2.1 The open reversible liferaft shall 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 shall be of a type which has been satisfactorily drop-tested from
at least that height.
2.2 The open reversible floating liferaft shall
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
shall 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
shall be capable of being boarded from the water whichever way up
it inflates.
2.5 The main buoyancy chamber shall be divided
into:
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.1 not less than two separate compartments, each
inflated through a nonreturn inflation valve on each compartment;
and
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.2 the buoyancy chambers shall be so arranged
that in the event of one of the compartments being damaged or failing
to inflate, the intact compartment shall 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
shall be waterproof.
2.7 The open reversible liferaft shall be inflated
with a non-toxic gas by an inflation system complying with the requirements
of paragraph 4.2.2 of the LSA Code. Inflation
shall be completed within the period of 1 minute at an ambient temperature
of between 18°C and 20°C and within a period of 3 minutes
at an ambient temperature of -18°C. After inflation, the open
reversible liferaft shall maintain its form when loaded with its full
complement of persons and equipment.
2.8 Each inflatable compartment shall be capable
of withstanding a pressure equal to at least three times the working
pressure and shall be prevented from reaching a pressure exceeding
twice the working pressure either by means of relief valves or by
a limited gas supply. Means shall be provided for fitting the topping-up
pump or bellows.
2.9 The surface of the buoyancy tubes shall be
of non-slip material. At least 25% of these tubes shall be of a highly
visible colour.
2.10 The number of persons which an open reversible
liferaft shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the lesser
of:
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.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 shall not include the thwarts, if fitted)
when inflated; or
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.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
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.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.