2.1 The open reversible liferaft should be so
constructed that when it is dropped into the water in its container
from a height of 10 m, the liferaft and its equipment will operate
satisfactorily. If the open reversible liferaft is to be stowed at
a height of more than 10 m above the waterline in the lightest seagoing
condition, it should be of a type which has been satisfactorily drop-tested
from at least that height.
2.2 The open reversible floating liferaft should
be capable of withstanding repeated jumps on to it from a height of
at least 4.5 m.
2.3 The open reversible liferaft and its fittings
should be so constructed as to enable it to be towed at a speed of
3 knots in calm water when loaded with its full complement of persons
and equipment, with the sea-anchor deployed.
2.4 The open reversible liferaft when fully inflated
should be capable of being boarded from the water whichever way up
it inflates.
2.5 The main buoyancy chamber should be divided
into:
-
.1 not less than two separate compartments, each
inflated through a non-return inflation valve on each compartment;
and
-
.2 the buoyancy chambers should be so arranged
that in the event of one of the compartments being damaged or failing
to inflate, the intact compartment should be able to support, with
positive freeboard over the open reversible liferaft’s entire
periphery, the number of persons which the liferaft is permitted to
accommodate, each having a mass of 75 kg and seated in their normal
positions.
2.6 The floor of the open reversible liferaft
should be waterproof.
2.7 The open reversible liferaft should be inflated
with a non-toxic gas by an inflation system complying with the requirements
of regulation III/39 of the Convention. Inflation should be completed
within the period of one minute at an ambient temperature of between
18°C and 20°C and within a period of three minutes at an ambient
temperature of -18°C. After inflation the open reversible liferaft
should maintain its form when loaded with its full complement of persons
and equipment.
2.8 Each inflatable compartment should be capable
of withstanding a pressure equal to at least three times the working
pressure and should be prevented from reaching a pressure exceeding
twice the working pressure either by means of relief valves or by
a limited gas supply. Means should be provided for fitting the topping-up
pump or bellows.
2.9 The surface of the buoyancy tubes should be
of non-slip material. At least 25% of these tubes should be of a highly
visible colour.
2.10 The number of persons which an open reversible
liferaft should be permitted to accommodate should be equal to the
lesser of:
-
.1 the greatest whole number obtained by dividing
by 0.096 the volume, measured in cubic metres, of the main buoyancy
tubes (which for this purpose should not include the thwarts, if fitted)
when inflated; or
-
.2 the greatest whole number obtained by dividing
by 0.372 the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the open reversible
liferaft measured in square metres (which for this purpose may include
the thwart or thwarts, if fitted) measured to the innermost edge of
the buoyancy tubes; or
-
.3 the number of persons having an average mass
of 75 kg, all wearing lifejackets, that can be seated inboard of the
buoyancy tubes without interfering with the operation of any of the
liferaft’s equipment.