cabin tops etc, the short firing line on ORLs may enable the liferaft to inflate before it hits the water. Where the liferafts are stowed closer to the water operational procedures should cover the possibility that manual intervention may be needed to activate the inflation system. Easy access to the firing line should be available in these cases. Owners should ensure that the arrangements give the best chance of successful manual and automatic release in the circumstances and plying area.

13.10.3 Multiple liferafts on a single HRU

13.10.3.1 Prototype testing of HRUs is carried out in accordance with the LSA Code which only requires that the tests are carried out with a single liferaft. Approval for use of the HRU normally only applies to its use to hold down one liferaft.

13.10.3.2 Trials have been carried out to test the effectiveness of HRUs holding more than one liferaft to operate when submerged to a depth of 4 m. In some cases, the additional up thrust from the liferafts has been sufficient to prevent the HRU opening and releasing the liferafts.

13.10.3.3 When considering whether to accept a situation where more than one liferaft is held down by a strap attached to a single HRU, the following should be taken into account:

• when multiple liferafts are to be secured on a single HRU, owners must show that the HRU used is approved for this use;

• the arrangements should be checked to ensure that the painters are not lead or connected in such a way as to inhibit release of the liferafts eg., painters running through and fouling the cradle. Each painter should have its own weak link;

• that there is sufficient other LSA available so that in the event of a single HRU not operating, there would still be adequate liferaft capacity to accommodate the persons on the vessel;

13.10.4 Tensioning of HRUs

13.10.4.1 Over tensioning can lead to the HRU failing to operate. Similar problems can occur when there is insufficient load on the HRU. Securing straps should be taut but not over tight.

13.10.5 Vessels carrying liferafts which are not approved under the Maritime Equipment Directive (MED)

13.10.5.1 Vessels carrying non-MED liferafts, including ISO 9650 liferafts, should check the compatibility between the liferaft and the HRU. MED approved HRUs are not necessarily compatible with smaller liferafts (less than 6 people) as these may not have enough buoyancy to break the weak link. Some manufactures offer special HRUs for low buoyancy liferafts.

13.10.6 HRU and weak links

13.10.6.1 Where a vessel carries non-SOLAS and non-MED approved liferafts that are stowed using float free HRU units the Certifying Authority and operator should be aware that there may be some doubt as to whether or not the hydrostatic release units supplied for SOLAS size liferafts are appropriate for non-SOLAS liferafts.

13.10.6.2 Additionally, there is the issue of the availability of weaker weak links which some manufacturers are marketing for use with non-SOLAS and MED approved smaller liferafts. Weaker weak links referred to below are not appropriate for liferafts approved in accordance with SOLAS.

13.10.6.3 There are essentially two concerns with the weaker weak link that the Owner and Certifying Authority should consider:

• 1) Are the weaker weak links strong enough to survive the tension generated by the buoyancy of the liferaft prior to activation of the inflation mechanism?
• 2) Following activation of the inflation mechanism, can a smaller liferaft generate sufficient buoyancy to break the weak link which has been fitted?

13.10.6.4 In cases where non-SOLAS liferafts are fitted, and there is any doubt with respect to the compatibility of HRU and the liferaft itself, then confirmation is to be sought from manufacturers and/or equipment suppliers that the breaking strength of the weak link and the size of the liferaft are compatible.

13.10.6.5 Reduced Strength HRUs are available. Those with a Green weak link are the extra weak model. Those with a red weak link are the standard SOLAS models.

13.11 General/Fire Alarm

13.11.1 The General/Fire Alarm may be a bell or Klaxon, or consist of the vessel's whistle or siren, providing it can be heard in all parts of the vessel. A General Alarm is required for vessels with 16 or more persons on board operating in Area Categories 0, 1 or 2, and for all vessels where total installed power (propulsion and electrical generation) is greater than 750 kW.

13.12 Pyrotechnics^footnote

13.12.1 Parachute flares, red hand flares, smoke signals, and other pyrotechnics should be MED approved (“Wheelmarked”) or should comply with MSN 1676 (M)^footnote, as amended.

Note: - Hand held smoke signals need not be approved to the MED or MSN 1676 (M)).

13.13 Recovery of Persons from the Water

13.13.1 An efficient means to enable the recovery of an unconscious person from the water should be provided to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority. Practical use of this equipment/means should be demonstrated to the Certifying Authority by the owner /skipper/Master at renewal/compliance examinations. Refer to MGN 544^footnote.

13.14 Training Manual

13.14.1 A training and instruction manual should contain instructions and information on the life-saving appliances provided in the vessel, and also contain information on the best methods of survival.

13.14.2 It may take the form of instructions from the manufacturers of the life-saving equipment provided, as a minimum, with the following explained in detail:

• .1 donning of lifejackets;

• .2 boarding, launching, and clearing the survival craft from the vessel;

• .3 illumination in launching areas;

• .4 use of all survival equipment;

• .5 use of all aids to location;

• .6 use of sea anchors;

• .7 recovery of persons from the water;

• .8 hazards of exposure and the need for warm clothing;

• .9 best use of the survival craft facilities in order to survive;

• .10 methods of retrieval, including the use of helicopter rescue gear (slings, baskets, stretchers), breeches-buoy and shore life-saving apparatus;

• .11 instructions for emergency repair of the life-saving appliances; and

• .12 "Personal Survival at Sea" booklet, e.g. MCA Booklet MCA/075.

13.15 Instruction Manual (on board maintenance)

13.15.1 The manual should contain instructions for on board maintenance of the life-saving appliances and should include, as a minimum, the following where applicable:

• .1 a check list for use when carrying out the required inspections;

• .2 maintenance and repair instructions;

• .3 schedule of periodic maintenance;

• .4 list of replaceable parts;

• .5 list of sources for spare parts; and

• .6 log of records of inspection.

13.15.2 The manual may be kept ashore by the owner/managing agent in the case of an open boat.

13.15.3 Vessels operating on bare-boat charter should be provided with the manual whether an open boat or otherwise.

13.15.4 Fire and Safety Plan. Attention is drawn to the recommendation in section 14.10.

13.16 Table of International Life-Saving Signals

13.16.1 Every vessel shall carry a Table of International Life-Saving Signals^footnote. This shall be in the form of either one SOLAS No. 1 poster, or two SOLAS No. 2 posters.

13.17 Drills, Training and Recording of Drills

13.17.1 Owner / managing agents are reminded that on board training, practice fire and abandon ship drills should be carried out regularly by the crew and recorded in the Official Log Book (see 19.1.3) in accordance with the requirements of SI.1999 No.2722^footnote (see also MGN 71^footnote). Means of recovery of persons from the water drills should also be carried out and recorded, see MGN 544. The owner / managing agent should undertake a regular training drill of the physical deployment of each liferaft as described in 13.2.1.1.5, 13.2.2.1.5 and 13.2.3.1.6.