PART ONE PURPOSE, CONSTRUCTION and GENERAL

1.1

purpose

The purpose of this specification is to define a yachtsmen’s inflatable liferaft which in its design, construction and equipment reflects current best practice and the benefit of hard-won experience in the pursuit of saving life at sea.

1.1.1

strength of build

Every liferaft shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding exposure for 20 days afloat in all sea conditions in air temperatures between –15 to +65^o C following which the liferaft shall successfully pass the triple-pressure test in 2.03.03 below.

1.2

printed legends and instructions

All printed legends and instructions on the liferaft and its equipment shall be in plain English in letters as large a size as practicable (and may be repeated in another language).  Lettering shall be large enough to be easily read by a person with common vision defects and without the aid of spectacles. Printing shall be in a sharply contrasting colour on a plain background. 

1.3

persons – definition

Where relevant, for the purposes of this Specification, “persons” will have an average naked weight of 75kg (a single person will have a naked weight of 75kg) and shall wear foul-weather clothing or immersion suits plus sailing boots and also each shall wear an inflated or fully buoyant 150 N lifejacket.

1.4

drop height

The liferaft shall be so constructed that when it is dropped into the water from a height of 6m, the liferaft and its equipment will operate satisfactorily.

1.5

canopy

The liferaft shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposure which is automatically set in place when the liferaft is launched and waterborne.  The canopy shall remain erected even in the case of deflation of one of the buoyancy chambers.

1.6

canopy insulation

Canopy insulation is optional

1.7

interior colour not to cause discomfort

A blue or other colour for this purpose on the inside of the canopy is optional.

1.8

entrance detail

Each entrance shall be clearly indicated and be provided with efficient adjustable closing arrangements which can be easily and quickly opened from inside and outside, and closed from inside the liferaft so as to permit controlled ventilation but exclude seawater, wind and cold.  Liferafts for more than eight persons* shall have at least two independent entrances.

Fastening methods for closures may employ easy-to-handle Velcro or large zips or, provided they do not depend upon tying or knotting, strings or tapes. Fastening for strings or tapes may be provided by cleats etc.  Any closure shall be easy to use with cold, wet, numbed hands. *see 1.3

1.9

ventilation

The canopy shall be capable of admitting sufficient air for the occupants at all times, even with the entrances closed.

1.10

viewing port(s)

The canopy shall be provided with at least one viewing port such that a viewing horizon of 360 degrees is available. Clear plastic windows may be incorporated into the canopy to assist but not to replace this function.

1.11

rainwater collection

The canopy shall be provided with a dedicated means for collecting rainwater. The rainwater collection device shall have an effective means to prevent unwanted ingress of water in heavy weather.

1.12

SART mounting

The canopy shall be provided with means to mount a survival craft radar transponder (SART) at a height of at least 1m above the sea.  The mounting shall be clearly marked “SART – SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER”

1.13

canopy height

The canopy shall have sufficient headroom for sitting occupants under all parts

1.14

carrying capacity

The liferaft shall be constructed to carry up to a specified maximum number of persons* between 4 and 12 inclusive, provided that the specified number does not exceed:-

1.14.1  the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.096 the volume, measured in cubic meters, of the main buoyancy tubes (which for this purpose shall include neither the arches nor the thwarts if fitted) when inflated; or

1.14.2  the greatest whole number obtained by dividing by 0.372 the inner horizontal cross-sectional area of the liferaft measured in square meters (which for this purpose may include the thwart or thwarts if fitted) measured to the innermost edge of the buoyancy tubes; or

1.14.3  the number of persons* that can be seated with reasonable comfort and headroom without interfering with any of the liferaft’s equipment.

1.14.4  the liferaft, inflated to its design operating pressure in calm water, with its largest buoyancy chamber and its inflatable floor (if any) deflated, shall retain positive freeboard when loaded with its full complement of persons* or their equivalent weight evenly distributed. *see 1.3

1.15

Materials

Materials shall comply with the requirements of ISO/DIS 9650-3 as at 2002-02-22 or later

1.16

spare number

1.17

lifelines interior and exterior

The liferaft shall be equipped with internal and external lifelines made from cordage or webbing which shall be of a bright colour contrasting with the colour of the liferaft, which shall be rot-proof, and resistant to weathering and to oils and petroleum products.  They shall be attached to the liferaft in such a manner that, if detached or damaged, the liferaft structure is not damaged.

The lifelines shall be able to be grabbed without injuring the hand or slipping.  Rope type lifelines shall have a diameter of at least 9.5mm; webbing type lifelines shall be at least 25mm wide.

Lifelines and supports shall be capable of withstanding shock loads and chafe caused by yachtsmens’ safety harness being clipped on to the lifeline.

The breaking load of a lifeline and of the fastening points shall be at least 2kN.

1.17.1

painter line

1.17.1.1  A painter line shall be provided of >9m in length.  The painter line and its attachment shall comprise a system, which is capable of absorbing shock loads without breakage and without damage to the liferaft.

1.17.1.2  The minimum diameter of painter line shall be 9.5mm.  The breaking load of the painter line and its attachment to the liferaft shall be not less than 7.5kN or in a raft with capacity of more than 8 persons* the breaking load of the painter line and its attachment to the liferaft shall be not less than 10 kN.

1.17.1.3  The painter line shall withstand weathering and shall be made from nylon or polyester cordage.  A coloured indication shall be provided on the painter line at one meter from the firing point.

1.17.1.4  spare number

1.17.1.5  The painter shall be attached to the liferaft adjacent to an entrance where also a safety knife is provided in a pocket clearly marked “SAFETY KNIFE”. *see 1.3

1.18

lamp on canopy

A manually controlled lamp in compliance with IMO MSC 48(66) shall be fitted to the top of the liferaft canopy.   Batteries shall be of a type that does not deteriorate due to dampness or humidity in the stowed liferaft.

1.19

lamp inside canopy

Lamp inside canopy is optional

1.20

Construction of buoyancy chambers

The main buoyancy chamber shall be divided into not less than two separate compartments, each inflated through a non-return inflation valve on each compartment. 

1.21

floor

1.21.1 The floor of the liferaft shall be waterproof.  It is recommended that for operation in cold waters, a means should be provided to insulate the floor. A Race Organiser should specify in the Notice of Race whether insulation may be omitted.

1.21.2 When a floor is insulated with metal foil a notice shall be marked on the floor and also at least once on the inside of the buoyancy tubes where it (they) may best be seen stating: “KEEP ELECTRONIC BEACONS CLEAR OF FLOOR”

inflation system

1.22.1.1 The initial inflation system shall be actuated by a sharp pull on the painter line, thereby allowing the release of a pressurised gas.  All subsequent force exerted on the painter line shall act directly on the towing point or any other point offering strength characteristics equivalent to the values required for the painter line (see 1.17.1).

1.22.1.2  The inflation system mechanism shall attain the fully open position by exerting a pulling force on the painter line not exceeding 150 N and with a travel not exceeding 200 mm.

1.22.1.3 The operating device shall be made of corrosion resistant material capable of withstanding, without damage, a load of 450 N.  The operating cable assembly shall not cause any wear of the fabric of the buoyancy chambers by abrasion, and shall conform with the requirements of ISO 15738 inflation systems.

1.22.2

inflation time

The design working pressure shall be achieved within a period of 3 minutes at 20ºC in accordance with the test in 2.11.

1.23.1

resistance to excess pressure (relief valves)

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 regulated gas supply.) Each valve shall bear marking corresponding to the re-seating pressure (this marking may be a colour code specific to the valve manufacturer).

1.23.2

access to relief valves

Each relief valve shall be accessible to a person* in the liferaft in order to permit the valve to be temporarily sealed off.

*see 1.3

1.24

topping up

Means shall be provided for an occupant to simply and easily fit the provided air pump to the appropriate valve in each inflatable compartment so that the working pressure can be maintained.

1.25

non-return valve

Non-return valves shall be provided at each gas inlet into an inflatable chamber.

1.26

spare number

1.27

access into raft

At least one entrance shall be fitted with a semi-rigid boarding ramp, capable of supporting a person* weighing 75kg, to enable a person* of not more than average physical ability, unaided to board the liferaft from the sea.  The boarding ramp shall be so arranged as to avoid significant deflation of a buoyancy compartment if the ramp is damaged and in any case to limit such deflation so that the pressure in a buoyancy compartment is not caused to fall by more than 50% below its design working pressure.  Any high pressure hose or other fitting not intended to be part of the boarding system shall not interfere with the boarding process. *see 1.3

1.28

boarding ladder

Entrances not provided with a boarding ramp shall have a boarding ladder, the lowest step of which shall be weighted and situated not less than 0.4m below the liferaft’s light waterline.

1.29

boarding aids

There shall be means inside every entrance to the liferaft to assist persons* to pull themselves into the liferaft: these shall include either a grab line with toggles or other hand-holds, anchored to the far side of the liferaft interior, or to the centre of the floor.  Cordage and webbing shall comply with 1.17 above.*see 1.3

1.30

stability of raft

Every inflatable liferaft shall be so constructed that, when fully inflated and floating with the canopy uppermost and with any load from zero up to its full complement of passengers it is stable in a seaway.

1.31

Disymetrical loading

The liferaft, inflated normally under calm sea conditions, shall neither turn over nor be flooded when all the passengers, each wearing a 150 N lifejacket, are grouped together first at any point of the liferaft, then at its opposite point.

1.32

means to right an upturned liferaft

.1  The stability of the liferaft when in the inverted position shall be such that it can be righted in a seaway and in calm water by one person*.

.2  Appropriate webbing and/or cordage in compliance with 1.17 above shall be provided on the underside of the liferaft to facilitate the action of one person* in righting an upturned liferaft.

.3  The position for a person* in the water  to commence righting the liferaft, shall be clearly marked on the buoyancy tube. *see 1.3

1.33

spare number

1.34

ballast pocket(s)

The liferaft shall be fitted with water ballast pocket(s) complying with the following requirements:-

1.34.1  the pocket(s) shall fill(s) to at least 60% of its/their capacity within 25s of deployment.

1.34.2  the pocket(s) shall have an aggregate capacity of at least  220 litres for liferafts certified to carry 4-10 persons* and an aggregate capacity of at least  240 litres for liferafts certified to carry 10-12 persons*.

1.34.3  If more than one pocket they shall be positioned symmetrically round the circumference of the liferaft.  If only one pocket its periphery shall be positioned symmetrically  round the circumference of the liferaft.

1.34.4  Where appropriate, means shall be provided to enable air to readily escape from underneath the liferaft. *see 1.3

1.35

exterior colour

All exterior surfaces of the liferaft including canopy, ballast pockets, bottom and ramps shall be of a highly visible colour except that the exterior surfaces of buoyancy tubes need not be of a highly visible colour.

1.36

type of gas

The gas or mixture of gases used for inflating the liferafts shall be non-toxic and non-flammable; its moisture content shall not exceed 0,015 % by mass.

1.37

spare

1.38

spare

1.39

spare

1.40

spare

1.41

gas cylinder

The cylinder, if made of steel, shall conform to ISO 9809-3 unless otherwise authorised by a National Authority.  The gas cylinder shall be corrosion-proof.  The cylinder shall be marked with its hydraulic test pressure.

1.42

bursting disc

Where a liquefied gas is used, the cylinder shall be fitted with a corrosion-proof bursting disc in accordance with ISO 6718 or with an equivalent safety device to prevent bursting of the cylinder.  The bursting disc or the safety device shall operate prior to the internal cylinder pressure reaching the hydraulic test pressure of the cylinder.

1.43

sealing plate

A sealing plate or valve shall be used in order to retain the gas in the cylinder until the liferaft inflation system is actuated.  This sealing plate or valve shall withstand the hydraulic test pressure of the cylinder.

1.44

high pressure hose

Where a high pressure hose assembly is used to convey the gas from the cylinder to the buoyancy chamber, it shall meet the following conditions:-

1.44.1  there shall be no leaks or any sign of deterioration after having been subjected, during at least one minute, to a hydraulic test according to ISO 1402, under a pressure of 12,5 MPa for liquefied gases and or 20 Mpa for non-liquefied gases;

1.44.2  it shall operate within a temperature range between –45 and +65^oC inclusive for liquefied gases, between –20 and +65^oC inclusive for non-liquefied gases.

1.44.3  at the lowest temperature of each of the ranges defined in 1.44.2 above, the hose shall be bent through 180^o over a 5 cm radius mandrel and shall meet the requirements of 1.44.1.

1.44.4  the hose assembly shall not be in contact with any sharp edges and shall not show any sign of corrosion when tested in accordance with the appropriate test defined by the ISO (a new hose may be used for each operating test).

1.44.5  the bursting pressure of the hose assembly shall be not less than 168% of the hydraulic test pressure of the hose assembly.

1.44.6  a high pressure hose shall be installed in such a manner as to avoid impeding the boarding operation (see 1.27 above).

1.45

raft markings certificate

The liferaft and its container or valise, and also an accompanying certificate which shall be kept on board the yacht shall show the following information.  Markings on the liferaft shall be in a readily visible location, in a clear and indelible manner and shall have no harmful effect on adjacent materials. All written instructions shall be in the English language and may be repeated in any other language.  It is permitted to mark this information on a seawater-resistant label securely attached to the liferaft in a prominent position:

.1  number of persons*

.2  manufacturer’s name

.3  raft type name if any

.4  “conforms to ISAF OSR Appendix A Part II ” plus a description of any optional extras fitted (eg insulated floor, enhanced contents pack)

.5  date of last service and identity of service station

.6  recommended service interval

.7  max launching height

.8  painter line length

.9  launching instructions

.10 serial number (see 6.2 identification)

.12 date of manufacture

.13  any optional features installed :-

 .13.1 insulated floor Y/N?

 .13.2 insulated canopy Y/N?

 .13.3.special interior colour Y/N?

 .13.4 interior lamp Y/N?

.14 list of contents of equipment pack

*see 1.3

1.46

spare

1.47

spare