3.3 Rescue craft
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.520(13) – Code of practice for the evaluation, testing and acceptance of prototype novel life-saving appliances and arrangements – (Adopted in 1983) - Annex - Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances - 3 Appliance Criteria and Testing of Prototypes - 3.3 Rescue craft

3.3 Rescue craft

 Rescue craft should comply with the provisions of paragraphs 3.2.1.1.1, 3.2.1.4, 3.2.1.11, 3.2.1.13, 3.2.1.15 to 3.2.1.18, 3.2.1.20 to 3.2.1.22, 3.2.1.25.2, 3.2.1.29, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.3 and 3.2.2.5, and in addition should:

  • .1 where arranged to be suspended by a fall or falls and lowered to the water by means of a launching device, be of sufficient strength and fendered to withstand:

    • .1.1 if inflated, a load of 4 times the mass of the rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient temperature of 20°C with all relief valves inoperative and 1.1 times the mass of the rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipment at an ambient temperature of -30°C with all relief valves operative;

    • .1.2 when fully loaded, without sustaining damage that would affect its efficient functioning:

      • a sideways impact against a rigid vertical surface with an impact velocity of at least 3.5 m/s; and
      • a drop into the water from a height of 3 m;
  • .2 be capable of carrying at least five persons seated and at least one person lying down;

  • .3 be approved for the maximum number of persons to be decided by practical seating tests in a seaway and based upon the number of adult persons wearing individual buoyancy equipment who can be seated without in any way interfering with the normal operation of its equipment or means of propulsion;

  • .4 when preparing for launching, permit its full complement of persons, excluding any stretcher cases, to board in not more than 3 min;

  • .5 have sufficient buoyancy and stability to support its full complement even when holed in any one location and open to the sea;

  • .6 offer protection against exposure to sea spray;

  • .7 be capable of maintaining a speed of at least 6 knots for at least 4 h in a seaway;

  • .8 be prototype tested with regard to paragraphs 3.2.1.1.1, 3.2.1.4, 3.2.1.16, 3.2.1.22, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.2.3, 3.3.1.1, 3.3.1.2, 3.3.2 to 3.3.4, 3.3.6 and 3.3.7 and with regard to paragraphs 3.2.1.11, 3.2.1.13, 3.2.1.18, 3.2.1.20, 3.2.1.25.2, 3.2.1.29, and 3.3.5 in a seaway.


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