4.1 Requirements for fast rescue boats
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4.1 Requirements for fast rescue boats

  4.1.1 The fast rescue boat and its launching appliances should be such as to enable it to be safely launched and retrieved under adverse weather and sea conditions.

  4.1.2 Except as provided in this section, all fast rescue boats should comply with the requirements of section 5.1, except for paragraphs 4.4.1.5.3, 4.4.1.6, 4.4.6.8, 4.4.7.2, 5.1.1.6 and 5.1.1.10.

  4.1.3 Notwithstanding paragraph 5.1.1.3.1, fast rescue boats should have a hull length of not less than 6 m and not more than 8.5 m, including inflated structures or fixed fenders.

  4.1.4 Fully equipped fast rescue boats should be capable of manoeuvring for at least 4 h at a speed of at least 20 knots in calm water with a crew of 3 persons and at least 8 knots with a fall complement of persons and equipment.

  4.1.5 Fast rescue boats should be self-righting or capable of being readily righted by not more than two of their crew.

  4.1.6 Fast rescue boats should be self-bailing or be capable of being rapidly cleared of water.

  4.1.7 Fast rescue boats should be steered by a wheel at a helmsman's position remote from the tiller. An emergency steering system providing direct control of the rudder, water jet or outboard motor should also be provided.

  4.1.8 Engines in fast rescue boats should stop automatically or be stopped by the helmsman's emergency release switch should the rescue boat capsize. When the rescue boat has righted, each engine or motor should be capable of being restarted, provided the helmsman's emergency release, if fitted, has been reset The design of the fuel and lubricating systems should prevent the loss of more than 250 ml of fuel or lubricating oil from the propulsion system should the rescue boat capsize.

  4.1.9 Fast rescue boats should, if possible, be equipped with an easily and safely operated fixed single-point suspension arrangement or equivalent.

  4.1.10 A rigid fast rescue boat should be constructed in such a way that, when suspended by its lifting point it is of sufficient strength to withstand a load without residual deflection on removal of load of 4 times the mass of its full complement of persons and equipment.

  4.1.11 The normal equipment of the fast rescue boat should include a hands free and watertight VHF radiocommunication set.

  4.1.12 The crew of the fast rescue boat should consist of at least the helmsman and two crew members trained and drilled regularly having regard to the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and recommendations adopted by the Organization.footnote

Parent topic: 4 Fast Rescue Boats
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