The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Rules 76(3)(e) 77(5)(e) 78(3)(e) 79(f) 80(e)

SCHEDULE 18 SHIP'S PARACHUTE DISTRESS ROCKET SIGNALS

1.  Every ship's parachute distress rocket signal shall consist of a single bright red star which is projected to the required height by means of a rocket, and which burns while falling, its rate of fall being controlled by means of a parachute to an average rate of 4.5 metres per second.

2.  When the rocket is fired approximately vertically, the star and parachute shall be ejected at or before the top of the trajectory, at a minimum height of 230 metres. The rocket shall in addition be capable of functioning when fired at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal.

3.  The star shall burn with a minimum luminosity of 30,000 candelas for not less than 40 seconds. It shall burn out at a height of not less than 45 metres from the sea level.

4.  The parachute shall be of such size as to provide the required control of the rate of fall of the burning star. It shall be attached to the star by means of a flexible fireproof harness.

5.  The rocket may be ignited by any suitable method. If external ignition by means of a safety fuse is employed, the outer end of the safety fuse shall be covered with a metal ferrule primed with match composition and a separate striker shall be suitably attached to each rocket.

6.  The match composition, the striker composition, the ferrule, and the whole of the external surface of the rocket shall be water-proofed.

7.  The rocket shall be capable of functioning properly after immersion in water for one minute and removal of the adhering water by shaking.

8.  All components, compositions and ingredients shall be of such a character and of such a quality as to enable the rocket to maintain its serviceability under good average storage conditions for a period of at least three years.

9.  The rocket shall be packed in a container which shall be durable, damp-proof and effectively sealed. If made of metal, the container shall be well tinned and lacquered, or otherwise adequately protected against corrosion.

10.  The date on which the rocket is filled shall be stamped indelibly on the rocket and on the container.

11.  Clear and concise directions for use in the English language shall be printed indelibly on the rocket.