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  5. 2.10 Inspection, Maintenance and Repair
  6. 2.10.3 Lifesaving equipment and firefighting appliances
  7. 2.10.3.1 Lifesaving equipment
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2.10.3.1 Lifesaving equipment

Gard Guidance Masters

2.10.3.1 LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT

Checks on lifesaving equipment should, amongst other things include
  • the condition of the lifeboats, their equipment and launching arrangements
  • ensuring that launching instructions are properly displayed and legible
  • checking the expiry dates of life rafts and other lifesaving equipment, including whether they have been subject to regular inspection and/or testing as required by law
  • checking that lifebuoys are in their designated places with heaving lines ready for use and not tightly coiled
  • checking lifebuoys with lights, ensuring bulbs are in place, intact and their batteries are working
  • checking that immersion suits and anti-exposure suits are regularly maintained, including verification of their water tight integrity, i.e. mandatory air tests should evidence that seams and closures are tight and no punctures evident
  • checking lifejackets, when stored on deck they should be stored in unlocked and clearly marked easily accessible watertight containers, attention should be paid to the lifejacket’s snap hooks, especially when made of metal, due to the danger of corrosion; battery operated lights on lifejackets are likely to corrode as well.