The document discusses the International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. It provides: 1) An overview of the LSA Code requirements for life-saving appliances on ships, including personal life-saving appliances, survival craft, and launching appliances. 2) Details on new requirements adopted by the IMO in 2011 and 2013 regarding on-load release hooks for lifeboats to improve safety. These include design criteria that must be met by existing and new on-load release and retrieval systems. 3) Amendments made to the LSA Code and testing recommendations in 2010 and 2012 regarding items like liferaft equipment, lifeboat certification, and carrying capacities.

2.  Hakan KÜÇÜK

3. What is the LSA Code?
 A life-saving appliance, self-inflating or non-self-inflating, containing
small quantities of hazardous materials that are required as part of the
life-saving appliance must conform to the requirements of this section.
 The International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code was adopted by
the Maritime Safety Committee in June 1996 by resolution MSC.48(66).
It provides international requirements for the life-saving appliances
that are required by chapter III of the 1974 SOLAS Convention,
including personal life-saving appliances (for example, lifebuoys,
lifejackets, immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and thermal protective
aids), visual aids (parachute flares, hand flares and buoyant smoke
signals), survival craft (liferafts and lifeboats), rescue boats, launching
and embarkation appliances and marine evacuation systems, line-
throwing appliances; and general alarm and public address systems.

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 Life-saving appliances on all ships have to be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in
detection and in accordance with the recommendations of the Organization in A.658(16); Unless expressly
provided otherwise in the opinion of the Administration, all LSA prescribed in this part shall:
 ™be constructed with proper workmanship and materials;
 ™not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range -30°C to +65°C;
 ™if they are likely to be immersed in seawater during their use, operate throughout the seawater temperature
range -1°C to +30°C;
 ™where applicable, be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal
attack;
 ™where exposed to sunlight, be resistant to deterioration;
 ™be of a highly visible color on all parts where this will assist detection;
 ™be fitted with retro-reflective material where it will assist in detection and in accordance with the
recommendations of the Organization;
 ™if they are to be used in a seaway, be capable of satisfactory operation in that environment;
 ™be clearly marked with approval information including the Administration which approved it, and any
operational restrictions;
 ™where applicable, be provided with electrical short circuit protection to prevent damage or injury.
 The Administration shall determine the period of acceptability of life-saving appliances which are subject to
deterioration with age. Such life-saving appliances shall be marked with a means for determining their age or
the date by which they must be replaced. Permanent marking with a date of expiry is the preferred method of
establishing the period of acceptability. Batteries not marked with an expiration date may be used if they are
replaced annually, or in the case of a secondary battery (accumulator), if the condition of the electrolyte can
be readily checked.

6. New IMO Regulations on LSA Code
 For several years, the IMO has been looking to
improve the safety of lifeboat on-load release hooks.
The number of failures during drills and inspections
which resulted in casualties or injured crewmembers
has been unacceptably high. At the 89th session of the
Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 89) in May 2011, the
IMO adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter III and
the LSA Code, as well as related Guidelines for the
Evaluation of Existing On-load Release and Retrieval
Systems (OLRRS).

7. Summary of new requirements
 Resolution MSC. 320 (89) which revises the LSA Code (Chapter IV). The
expected entry into force date is January 1, 2013. The main purpose of the
revision of chapter IV of the Code is to prevent unexpected accidents during
lifeboat drills and/or inspections.
 Resolution MSC.321 (89), Amendments to the revised recommendation on
testing of life-saving appliances (Resolution MSC.81 (70), as amended),
relevant to the revised LSA Code Chapter IV.
Lifeboat release and retrieval systems
© Lloyd's Register May 2012

8. Summary of new requirements
CHAPTER IV SURVIVAL CRAFT

9. Summary of new requirements
Impact for existing ships
• Ships must comply with the revised LSA Code sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 not later than
the first scheduled dry-docking after July 1, 2014, but not later than July 1, 2019.
• LSA Code 4.4.7.6.4
• 4.4.7.5 All lifeboats shall be fitted with sufficient watertight lockers or compartments to
provide for the storage of the small items of equipment, water and provisions required by
paragraph 4.4.8. The lifeboat shall be equipped with a means for collecting rain water, and in
addition if required by the Administration a means for producing drinking water from
seawater with a manually powered desalinator. The desalinator must not be dependent
upon solar heat, nor on chemicals other than seawater. Means shall be provided for the
storage of collected water.
4.4.7.6 Every lifeboat to be launched by a fall or falls, except a free-fall lifeboat, shall be fitted
with a release mechanism complying with the following requirements subject to paragraph
.5 below:
.4 the fixed structural connections of the release mechanism in the lifeboat shall be
designed with a calculated factor of safety of 6 based on the ultimate strength of the
materials used, assuming the mass of the lifeboat is equally distributed between the
falls; and
.5 where a single fall and hook system is used for launching a lifeboat or rescue boat in
combination with a suitable painter.

10. Summary of new requirements
Impact for new construction ships
• The revised LSA Code (section 4.4.7.6) shall be applied to new OLRRS. Early application of
new SOLAS regulation III/1.5 circular MSC.1/Circ.1393 was approved by MSC 89. MSC 89
agreed that for ships constructed (having their keel laid) on or after July 1, 2014, OLRRS are
to comply with the revised LSA Code. The circular encourages administrations to initiate, at
the earliest opportunity, approval processes for new OLRRS which comply with the revised
LSA Code, to enable the fitting of these mechanisms before July 1, 2014.
Implication for manufacturers
• Manufacturers will need to ensure that any new OLRRS they produce are compliant with the
revised LSA Code.
Implication for ship owners
• Owners will need to ensure that OLRRS installed on their new vessels comply with the new
requirements.
Implication for ship builders
• Builders will need to source and install OLRRS which comply with the new requirements.

11. Summary of new requirements
Questions-Answers
Which new LSA Code requirements apply to existing ships and which ones
apply to new ships?
• Answer: Revised Chapter IV sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 applies to
OLRRS fitted on existing ships. For ships constructed on or after July 1,
2014, OLRRS are to comply with the revised LSA Code (complete section
4.4.7.6). Circular MSC.1/Circ.1393 encourages administrations to initiate,
at the earliest opportunity, approval processes for new OLRRS which
comply with the revised LSA Code, to enable the fitting of these
mechanisms before July 1, 2014.

12. Summary of new requirements
Questions-Answers
What safety improvements have been introduced for existing on-load release
systems?
• Answer: Existing OLRRS must comply with the following design criteria in
Chapter IV:
• 4.4.7.6.4 – To provide hook stability, the release mechanism shall be
designed so that, when it is fully in the closed position, the weight of the
lifeboat does not cause any force to be transmitted to the operating
mechanism.
• 4.4.7.6.5 – Locking devices shall be designed so that they can not turn to
open due to forces from the hook load.
• 4.4.7.6.6 – If a hydrostatic interlock is provided, it shall automatically reset
upon lifting the boat from the water.
Why is it necessary to do a self-assessment?
• Answer: The revised LSA Code Chapter IV (sections 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6)
requires manufacturers to carry out at the earliest opportunity a self-
assessment of their types of existing lifeboat OLRRS to verify compliance in
accordance with the Guidelines contained in MSC.1/Circ.1392.

13. Summary of new requirements
4.4 General requirements for lifeboats
1 In subparagraph .1 of paragraph 4.4.2.2, the words ‘(for a lifeboat intended
for a passenger ship) or 82.5 kg (for a lifeboat intended for a cargo ship)’ are
inserted after the words ‘75 kg’.
2 The existing paragraph 4.4.9.1 is replaced by the following:
‘4.4.9.1 The number(s) of persons for which the lifeboat is approved, for
passenger ships and/or cargo ships, as applicable, shall be clearly marked
on it in clear permanent characters.’

15. Summary of new requirements
4.7 Free-fall lifeboats
3 The existing paragraph 4.7.2 is replaced by the following:
‘4.7.2 Carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat
4.7.2.1 The carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat is the number of persons having an average
mass of 82.5 kg that can be provided with a seat without interfering with the means of
propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboat’s equipment. The seating surface shall be
smooth and shaped and provided with cushioning of at least 10 mm over all contact areas to
provide support for the back and pelvis and flexible lateral side support for the head. The
seats shall be of the non-folding type, permanently secured to the lifeboat and arranged so
that any deflection of the hull or canopy during launching will not cause injury to the
occupants. The location and structure of the seat shall be arranged to preclude the potential
for injury during launch if the seat is narrower than the occupantís shoulders. The passage
between the seats shall have a clear width of at least 480 mm from the deck to the top of the
seats, be free of any obstruction and provided with an antislip surface with suitable footholds
to allow safe embarkation in the ready-to-launch position. Each seat shall be provided with a
suitable locking harness capable of quick release under tension to restrain the body of the
occupant during launching.
4.7.2.2 The angle between the seat pan and the seat back shall be at least 90 degree. The width
of the seat pan shall be at least 480 mm. Free clearance in front of the backrest (buttock to
knee length) shall be at least 650 mm measured at an angle of 90o to the backrest. The
backrest shall extend at least 1,075 mm above the seat pan. The seat shall provide for
shoulder height, measured along the seat back, of at least 760 mm. The footrest shall be
oriented at not less than half of the angle of the seat pan and shall have a foot length of at
least 330 mm (see figure 2).

16. Figure 2

17. Each free-fall lifeboat shall
be of sufficient strength to
withstand, when loaded
with its full complement of
persons and equipment.

18. Summary of new requirements
CHAPTER V -RESCUE BOATS
 5.1 Rescue boats
 4 In the first sentence of paragraph 5.1.1.1, the words ‘, except that, for all rescue
boats, an average mass of 82.5 kg shall apply to paragraph 4.4.2.2.1’ are added
after the reference to ‘4.4.9’.
 5 In the second sentence of paragraph 5.1.3.5, the words ‘75 kg’ are replaced by
the words ‘82.5 kg’.

19. Life-Saving Appliances, 2010 Edition
 The 2010 edition of Life Saving Appliances is now available from the International
Maritime Organization (IMO).
 This publication includes the latest consolidated versions of the mandatory International
Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-
Saving Appliances and the Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of
Prototype Novel Life-Saving Appliances.
 The updated requirements and recommendations in the new edition include those
relating to:
 • stowage, fitting and equipment of liferafts;
 • certification and fitting of lifeboats;
 • new requirements for fast rescue boats;
 • requirements for lifeboat and rescue boat launching appliances;
 • carrying capacity of free-fall lifeboats;
 • changes in the average weight of persons to be used for the design and equipment of
life-saving appliances;
 • extensive new requirements for lifejackets, including the introduction of infant and
child lifejackets;
 • extensive associated changes to testing requirements for life-saving appliances,
including the introduction of reference test devices.

20. Summary of new requirements
Supplement
May 2012
 Since the publication of Life-Saving Appliances including LSA
Code, 2010 edition, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has
adopted resolutions amending the International Life-Saving
Appliance (LSA) Code and the Revised recommendation on
testing of life-saving appliances. This supplement presents, in
chronological order, those amendments that have either entered
into force or will have entered into force before the next edition
has been published.

21. Page Resolution Amends Applicable as on
2 MSC.293(87) Chapter IV, Survival craft 1 January 2012
4 MSC.320(89) Chapter IV, Survival craft 1 January 2013
8 MSC.321(89) Part 1, Prototype tests for life-
saving appliances
-

22. AMENDMENTS TO THE REVISED RECOMMENDATION ON TESTING OF
LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES (RESOLUTION MSC.81(70)), AS AMENDED
PART 1
PROTOTYPE TESTS FOR LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
 PART 1
PROTOTYPE TESTS FOR LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
 1 The existing paragraphs 6.9.3 and 6.9.4 are replaced by the following:
 "6.9.3 With the operating mechanism disconnected it should be demonstrated when
the lifeboat is loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment and towed at
speeds of 5 knots that the moveable hook component stays closed. Furthermore,
with the operating mechanism connected, it should be demonstrated that the lifeboat
when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment when towed at
speeds of 5 knots can be released. Both of the above should be demonstrated as
follows as follows:
 .1 a force equal to 25% of the safe working load of the hook should be applied to the
hook in the lengthwise direction of the boat at an angle of 45° to the vertical. This test
should be conducted in the aftward as well as the forward direction;
 .2 a force equal to the safe working load of the hook should be applied to the hook in
an athwartships direction at an angle of 20° to the vertical. This test should be
conducted on both sides; and
 .3 a force equal to the safe working load of the hook should be applied to the hook in
a direction halfway between the positions of tests 1 and 2 (i.e. 45° to the longitudinal
axis of the boat in plan view) at an angle of 33° to the vertical. This test should be
conducted in four positions.

23. Summary of new requirements
There should be no damage as a result of these tests.
 6.9.4 A release mechanism should be conditioned and tested as
follows:
 .1 the lifeboat release and retrieval system and the longest used
connection cable/linkage associated with the system should be
mounted and adjusted according to instructions from the original
equipment manufacturer and then loaded to 100% of its safe working
load and released. Load and release should be repeated 50 times.
During the 50 releases, the lifeboat release and retrieval system should
be released simultaneously from each fall to which it is connected
without any binding or damage to any part of the lifeboat release and
retrieval system. The system should be considered as "failed" if any
failure during the conditioning or unintended release occurs when load
is applied but the system has not yet been operated;

24. Summary of new requirements
 .2 the lifeboat release and retrieval system should then be
disassembled, the parts examined and wear recorded. The release and
retrieval system should then be reassembled;
 .3 the hook assembly, whilst disconnected from the operating
mechanism, should then be tested 10 times with cyclic loading from
zero load to 1.1 times the safe working load, at a nominal 10 seconds per
cycle; unless the release mechanism has been specifically designed to
operate as an off-load hook with on-load capability using the weight of
the boat to close the hook, in this case the cyclic load should be from
no more than 1% to 1.1 times the SWL. For cam-type designs, the test
should be carried out at an initial cam rotation of 0º (fully reset
position), and repeated at 45º in either direction, or 45º in one direction
if restricted by design. The specimen should remain closed during the
test. The system should be considered as "failed" if any failure during
this test or any unintended release or opening occurs; and

25. Summary of new requirements
 .4 the cable and operating mechanism should then be
reconnected to the hook assembly; and the lifeboat release and
retrieval system should then be demonstrated to operate
satisfactorily under its safe working load. The actuation force
should be no less than 100 N and no more than 300 N, if a cable
is used it should be the maximum length specified by the
manufacturer, and secures in the same manner it would be
secured in the lifeboat. The demonstration should verify that any
interlocks, indicators and handles are still functioning and are
correctly positioned in accordance with the operation and safety
instruction from the original equipment manufacturer. The
release mechanism is deemed to have passed the testing under
paragraph 6.9.4 when the tests have been conducted
successfully. The system should be considered as "failed" if any
failure during this test or any unintended release or opening
occurs.

26. Summary of new requirements
6.9.5 A second release mechanism should be
tested as follows:
 .1 the actuation force of the release mechanism should be
measured loaded with 100% of its safe working load. The
actuation force should be no less than 100 N and no more
than 300 N. If a cable is used, it should be of the maximum
length specified by the manufacturer, and secured in the
same manner it would be secured in a lifeboat. The
demonstration should verify that any interlocks, indicators
and handles are still functioning and are correctly
positioned in accordance with the operation and safety
instruction from the original equipment manufacturer; and
 .2 the release mechanism should be mounted on a tensile
strength testing device. The load should be increased to at
least six times the working load of the release mechanism
without failure of the release mechanism."

27. Summary of new requirements
 2 The existing paragraphs 6.9.5 and 6.9.6 are
renumbered as 6.9.6 and 6.9.7, respectively.
 3 In paragraph 6.11.3, the referenced paragraph
number "6.9.4" is replaced with "6.9.3".
 4 In paragraphs 7.1.1 and 7.4.1, the referenced
paragraph numbers "6.9.5" and "6.9.6" are replaced
by "6.9.6" and "6.9.7", respectively.
 5 In paragraphs 7.2.1, 7.3.1, 7.5 and 7.6, the
referenced paragraph numbers "6.9.1 to 6.9.4" are
replaced by "6.9.1 to 6.9.5".

28. Changing Article on LSA Code
 2.2.3 Lifejacket lights (conformity)
 7.2.1 General emergency alarm system: 7.2.1.1 The general emergency
alarm system shall be capable of sounding the general emergency alarm
signal consisting of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast
on the ship's whistle or siren and additionally on an electrically operated
bell or klaxon or other equivalent warning system, which shall be powered
from the ship's main supply and the emergency source of electrical power
required by regulation II-1/42 or II-1/43, as appropriate. The system shall
be capable of operation from the navigation bridge and, except for the
ship's whistle, also from other strategic points. The system shall be
audible throughout all the accommodation and normal crew working
spaces. The alarm shall continue to function after it has been triggered
until it is manually turned off or is temporarily interrupted by a message
on the public address system. (remove to SOLAS)

29. TABLO B- YOLCU GEMİLERİ

34. • LSA Kod değişiklikleri (MSC.207(81)) (İngilizce)
•
• LSA Kod değişiklikleri (MSC.218(82)) (İngilizce)
•
• LSA Kod değişiklikleri (MSC.272(85)) (İngilizce)
•
• LSA Kod değişiklikleri (MSC.293(87)) (İngilizce)
•
• LSA Kod değişiklikleri (MSC.320(89)) (İngilizce)

36. PASSENGER SHIP (CLASS I)- Life Saving Appliances
• A passenger ship is a ship which carries more than twelve passengers. (SOLAS I/2). Class
I-Passenger ships engaged on voyages (not being short international voyages) any of which
are long international voyages. Every ship to which this LSA Code applies shall carry;
• 1-on each side of the ship lifeboats of sufficient aggregate capacity to accommodate one
half of the total number of persons which the ship is certified to carry,
• 2- These lifeboats shall be not more than 28 feet in length and each of them may be a
motor lifeboat and may be counted,
• 3- Every ship, shall carry on each side of the ship at least one motor lifeboat : Provided that
in ships which are certified to carry not more than 30 persons not more than one motor
lifeboat shall be required,
• 4- In every ship is certified to carry 1,500 persons or more each of the motor lifeboats
carried in compliance, and in every such ship which is certified to carry more than 199 but
less than 1,500 persons at least one of the motor lifeboats carried, shall be not less than
24 feet in length.
• 5- Every ship shall carry portable radio equipment which shall comply with the
requirements,
• 6- In every ship each lifeboat shall be attached to a separate set of davits which shall be of
the gravity type, except that luffing type davits may be fitted for operating lifeboats
weighing not more than 2¼ tons in their turning out condition.
• 7- Every ship shall carry liferafts, which need not be served by launching appliances, of
sufficient capacity to accommodate 25 per cent of the total number of persons the ship is
certified to carry together with buoyant apparatus for 3 per cent of that number, there
may be carried buoyant apparatus of sufficient aggregate capacity to accommodate 25 per
cent. of the total number of persons the ship is certified to carry,

37. 9- Every ship shall carry for every person on board weighing 70 pounds or more a lifejacket which
shall comply with the requirements of Part I of the Twelfth Schedule to these Rules and for every
person on board weighing less than 70 pounds a lifejacket, , every such ship shall carry lifejackets
for at least 5 per cent. of the number of persons which the ship is certified to carry,
10- Every ship shall carry a line-throwing appliance.

38. Explain the Responsibilities of Shipping Companies According
to the LSA Code
• Every shipping companies shall provide the expired life-saving equipment in the ship
such as water,medicine,or food in the lifeboat,liferaft and rescue boat. Also,if the
personal life saving equipment is damaged,shipping companies shall send to new
equipment. For example; the ship immersion suit,life jacket etc.
• Moreover, the companies inform to the ship about new regulations code,or procedure.
• This notice offers general guidelines for the maintenance inspection and testing of life
saving appliances on vessel and it is not intended to replace the requirements of the
appropriate International Conventions in force.
• Maintenance and Inspection of Life Saving Appliances

41. 4.4.1 Consructions of lifeboats
- Each lifeboat shall be fitted with a certificate of
approval, endorsed by the Administration, containing at least
the following items:
 ™manufacturer's name and address;
 ™lifeboat model and serial number;
 ™month and year of manufacture;
 ™number of persons the lifeboat is approved to carry; and
 ™with approval information including the Administration
which approved it, and any operational restrictions.

43. 4.4.2 Carrying capacity of lifeboats
- No lifeboat shall be approved to accommodate more than
150 persons.
- The number of persons which a lifeboat to be launched by
falls shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the
lesser of:
* the number of persons having an average mass of 75 kg, all
wearing lifejackets, that can be seated in a normal position
without interfering with the means of propulsion or the
operation of any of the lifeboat's equipment; or
™- Each seating position shall be clearly indicated in the
lifeboat.

44. 4.4.3 Access into lifeboats
1. Every passenger ship lifeboat shall be so arranged that it
can be rapidly boarded by its full complement of persons.
Rapid disembarkation shall also be possible.
2.™Every cargo ship lifeboat shall be so arranged that it can be
boarded by its full complement of persons in not more than 3
min from the time the instruction to board is given.
™3. Lifeboats shall have a boarding ladder that can be used at
any boarding entrance of the lifeboat to enable persons in the
water to board the lifeboat.
™4. The lifeboat shall be so arranged that helpless people can
be brought on board either from the sea or on stretchers.
™5.All surfaces on which persons might walk shall have a non-
skid finish.

49.  TOTALLY ENCLOSED LIFEBOATS
 4.6.1 Totally enclosed lifeboats shall comply with
the requirements of section 4.4 and in addition
shall comply with the requirements of this section.
 4.6.2 Enclosure
 Every totally enclosed lifeboat shall be provided
with a rigid watertight enclosure which completely
encloses the lifeboat. Shall be so arranged that:
.1 it provides shelter for occupants;
2 access to the lifeboat is provided by hatches
which can be closed to make the lifeboat
watertight;

52. In addition to the requirements for fully enclosed lifeboat certificate of
approval for a free-fall lifeboat shall also state: ™free-fall certification
height; ™required launching ramp length; and ™launching ramp angle for
the free-fall certification height.

55. General Requirements for LIFE RAFTS
 Every liferaft shall be so constructed as to be capable of
withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea
conditions.
 The liferaft shall be so constructed that when it is dropped
into the water from a height of 18 m, the liferaft and its
equipment will operate satisfactorily. If the liferaft is to be
stowed at a height of more than 18 m above the waterline in
the lightest seagoing condition,it shall be of a type which
has been satisfactorily drop-tested from at least that
height.
 The liferaft and its fittings shall be so constructed as to
enable it to be towed at a speed of 3 knots in calm water
when loaded with its full complement of persons and
equipment and with one of its sea-anchors streamed.

56. General Requirements for RESCUE BOATS
 Rescue boats may be either of rigid or inflated
construction or a combination of both and shall:
 ™be not less than 3.8 m and not more than 8.5 m in
length; and
 ™be capable of carrying at least five seated persons and
a person lying on a stretcher.
Rescue boats shall be capable of manoeuvring at a speed
of at least 6 knots and maintaining that speed for a
period of at least 4 hors.

57.  Rescue boats shall have sufficient mobility and
manoeuvrability in a seaway to enable persons to be
retrieved from the water, marshal liferafts and tow the
largest liferaft carried on the ship when loaded with its
full complement of persons and equipment or its
equivalent at a speed of at least 2 knots.

60. REFERENCES
1- LSA CODE- Prepared by Capt. Petar Brakocevic
2- IMO website- LSA CODE Pdf
3- SOLAS Pdf
4- Wikipedia
5- Shipping Circular
6- Lloyd’s Register