SCHEDULE 3 LIFERAFT FLOAT FREE ARRANGEMENTS

4.  Weak Link

4.1 Construction and Materials

A weak link used in the float free arrangements shall—

.1 be made from a material which is corrosion resistant and not affected by seawater, oil or detergent;

.2 when made of cordage have the ends either whipped or heat treated;

.3 when made from a flexible wire have each end looped around a thimble and secured with a locking ferrule.

4.2 Performance

A weak link shall be of sufficient strength to—

.1 pull the painter out of the liferaft container;

.2 operate the liferaft inflation system;

.3 break under a tensile force of between 1.8 and 2.6 kN.