As a rule, the size and the type of ship (and where the vessel operates) will determine which requirements to follow.<\/p>\n
Standard emergency and life-saving equipment on ships at sea includes:<\/p>\n
Note<\/strong>: There are certain types of emergency and life saving equipment that ALL ships must carry (or have fitted). These appliances must meet the minimum standards on servicing and testing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Guidance titled ‘MSN 1677 The life-saving appliances regulations 1999<\/a>‘ explains how the regulations apply to life-saving appliances on ships not in Classes III and VI(A).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Different requirements apply to different types of passenger ships. Download merchant shipping notices<\/a> and read the associated amendments:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Ro-Ro passenger ships must have emergency equipment lockers fitted for emergency situations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Large Commercial Yacht Code includes specific rules on life-saving equipment for certain types of ships (less than 3,000 gross tonnage).<\/p>\n The Small Commercial Vessels Code sets out specific rules on life-saving equipment for certain vessels of less than twenty four (24) metres.<\/p>\n The Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code includes specific rules on life-saving equipment for inland vessels that carry no more than twelve (12) passengers.<\/p>\n Some pleasure crafts do not need to carry certain types of life-saving equipment. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Download fire-fighting equipment regulations<\/a> and read any associated amendments:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: The use of fire fighting equipment containing halons is now illegal in United Kingdom. The guide explains the process of phasing out halon fire-fighting systems.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n All emergency life saving equipment on ships must be safe to use. You must also ensure the crew know how to use it properly. Download emergency equipment regulations<\/a> and read any associated amendments:<\/p>\n All lifejackets need to be inspected on a regular basis. See individual manufacturer’s instructions for further information on the processes. <\/p>\n Passengers can use an inflatable slide or escape chute to gain access into liferafts from the ship. Vessels with an MES need to have crew properly trained in how to use them.<\/p>\n All fuels and lubricating oils used in lifeboat engines must be safe to use in low temperatures.<\/p>\n All retro-reflective material needs checking at regular intervals to ensure it is effective.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Certain kinds of marine life saving appliances and equipment needs to be serviced at regular intervals at an approved service station. The list includes:<\/p>\n The MCA website lists the details of independent lifeboat servicing and testing organisations and the details of manufacturers of life-saving appliances.<\/p>\n Download further information on servicing and testing emergency equipment<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n All fire protection systems and associated equipment must tested and maintained at regular intervals. They must be ready for immediate use if and when they are needed.<\/p>\n Monthly fire equipment testing and inspection is required to ensure:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can get further information on marine life saving appliances and emergency equipment for ships, from:<\/p>\n The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)<\/strong> Marine Equipment Directive (enquiries) Urgent advice Note<\/strong>: The site also lists the current safety alerts for technical matters, known design faults, and for fake safety equipment. Another section provides further guidance on health and safety on ships<\/a> while at sea.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nLife Saving Equipment at Sea<\/h2>\n
Merchant Ships<\/h4>\n
Passenger Ships<\/h4>\n
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Roll-on Roll-off Passenger Ships (ro-ro)<\/h4>\n
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\nLarge Commercial Yachts<\/h5>\n
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Small Commercial Vessel (pilot boats)<\/h5>\n
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Small Passenger Boats on Inland Waters<\/h5>\n
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Pleasure Craft<\/h5>\n
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\nFire Fighting Equipment Onboard Ships<\/h2>\n
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Exemptions<\/h5>\n
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Fixed Fire Alarms and Extinguishers<\/h5>\n
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Fixed Gas Fire-extinguishing Systems<\/h5>\n
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Halon fire-fighting systems<\/h5>\n
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\nSafe Use of Emergency Equipment<\/h2>\n
Lifejackets<\/h5>\n
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Immersion Suits<\/h5>\n
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Marine Evacuation Systems (MESs)<\/h5>\n
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Liferafts and Hydrostatic Release Units (HRUs)<\/h5>\n
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Fuels and Lubricating Oils in Lifeboat Engines<\/h5>\n
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Retro-Reflective Material<\/h5>\n
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\nServicing and Testing of Emergency Equipment<\/h2>\n
Life Saving Appliance Testing<\/h5>\n
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Fire Equipment Testing<\/h5>\n
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Emergency Electrical Systems<\/h5>\n
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Fixed Bulk Dry Powder Fire Extinguishing Systems<\/h5>\n
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Seamless Steel Pressurised Gas Cylinders<\/h5>\n
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Portable Fire Extinguishers<\/h5>\n
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\nMCA Help and Advice<\/h2>\n
\n\tLife-saving appliances enquiries
\n\t023 8032 9119<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t023 8083 9636<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t023 8032 9100<\/a>
\n\tMonday to Sunday 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n
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