Lifesaving equipment — SOLAS III + LSA Code

SOLAS Chapter III sets the carriage requirements; the International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code, IMO Resolution MSC.48(66), defines the technical performance for each piece of equipment. Together they govern how much you carry, how it must perform, and how often you exercise the crew on it.

Carriage by ship type

• Cargo ships ≥500 GT (Reg. 31). Totally enclosed lifeboats with 100% capacity each side, or one stern freefall lifeboat + rescue boat. Liferafts 100% capacity each side. EPIRB, two SARTs (one if under 500 GT), three portable VHFs.
• Cargo ships <500 GT (Reg. 31). May substitute lifeboats with liferafts of 200% capacity (100% each side); rescue boat still required.
• Passenger ships (Reg. 21). Survival-craft capacity for 125% of passengers and crew; partially enclosed lifeboats permitted on short international voyages; davit-launched MES (marine evacuation system) common on ro-ro.
• Tankers (additional Reg. 16). Totally enclosed lifeboats with self-contained air system or fire-protected variant on tank-deck-launching arrangements.

Personal equipment

• Lifejackets — one per person plus 5%, plus enough for every watchkeeping station and at all remote work locations. SOLAS III Reg. 7. LSA Code 2.2 specifies buoyancy ≥150 N adult, integrated whistle, light, retroreflective tape.
• Immersion suits — one per person on every cargo ship. LSA Code 2.3 sets thermal performance: ≥6 °C water for at least one hour with skin-temp drop <2 °C. Inspect annually, pressure test at most every 3 years.
• Anti-exposure suits — for rescue boat and FRB crew on watch.
• Lifebuoys — number depends on vessel length, with at least two on the bridge fitted with self-igniting lights and self-activating smoke signals (one each side); one with a buoyant lifeline; minimum half marked with retroreflective tape.

Distress and locating

• EPIRB (Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz) — float-free, hydrostatic-release. Battery typically 5 years; check on the EPIRB body. Annual self-test by the crew; biennial shore service test.
• SART (9 GHz radar) — two on cargo ships ≥500 GT (one each side), one on smaller. Battery 5 years standby + 8 hours operating. Stowed in or near survival craft.
• Pyrotechnics — twelve rocket parachute flares on each ship. Stowed near or on bridge in watertight container. Replaced every three years (manufactured-by date).
• Line-throwing appliance — projectile + line capable of reaching ≥230 m. SOLAS III Reg. 18.

Drills and surveys

• · Abandon-ship drill — once every month for cargo ships, once a week if all crew did not participate. SOLAS III Reg. 19.3.
• · Lifeboat launch — one boat per side launched into water at least every three months; freefall every six months (or simulated under MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1).
• · Annual survey — onload release gear, davits, hooks, painters, falls. ASR by attending surveyor.
• · Five-yearly thorough exam — all life-saving appliances at renewal special survey.

Common PSC findings

• · Expired pyrotechnics or EPIRB battery.
• · Lifeboat onload release gear maintenance overdue.
• · Liferaft hydrostatic release unit (HRU) overdue.
• · Drill records inconsistent with the OLB.
• · Immersion suit pressure test overdue or suit damaged.

Sources: SOLAS Chapter III (Life-saving appliances and arrangements); LSA Code (IMO Resolution MSC.48(66)); MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 (lifeboat drill alternatives); MSC.1/Circ.1331 (hydrostatic release units). See also distress procedures, fire-fighting systems, LSA Code, EPIRB.