56.—(1) Lifebuoys shall be so distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and as far as practicable on all open decks extending to the ship’s side. At least one lifebuoy shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern.
(2) Lifebuoys shall not be permanently secured in any way and shall be stowed so as to be capable of being rapidly thrown overboard.
(3) Except as otherwise provided, one lifebuoy on each side of the ship shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline.
(4) Except as otherwise provided, lifebuoys with lights and lifebuoys with both lights and smoke signal shall be equally distributed on both sides of the ship.