4.7.2 Carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat
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4.7.2 Carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat

  4.7.2.1 The carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat is the number of persons having an average mass of 82.5 kg that can be provided with a seat without interfering with the means of propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat's equipment. The seating surface shall be smooth and shaped and provided with cushioning of at least 10 mm over all contact areas to provide support for the back and pelvis and flexible lateral side support for the head. The seats shall be of the non-folding type, permanently secured to the lifeboat and arranged so that any deflection of the hull or canopy during launching will not cause injury to the occupants. The location and structure of the seat shall be arranged to preclude the potential for injury during launch if the seat is narrower than the occupant's shoulders. The passage between the seats shall have a clear width of at least 480 mm from the deck to the top of the seats, be free of any obstruction and provided with an antislip surface with suitable footholds to allow safe embarkation in the ready-to-launch position. Each seat shall be provided with a suitable locking harness capable of quick release under tension to restrain the body of the occupant during launching.

  4.7.2.2 The angle between the seat pan and the seat back shall be at least 90°. The width of the seat pan shall be at least 480 mm. Free clearance in front of the backrest (buttock to knee length) shall be at least 650 mm measured at an angle of 90° to the backrest. The backrest shall extend at least 1,075 mm above the seat pan. The seat shall provide for shoulder height, measured along the seat back, of at least 760 mm. The footrest shall be oriented at not less than half of the angle of the seat pan and shall have a foot length of at least 330 mm (see figure 2).

Figure 2

Parent topic: 4.7 Free-fall lifeboats
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