4.4.6.1 Every lifeboat shall be powered by a compression
ignition engine. No engine shall be used for any lifeboat if its fuel
has a flashpoint of 43°C or less (closed cup test).
4.4.6.2 The engine shall be provided with either
a manual starting system, or a power starting system with two independent
rechargeable energy sources. Any necessary starting aids shall also
be provided. The engine starting systems and starting aids shall start
the engine at an ambient temperature of -15°C within 2 min of
commencing the start procedure unless, in the opinion of the Administration
having regard to the particular voyages in which the ship carrying
the lifeboat is constantly engaged, a different temperature is appropriate.
The starting systems shall not be impeded by the engine casing, seating
or other obstructions.
4.4.6.3 The engine shall be capable of operating
for not less than 5 min after starting from cold with the lifeboat
out of the water.
4.4.6.4 The engine shall be capable of operating
when the lifeboat is flooded up to the centreline of the crank shaft.
4.4.6.5 The propeller shafting shall be so arranged
that the propeller can be disengaged from the engine. Provision shall
be made for ahead and astern propulsion of the lifeboat.
4.4.6.6 The exhaust pipe shall be so arranged
as to prevent water from entering the engine in normal operation.
4.4.6.7 All lifeboats shall be designed with due
regard to the safety of persons in the water and to the possibility
of damage to the propulsion system by floating debris.
4.4.6.8 The speed of a lifeboat when proceeding
ahead in calm water, when loaded with its full complement of persons
and equipment and with all engine powered auxiliary equipment in operation,
shall be at least 6 knots and at least 2 knots when towing the largest
liferaft carried on the ship loaded with its full complement of persons
and equipment or its equivalent. Sufficient fuel, suitable for use
throughout the temperature range expected in the area in which the
ship operates, shall be provided to run the fully loaded lifeboat
at 6 knots for a period of not less than 24 h.
4.4.6.9 The lifeboat engine transmission, and
engine accessories shall be enclosed in a fire-retardant casing or
other suitable arrangements providing similar protection. Such arrangements
shall also protect persons from coming into accidental contact with
hot or moving parts and protect the engine from exposure to weather
and sea. Adequate means shall be provided to reduce the engine noise
so that a shouted order can be heard. Starter batteries shall be provided
with casings which form a watertight enclosure around the bottom and
sides of the batteries. The battery casings shall have a tight fitting
top which provides for necessary gas venting.
4.4.6.10 The lifeboat engine and accessories shall
be designed to limit electromagnetic emissions so that engine operation
does not interfere with the operation of radio life-saving appliances
used in the lifeboat.
4.4.6.11 Means shall be provided for recharging
all engine starting, radio and searchlight batteries. Radio batteries
shall not be used to provide power for engine starting. Means shall
be provided for recharging lifeboat batteries from the ship s power
supply at a supply voltage not exceeding 50 footnote V
which can be disconnected at the lifeboat embarkation station, or
by means of a solar battery charger.
4.4.6.12 Water-resistant instructions for starting
and operating the engine shall be provided and mounted in a conspicuous
place near the engine starting controls.