1.5 Location of Safety Equipment and Lifesaving Appliances
Location of Safety Equipment and Lifesaving Appliances
The proper location and stowage of safety equipment and lifesaving appliances are critical for ensuring their accessibility and effectiveness in emergency situations.
General Principles
Accessibility: Safety equipment and lifesaving appliances must be readily accessible to all crew and passengers. This means that they should be located in areas that are easily reached in an emergency, such as near muster stations or escape routes.
Visibility: These items should be clearly marked and visible to all on board. This can be achieved through the use of signs, labels, or lighting.
Stowage: The equipment should be stored in a secure manner that prevents damage or loss. This may involve using locked containers or securing items to the ship's structure.
Specific Locations
Lifeboats: Typically located on the sides of the ship, accessible by davits or gravity davits.
Life Rafts: Stowed in containers on the deck or in designated compartments.
Lifesaving Buoys: Strategically placed around the ship, such as near the gangway and in areas where people are likely to fall overboard.
Lifes Jackets: Stowed in designated areas, such as in cabins or near muster stations. Automatic inflation jackets may be worn by crew members during certain duties.
Muster Stations: Designated areas where crew and passengers assemble in an emergency.
Emergency Escape Routes: Clearly marked escape routes leading to muster stations.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs): Usually stowed on the ship outside the bridge and carried by lifeboats and life rafts.
Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs): Typically located on the bridge or in a central location.
Fire Extinguishers: Placed throughout the ship, including in common areas, engine rooms, and accommodation spaces.
Fire Fighting equipment: A fireman's outfit including a breathing apparatus set is found at the fire control station. Each ship must have a fire control plan posted at various places onboard. The fire control plan is a general arrangement drawing showing all safety appliances.
First Aid Kits: Located in various areas, such as the medical center, galley, and engine room.
Emergency Lighting: Installed throughout the ship, including in escape routes and muster stations.
Emergency Plans: A ship's emergency plan should clearly specify the location of all safety equipment and lifesaving appliances. This plan should also include procedures for deploying and using this equipment in an emergency.
By following these guidelines, ship operators can ensure that their safety equipment and lifesaving appliances are readily available and accessible when needed, thereby improving the safety of their vessels and the people on board.