English Maritime Terminology on Ship and Cargo Handling

SOLAS Life Raft Regulations and Equipment

SOLAS regulations ensure that life rafts are robust, durable, and well-equipped to provide adequate safety for survivors in emergency situations.

Key points from the SOLAS regulations concerning life rafts:

• Durability: Life rafts must be built to withstand harsh sea conditions for at least 30 days.
• Impact resistance: Rafts must be able to withstand being launched from heights of over 18 meters without damage or loss of function.
• Weight capacity and loading: Rafts must be able to support repeated jumps from a height of at least 4.5 meters, even when fully loaded and with or without the canopy in place.
• Towing capabilities: Rafts must be capable of being towed at a speed of 3 knots in calm water when fully loaded with people and equipment, with one sea anchor deployed.
• Canopy: Rafts must be equipped with a self-inflating canopy to protect occupants from the elements. The canopy should include a rain collection system and retroreflective strips for increased visibility.
• Accessibility: Rafts designed for more than 8 people must have at least two entrances located on opposite sides.
• Radar reflector: The raft's canopy must be equipped with a mounting point for a radar reflector to enhance detection by search and rescue vessels.
• Minimum capacity: The minimum capacity of a life raft is 6 persons.
• Weight restrictions: For rafts launched manually, the total weight, including the raft, container, and equipment, must not exceed 185 kg.
• Towing line: Rafts must be equipped with a towing line of at least 25 meters in length.
• Lighting: Rafts must have two manual white lights, each with a 12-hour duration. These lights automatically activate when the canopy is deployed.

SOLAS Required Equipment on a Life Raft

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations mandate specific equipment to be carried on life rafts to ensure the survival of people in distress at sea. Here is a list of essential items:

Survival Equipment

• Thermal protective aids (TPAs): These are essential to prevent hypothermia.
• First aid kit: Contains basic medical supplies.
• Sea anchor: Stabilizes the raft in rough seas.
• Repair kit: For minor repairs to the raft.
• Fishing kit: Provides a means of obtaining food.
• Rescue quoit: A circular buoyant object with a line attached for rescue purposes.
• Knife: A non-folding knife with a buoyant handle.

Navigational and Communication Equipment

• Radar reflector: Increases visibility to radar.
• Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB): Transmits a distress signal via satellite.
• Handheld VHF radio: For communication with other vessels or rescue services.
• Flares: Visual distress signals.
• Light sticks: Provide additional illumination.

Essential Supplies

• Drinking water: Sufficient for the number of people the raft can carry.
• Food rations: Enough to sustain survivors for a period of time.
• Can opener: To open food rations.
• Bailer: For removing water from the raft.
• Paddles: For propulsion in calm conditions.
• Graduated drinking cup: For measuring water intake.
• Rainwater collector: For collecting fresh water.