Construction requirements of liferafts
1) Every liferaft shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.
2) The liferaft shall be so constructed that when it is dropped into the water from a height of 18 m, the liferaft and its equipment will operate satisfactorily. If the liferaft is to be stowed at a height of morethan 18 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.
3) The floating liferaft shall be capable of withstanding repeated jumps on to it from a height of at least 4.5 m above its floor both with and without the canopy erected.
4) The 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 and with one of itssea-anchors streamed.
5) The liferaft shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposure which is automatically set in place when the liferaft is launched and waterborme. The canopy shall comply with the following :
a) it shall provide insulation against heat and cold by means of either two layers of material separated by an air gap or other equally efficient means. Means shall be provided to prevent accumulation of water in the air gap.
b) its interior shall be of a colour that does not cause discomfort to the occupants.
c) each entrance shall be clearly indicated and be provided with efficient adjustable closing arrangements which can be easily and quickly opened by persons clothed in immersion suits from inside and outside, and closed from inside the liferaft so as to permit ventilation but exclude seawater, wind and cold. Liferafts accommodating more than 8 persons shall have at least 2 diametrically opposite entrances.
d) it shall admit sufficient air for the occupants at all times, even with the entrances closed.
e) it shall be provided with at least 1 viewing port.
f) it shall be provided with means for collecting rain water.
g) it shall be provided with means to mount a survival craft radar transponder at a height of at least 1 m above the sea.
h) it shall have sufficient headroom for sitting occupants under all parts of the canopy.
Ref: LSA Code
