The Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances for Passenger Ships of Classes III to VI (A)) Regulations 1992

Schedule 1, Part 1

PART V LIFEBOAT LIGHTS

1.  General

1.1  Internal and External Lights

1.1.1 The lights shall be provided with a manually operated switch.

1.1.2 Each light shall be connected independently to its own power source unless it is operated from the lifeboat’s battery system.

Construction

2.  Internal and External Lights

2.1.1 The complete light unit shall be constructed with proper workmanship and materials.

2.1.2 It shall be capable of withstanding the drop test for a lifeboat.

2.1.3 It shall be capable of withstanding a drop of 2 metres onto a rigidly mounted steel plate or concrete surface.

2.1.4 it shall be rot proof, corrosion resistant, and not be unduly affected by sea-water, oil or fungal growth.

2.1.5 It shall not deteriorate due to damp or humidity when stowed in or on a lifeboat.

2.1.6 The power source shall be proofed against leakage of any chemicals which could damage or cause deterioration of the lifeboat.

2.1.7 The connection between light and power shall be suitably protected.

2.1.8 The lamp, lamp holder and lens shall be so constructed to prevent the ingress of water.

2.1.9 .If the external light is a flashing light, it shall not be fitted with a lens or curved reflector to concentrate the beam.

Performance

3.1  Internal and External Lights

3.1.1 The lights shall have an operational endurance of not less than 12 hours.

3.1.2 They shall not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range −30°C to +65°C.

3.1.3 They shall operate in a satisfactory manner throughout a seawater temperature of −1°C to +30°C.

3.2  Internal Light

3.2.1 The light shall be of sufficient luminous intensity to enable survival and equipment instructions to be read.

3.3  External Light

3.3.1 The light shall be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least 2 miles.

3.3.2 It shall be visible through 360 degrees in a horizontal direction and over as great a segment of the upper hemisphere as is practical when attached to a lifeboat.

3.3.3 In the case of a flashing light it shall flash at a rate of not less than 50 flashes per minute for the first 2 hours of operation.

Markings

4.  Internal and External Lights

4.1  The power source if independent of the lifeboat’s battery system shall be marked externally with:

4.1.1 the manufacturer’s name or trade mark;

4.1.2 the type and batch number;

4.1.3 date of manufacture and expiry;

4.1.4 the words “DOT (UK) APPROVED”.

4.2  If the power source is a chemical pressurised cell it shall be clearly marked with a suitable warning notice.