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

Schedule 6, Part IV

PART V AUTOMATIC RELEASE HOOKS

Definitions

1.1  In this Part the following definitions apply:

1.1.1 “actuating force” means the force required to set the actuating mechanism;

1.1.2 “actuating mechanism” means the mechanism which, when operated, allows the liferaft to be released automatically;

1.1.3 “automatic release mechanism” means the mechanism which opens the hook automatically to release the liferaft;

1.1.4 “hook” means a hook to be used for the launching of liferafts which can be activated to automatically release the liferaft when it is waterborne.

Functional criteria

2.1  The hook shall be reliable and easily handled by one person during the preparation, embarkation, launching and release of the liferaft.

2.2  The hook and its accessories shall be made of materials suitable for use in the marine environment.

2.3  A minimum factor of safety of six based on the ultimate strength of the materials used shall be applied to the design of all parts of the hook.

2.4  The lever for manual release and the actuating mechanism may be separate.

2.5  There shall be a clear and durable indicator to show if the actuating mechanism has been operated. The automatic release mechanism shall be such that positions between “safe” and “cocked” are not possible.

2.6  With the hook in the automatic release position the liferaft shall be released as soon as it is waterborne. The release of the liferaft shall be immediate and complete. Means shall be provided to ensure that the hook does not open when the liferaft swings, bumps into the ship’s side or is otherwise influenced by the wind during the lowering operation.

2.7  It shall be possible to release the hook manually after launching. The manual release mechanism shall be designed having regard to the risk of unintential release during the preparation, embarkation and lowering of the liferaft.

Compatibility

3.1  The compatibility of automatic release hooks and inflatable liferafts shall be established by operational tests with each type, size and manufacture of liferaft to be carried, before a particular combination of release hook and liferaft is accepted by the Secretary of State.

Instructions and Information

4.  Instructions and information required for inclusion in the training manual specified in Part I of Schedule 11 and in the instructions for on-board maintenance specified in Part II of Schedule 11 for inclusion in such training manual and instructions for on-board maintenance. Instructions and information shall be in English in a clear and concise form and shall include the operation and maintenance of the automatic release hook.