Operational readiness and maintenance of FFA

1 Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to maintain and monitor the effectiveness of
the fire safety measures the ship is provided with. For this purpose, the
following functional requirements shall be met:
.1 fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be
maintained ready for use; and
.2 fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be
properly tested and inspected.

2 General requirements
At all times while the ship is in service, the requirements of paragraph 1.1 shall
be complied with. A ship is not in service when:
.1 it is in for repairs or lay-up (either at anchor or in port) or in dry-dock;
.2 it is declared not in service by the owner or the owner's representative; and
.3 in the case of passenger ships, there are no passengers on board.

2.1 Operational readiness

2.1.1 The following fire protection systems shall be kept in good order so as to
ensure their required performance if a fire occurs:
.1 structural fire protection, including fire-resisting divisions, and protection of
openings and penetrations in these divisions;
.2 fire detection and fire alarm systems; and
.3 means of escape systems and appliances.
2.1.2 Fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order
and readily available for immediate use.
Portable extinguishers which have been discharged shall be immediately
recharged or replaced with an equivalent unit.

2.2 Maintenance, testing and inspections

2.2.1 Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on the
guidelines developed by the Organization* and in a manner having due
regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

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2.2.2 The maintenance plan shall be kept on board the ship and shall be
available for inspection whenever required by the Administration.

2.2.3 The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection
systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed:

.1 fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants, including hoses, nozzles and
international shore connections;
.2 fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.3 fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing appliances;
.4 automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.5 ventilation systems, including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their
controls;
.6 emergency shutdown of fuel supply;
.7 fire doors, including their controls;
.8 general emergency alarm systems;
.9 emergency escape breathing devices;
.10 portable fire extinguishers, including spare charges; and
.11 fire-fighter's outfits.

2.2.4 The maintenance programme may be computer-based.

3 Additional requirements for passenger ships

In addition to the fire protection systems and appliances listed in
paragraph
2.2.3, ships carrying more than 36 passengers shall develop a maintenance plan
for low-location lighting and public address systems.

4 Additional requirements for tankers

In addition to the fire protection systems and appliances listed in
paragraph

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2.2.3, tankers shall have a maintenance plan for:
.1 inert gas systems;
.2 deck foam systems;
.3 fire safety arrangements in cargo pump-rooms; and
.4 flammable gas detectors.

Operational readiness, maintenance and inspections of LSA

1 This regulation applies to all ships. The requirements of paragraphs 3.2, 3.3
and 6.2 shall be complied with, as far as is practicable, on ships
constructed before 1 July 1986.

2 Operational readiness
Before the ship leaves port and at all times during the voyage, all life-saving
appliances shall be in working order and ready for immediate use.

Part B: Requirements for ships

Regulation 20

3 Maintenance
3.1 Maintenance, testing and inspections of life-saving appliances shall be
carried out based on the guidelines developed by the Organization* and in
a manner having due regard to ensuring reliability of such appliances.

3.2 Instructions for on-board maintenance of life-saving appliances complying

with regulation 36 shall be provided and maintenance shall be carried out
accordingly.

3.3 The Administration may accept, in compliance with the requirements of

paragraph 3.2, a shipboard planned maintenance programme, which
includes the requirements of regulation 36.

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4 Maintenance of falls
Falls used in launching shall be inspected periodically* with special regard for
areas passing through sheaves, and renewed when necessary due to
deterioration of the falls or at intervals of not more than 5 years, whichever is
the earlier.

5 Spares and repair equipment

Spares and repair equipment shall be provided for life-saving appliances and
their components which are subject to excessive wear or consumption and
need to be replaced regularly.

6 Weekly inspection
The following tests and inspections shall be carried out weekly and a report of
the inspection shall be entered in the log-book:

.1 all survival craft, rescue boats and launching appliances shall be visually
inspected to ensure that they are ready for use. The inspection shall
include, but is not limited to, the condition of hooks, their attachment to
the lifeboat and the on-load release gear being properly and completely
reset;

.2 all engines in lifeboats and rescue boats shall be run for a total period of not
less than 3 minutes, provided the ambient temperature is above the
minimum temperature required for starting and running the engine.
During this period of time, it should be demonstrated that the gearbox
and gearbox train are engaging satisfactorily. If the special characteristics
of an outboard motor fitted

to a rescue boat would not allow it to be run other than with its propeller
submerged for a period of 3 minutes, a suitable water supply may be
provided. In special cases, the Administration may waive this requirement
for ships constructed before 1 July 1986;

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.3 lifeboats, except free-fall lifeboats, on cargo ships shall be moved from their
stowed position, without any persons on board, to the extent necessary to
demonstrate satisfactory operation of launching appliances, if weather
and sea conditions so allow; and .4 the general emergency alarm shall be
tested.

7 Monthly inspections
7.1 All lifeboats, except free-fall lifeboats, shall be turned out from their stowed
position, without any persons on board if weather and sea conditions so
allow.
7.2 Inspection of the life-saving appliances, including lifeboat equipment, shall
be carried out monthly using the checklist required by regulation 36.1 to
ensure that they are complete and in good order. A report of the
inspection shall be entered in the log-book.

8. Servicing of inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets, marine

evacuation systems, and maintenance and repair of inflated
rescue boats
8.1 Every inflatable liferaft, inflatable lifejacket, and marine evacuation system
shall be serviced:
.1 at intervals not exceeding 12 months, provided where in any case this is
impracticable, the Administration may extend this period to 17 months; and
'Refer to the Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats
(MSC.l/Circ.l2()6/Rev.l).

Chapter IB: Life-saving appliances and arrangements

Regulation 20
.2 at an approved servicing station which is competent to service them,
maintains proper servicing facilities and uses only properly trained
personnel*

8.2 Rotational deployment of marine evacuation systems

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In addition to or in conjunction with the servicing intervals of marine evacuation
systems required by paragraph 8.1, each marine evacuation system should
be deployed from the ship on a rotational basis at intervals to be agreed
by the Administration provided that each system is to be deployed at least
once every six years.
8.3 An Administration which approves new and novel inflatable liferaft
arrangements pursuant to regulation 4 may allow for extended service
intervals on the following conditions:

8.3.1 The new and novel liferaft arrangement has proved to maintain the same
standard, as required by testing procedure, during extended service
intervals.

8.3.2 The liferaft system shall be checked on board by certified personnel

according to paragraph 8.1.1.

8.3.3 Service at intervals not exceeding five years shall be carried out in
accordance with the recommendations of the Organization.*

8.4 All repairs and maintenance of inflated rescue boats shall be carried out in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Emergency repairs may
be carried out on board the ship; however, permanent repairs shall be
effected at an approved servicing station.

8.5 An Administration which permits extension of liferaft service intervals in

accordance with paragraph 8.3 shall notify the Organization of such action in
accordance with regulation I/5(b).

9 Periodic servicing of hydrostatic release units

Hydrostatic release units, other than disposable hydrostatic release units, shall
be serviced:

.1 at intervals not exceeding 12 months, provided where in any case this is

impracticable, the Administration may extend this period to 17 months;'' and

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.2 at a servicing station which is competent to service them, maintains proper
servicing facilities and uses only properly trained personnel.

10 Marking of stowage locations

Containers, brackets, racks, and other similar stowage locations for life-saving
equipment shall be marked with symbols in accordance with the
recommendations of the Organization,* indicating the devices stowed
in that location for that purpose. If more than one device is stowed in that
location, the number of devices shall also be indicated.

11 Periodic servicing of launching appliances and on-load release gear

11.1 Launching appliances shall be:

.1 maintained in accordance with instructions for on-board maintenance as

required by regulation 36;

.2 subject to a thorough examination at the annual surveys required by

regulations 1/7 or 1/8, as applicable; and

.3 upon completion of the examination referred to in .2 subjected to a dynamic

test of the winch brake at maximum lowering speed. The load to be applied
shall be the mass of the survival craft or rescue boat without persons on board,
except that, at intervals not exceeding five years, the Refer to the
Recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for
inflatable liferafts adopted by the Organization by resolution A.761(18).
+ Refer to MSC/Circ.955, Servicing of life-saving appliances and radio
communication equipment under the harmonized system of survey and
certification (HSSC).
+ Refer to the Symbols related to life-saving appliances and arrangements
adopted by the Organization by resolution A.760(18).

Part B: Requirements for ships

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Regulation 21
test shall be carried out with a proof load equal to 1.1 times the weight of the
survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipment.

11.2 Lifeboat or rescue boat on-load release gear, including free-fall lifeboat
release systems, shall be:

.1 maintained in accordance with instructions for on-board maintenance as

required by regulation 36;

.2 subject to a thorough examination and operational test during the annual

surveys required by regulations 1/7 and 1/8 by properly trained personnel
familiar with the system; and

.3 operationally tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the boat
when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment whenever the
release gear is overhauled. Such overhauling and test shall be carried out at
least once every five years.*

11.3 Davit-launched liferaft automatic release hooks shall be:

.1 maintained in accordance with instructions for on-board maintenance as
required by regulation 36;

.2 subject to a thorough examination and operational test during the annual

surveys required by regulations 1/7 and 1/8 by properly trained personnel
familiar with the system; and

.3 operationally tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the liferaft
when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment whenever the
automatic release hook is overhauled. Such over-hauling and test shall be
carried out at least once every five years.*

Maintenance & Inspection of SCBA

Self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA’s) require inspection before and
their use to ensure that they may provide the protection expected when they
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are needed. The operating units that possess SCBA’s in their installation,
floating equipment or dock must inspect them after each use and on a monthly
basis.

2.0 Components of the monthly inspection and after each use.

2.1 Conditions of the mask

2.1.1 Inspect the mask and locate any damage to the rubber, dirt, cracks, tears,
holes and stickiness.
2.1.2 Verify that there are no ruptures or losses of elasticity in the mask, elastic
bands and buckles. Verify that the bands have not deteriorated because of
excessive use.
2.1.3 Inspect the visor for cracks, scratches, and check that the seal with the
rubber of the mask is airtight.
2.1.4 The exhalation valve must be cleaned and operated easily. The valve must
move outside the seat and return when released.
2.1.5 Inspect the connections of the mask for damage. Verify the presence of
the spider rubber and the valve disk.

2.2 Conditions of the manometer of the cylinder

2.2.1 Make sure that you can see clearly through the lens the pointers as well as the
marks. Also make sure the valve or base of the manometer is not twisted.

2.3 SCBA with ICM alarm system and manometer

2.3.1 Verify that the cylinder bell and the ICM unit ring while opening slowly the
cylinder valve. This test ensures that the alarms are in operating
conditions.
2.3.2 Make sure the bell is properly aligned and tightened.

2.4 High and low pressure hose

Verify that the high and low pressure hose does not have any cuts or
severe abrasion.

2.5 Conditions of the cylinder

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2.5.1 Verify that the working pressure of the cylinder is within a range of not
less than 10% of the working pressure specified. For example, for 4, 000-
psi cylinders, the pressure shall not be less than 3,600 psi. The cylinders
that do not meet this requirement should be taken out of service to be
refilled.

2.5.2 Inspect the cylinder’s valve for evidence of damage. The valve may be
opened slowly to make sure it is working properly. Make sure the valve is
shut completely.

2.5.3 Inspect the body of cylinder for cracks, dents, weak areas, signs of
abrasive corrosion of the fiber or paint or if it has dark stains due to
exposure to fire.

2.5.4 Verify that the rings of the cylinder and the manometer are in good
condition.

2.7 Harness
2.7.1 Inspect all of the components of the harness for cuts, tears, abrasion or
signs of exposure to heat or chemical damages.

2.7.2 Verify that the screws, washers, and nuts are secured.

2.8 Cylinder loader

2.8.1 Verify that the bands and latches hold the cylinder firmly. Operate the end of the
latch to make sure it opens and closes properly and that it holds the cylinder
firmly. If the cylinder band and the latch are closed, the end of the latch should
not rotate.
2.8.2 Inspect the back plate for cracks, weak areas, or signs of exposure to fire or
chemical damage.
3.0 All SCBA that does not meet inspection criteria shall be taken to the
Miraflores East Station on the Pacific or the Gatun East Station on the
Atlantic for repair or replacement.

4.0 Records
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Once the inspection is completed a label must be placed on the SCBA to
indicate the initials of the designated person and the date of the inspection. In
addition, a record similar to the inspection form for SCBA shown at the end of
this procedure must be made

Maintenance & Inspection of Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable and Semi-portable Fire Extinguishers:-

7.1 Inspection guideline:
7.1.1 The periodical inspection and maintenance of all the portable and semi-
portable extinguishers onboard shall be governed, as a minimum, by the
IMO Resolution A.951(23) - “Improved guidelines for marine portable fire
extinguishers.”

Periodical inspections and maintenance

9.1 Extinguishers should be subject to periodical inspections in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding
one year.

9.1.1 At least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and
kept on board a ship should be test discharged at five yearly intervals (as
part of a fire drill).

9.1.2 All extinguishers together with propellant cartridges should be

hydraulically tested in accordance with the recognized standard or the
manufacturer’s instruction at intervals not exceeding ten years.

9.1.3 Service and inspection should only be undertaken by, or under the
supervision of, a person with demonstrable competence, based on the
inspection guide in table 9.1.3.

9.2 Records of inspections should be maintained. The records should show the
date of inspection, the type of maintenance carried out and whether or
not a pressure test was performed.
9.3 Extinguishers should be provided with a visual indication of discharge.

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9.4 Instructions for recharging extinguishers should be supplied by the
manufacturer and be available for use on board.

*******************************

7.1.2 A portable extinguisher is one, which is designed to be carried and

operated by hand, and which in working order has a total weight of not
more than 23 kg. A semi-portable fire extinguisher means wheeled
(mobile) fire extinguishers of higher capacity.
7.1.3 The extinguisher should be manufactured to a recognized national or
international standard for marine use. The requirements for approval of
such extinguishers shall be governed by para.6 of the DGS Order 6 of
2013.

7.2 Annual Maintenance:

7.2.1 All fire extinguishers must be checked for proper location, charging
pressure, and condition, according to the ship's Fire Control Plan (FCP) and
should be subject to periodical inspections in accordance with the
manufacturer‟s instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding one
year and duly recorded by a management level officer whose identity is
clearly decipherable. During these services any plastic collars, etc. which
may conceal the condition of the cylinder underneath need to be removed
to aid in the inspection.

7.2.2 This servicing, covering only the basic aspects, can be undertaken by
Competent Crewmembers or by an authorized service agency, at the
choice of the ship owner. If undertaken by ship-staff, it should be carried
out as part Guidelines for Periodical Maintenance of Fire Fighting Systems
Page 7 of a Planned Maintenance System with all necessary procedures,
work instructions, tools and equipment readily available.

KAPO GPS 12
7.2.3 Each extinguisher should be provided with a sign (maintenance label)
clearly and indelibly indicating that it has been examined on a certain date
by a competent person.
7.2.4 Records of inspections should be maintained onboard for verification,
showing, inter-alia, the date of inspection, the type of maintenance
carried out and whether or not a pressure test was performed.

7.2.5 Charges of dry chemical/water type fire extinguishers should be renewed

if, on checking, there is any indication of deterioration in the contents or
as specified by the manufacturer, but in any case not later than once every
five years.

7.2.6 The premixed agent in liquid charge-type AFFF (aqueous film-forming

foam) and FFFP (film-forming fluoro-protein foam) fire extinguishers shall
be replaced at least once every year. The agent in solid charge-type AFFF
fire extinguishers shall be replaced once every 5 years (Ref. BIS
2190:2010).

7.2.7 Carbon dioxide extinguishers and gas expellant cartridges should be

recharged or renewed if the gas loss by weight exceeds 10 % of the
original charge. 7.2.8 Dry powder extinguishers may suffer from
compaction when subject to vibration. At least one extinguisher should
therefore be discharged annually at random and the retention of contents
checked. When the retention is found to be in excess of 15% of the initial
charge, further extinguishers should be discharged to determine the
average compaction that is seen to be occurring.

7.2.9 Any extinguisher or bottle which indicates excessive corrosion shall be

replaced.

7.3 Five year service:

At least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same years
and kept onboard a ship should be test discharged once every five year
intervals (as part of a fire drill), in any case.

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7.4 Ten year service:
7.4.1 Containers of permanently pressurized and non-permanently pressurized
portable/ non-portable fire extinguishers together with propellant
cartridges should be hydraulically pressure tested as specified in the
respective Guidelines for Periodical Maintenance of Fire Fighting Systems
Page 8 national/international standard or as per the manufacturer’s
instructions and in any case at intervals not exceeding ten (10) years.

7.4.2 This hydrostatic test shall not be carried out onboard and shall be
undertaken by an authorized service agency. Appropriate test records /
certificates duly endorsed by the competent person of the Service station,
with his identity readily decipherable, shall be retained onboard for
verification.

7.5 Spare Charges, Additional Fire Extinguishers and Refilling

of Extinguishers:

7.5.1 Spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first 10 extinguishers and
50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged
onboard. Not more than 60% total spare charges are required to be
maintained onboard. Instructions for recharging shall be carried on board.

7.5.2 For fire extinguishers which cannot be recharged onboard, additional

readyto-use portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type,
capacity shall be carried in lieu of spare charges.

7.5.3 Periodic refilling of the cylinders should be in accordance with the

manufacturer‟s recommendations. Only refills approved for the
concerned extinguisher may be used for recharging. Partially emptied
extinguishers should be recharged immediately.

7.6 Number and arrangement of portable fire extinguishers: The number and
arrangement of portable fire extinguishers in accommodation spaces,
service spaces, control stations machinery spaces of category A, other
machinery spaces, cargo spaces, weather deck and other spaces shall be
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 as per the approved Fire Control Plan (FCP) on board ship. However, for
vessels constructed on or after 1 January 2009, it shall comply with the
MSC.1/Circ. 1275, as minimum.

construction, stability & markings of inflatable 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 floating liferaft shall be capable of withstanding repeated jumps on to it

from a height of at least 4.5 m above its floor both with and without the canopy
erected.

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.

The liferaft shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposure which is
automatically set in place when the liferaft is launched and waterborne.

No liferaft shall be approved which has a carrying capacity of less than six
persons Unless the liferaft is to be launched by an approved launching
appliance or is not required to be stowed in a position providing for easy side-
to-side transfer, the total mass of the liferaft, its container and its equipment
shall not be more than 185 kg.

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The liferaft shall be fitted with an efficient painter of length equal to not less
than 10 m plus the distance from the stowed position to the waterline in the
lightest seagoing condition or 15 m whichever is the greater.

Davit-launched liferafts
In addition to the above requirements,
a liferaft for use with an approved launching appliance shall:
when the liferaft is loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment,
be capable of withstanding a lateral impact against the ship's side at an impact
velocity of not less than 3.5 m/s and also a drop into the water from a height of
not less than 3 m without damage that will affect its function;
be provided with means for bringing the liferaft alongside the embarkation deck
and holding it securely during embarkation.

Every passenger ship davit-launched liferaft

shall be so arranged that it can be rapidly boarded by its full complement of
persons.
Every cargo ship davit-launched liferaft 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.

The marking required on liferafts equipped in accordance with LSA code

regulation 4.1.5.1 shall be "SOLAS A PACK" in block capitals of the Roman
alphabet.

In the case of passenger ships engaged on short international voyages of such a

nature and duration that, in the opinion of the Administration, not all the items
specified in paragraph 4.1.5.1 are necessary, and "SOLAS B PACK" should be
marked in block capitals of the Roman alphabet on liferaft.

The liferaft painter system shall provide a connection between the ship and the
liferaft and shall be so arranged as to ensure that the liferaft when released

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and, in the case of an inflatable liferaft, inflated is not dragged under by the
sinking ship.
- If a weak link is used in the float-free arrangement, it shall:

- not be broken by the force required to pull the painter from the liferaft
container;

- if applicable, be of sufficient strength to permit the inflation of the liferaft;

and break under a strain of 2.2 ± 0.4 kN.

The liferaft shall be packed in a container that is:

so constructed as to withstand hard wear under conditions encountered at sea;

of sufficient inherent buoyancy, when packed with the liferaft and its
equipment, to pull the painter from within and to operate the inflation
mechanism should the ship sink;
as far as practicable watertight, except for drain holes in the container bottom.
The container shall be marked with:
- maker's name or trade mark;
- serial number;
- name of approving authority and the number of persons it is permitted to
carry;

SOLAS;
- type of emergency pack enclosed;
- date when last serviced;
- length of painter;
- maximum permitted height of stowage above waterline (depending on
drop-test height and length of painter);
- launching instructions.

General requirements of immersion suit and anti exposure

suit

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The immersion suit
The immersion suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that:
it can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min, taking into
account any associated clothing, and a lifejacket
- if the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket;
- it will not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally
enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds;
- it will cover the whole body with the exception of the face. Hands shall
also be covered unless permanently attached gloves are provided;
- it is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in the legs
of the suit;
following a jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water there is no
undue ingress of water into the suit.

An immersion suit which also complies with the requirements of life-jackets

may be classified as a life-jacket.

An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is designed to be worn without a

lifejacket shall be fitted with a light and the whistle complying with the
requirements for life-jackets.

If the immersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket, the lifejacket

shall be worn over the immersion suit.
A person wearing such an immersion suit shall be able to don a lifejacket
without assistance.

In that case immersion suit shall permit the person wearing it:
- to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5 m in length;
- to perform normal duties associated with abandonment;
- to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water without
damaging or dislodging the immersion suit, or being injured;
to swim a short distance through the water and board a survival craft.

An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulation shall be:
.1 marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm
clothing;
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.2 so constructed that, when worn in conjunction with warm clothing, and with
a lifejacket if the immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket, the
immersion suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protection,
following one jump by the wearer into the water from a height of 4.5 m,
to ensure that when it is worn for a period of 1h in calm circulating water
at a temperature of 5°C, the wearer's body core temperature does not fall
more than 2°C.
An immersion suit made of material with inherent insulation, when worn
either on its own or with a lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn in
conjunction with a lifejacket, shall provide the wearer with sufficient
thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5
m, to ensure that the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more
than 2°C after a period of 6h immersion in calm circulating water at a
temperature of between 0°C and 2°C.

A person in fresh water wearing either an immersion suit or an immersion suit

with a lifejacket, shall be able to turn from a face-down to a face-up position in
not more than 5 seconds.

Anti-exposure suits

The anti-exposure suit shall be constructed with waterproof materials such that
it:
- provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N;
- is made of material which reduces the risk of heat stress during rescue
and evacuation operations;
- covers the whole body with the exception of the head and hands and,
where the Administration so permits, feet; gloves and a hood shall be
provided in such a manner as to remain available for use with the anti-
exposure suits;
- can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;
does not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped
in a fire for a period of 2 seconds;
- is equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone;
- has a lateral field of vision of at least 120°.
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An anti-exposure suit which also complies with the requirements of life-jackets
may be classified as a life-jacket.
An anti-exposure suit shall permit the person wearing it:
- to climb up and down a vertical ladder of at least 5 m in length;
- to jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water with feet first,
without damaging or dislodging the suit, or being injured;
- to swim through the water at least 25 m and board a survival craft;
- to don a lifejacket without assistance; and
- to perform all duties associated with abandonment, assist others and
operate a rescue boat.

An anti-exposure suit shall be fitted with a light complying with the

requirements for life jackets.

An anti-exposure suit shall:

- if made of material which has no inherent insulation, be marked with
instructions that it must be worn in conjunction with warm clothing;
- be so constructed, that when worn as marked, the suit continues to
provide sufficient thermal protection following one jump into the water
which totally submerges the wearer and shall ensure that when it is worn
in calm circulating water at a temperature of 5°C, the wearer's body core
temperature does not fall at a rate of more than 1.5°C per hour, after the
first 0.5 hours.
A person in fresh water wearing an anti-exposure suit complying with the
requirements of this section shall be able to turn from a facedown
to a face-up position in not more than 5 seconds and shall be stable face-up.
The suit shall have no tendency to turn the wearer face-down in moderate sea
condition.

Advantages of conducting drills

The purpose of carrying out any kind of drill on the ships is to make the crew
acquainted with various procedures to be followed during emergency
situations.
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it is a way to make the ship personnel acquainted with the equipment and
methods that are to be used during a crises situation.

Fire drill is one such drill which holds great importance on ships. It helps the
ship’s crew to understand the basics of fire prevention and also help with the
following:

• To prepare the crew in dealing with an emergency situation that may arise
because of a fire on board ship.
• It makes each and every crew familiar with the task he or she has to
perform in case of actual emergency.
• To train the crew in using fire fighting appliances such as SCBA, different
types of fire extinguishers, CO2 flooding system, Neil Robertson
Stretcher, Inert Gas System, fireman’s outfit, life jackets, sprinkler
system etc.
• Helps the crew to understand the procedure to operate a particular fire
fighting system and precautions that are to be taken before operating the
equipment. For e.g. there are certain imperative steps that need to be
carried out before starting the CO2 fire fighting system for the engine
room.
• To make the crew acquainted with the location of the emergency escape
routes which would be used in case of inaccessibility of a particular zone
• To familiarize the crew with company’s fire and safety regulations,
important points on personal safety and survival at the sea, recent safety
circulars and M notices, and fire fighting appliances and preventive
measures on ships

It is extremely important that the fire drill is carried out in as realistic manner as
possible in order to make the crew aware of the situations that might arise
during fire on ships.

Annual Drill plans

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KAPO GPS 22
An Act to give effect to the Convention concerning the protection against
accidents of workers employed in loading and unloading ships
CONTENTS

1. Short title, Extent, Commencement and Application

2. Definitions
3. Inspectors
4. Powers of Inspectors
5. Power to Central Government to make regulations
6. Power to Central Government to make rules
7. General provisions relating to regulations and rules
8. Abstracts of Act and regulations to be conspicuously posted
9. Penalties
10. Provisions relating to jurisdiction
11. Power to exempt
12. Protection to persons acting under this Act

(2) The Chief Inspector shall also exercise the powers of an

Inspector.
(3) The Chief Inspector and all Inspectors shall be deemed to be public servants
within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

4. Powers of Inspectors. -An Inspector may, at any port for which he is

appointed, -
(a) Enter, with such assistance (if any), as he thinks fit, any ship, dock,
warehouse or other premises, where any dock work is being carried on, or
where he has reason to believe that any dock work is being carried on; (b)
Make examination of the ship, dock, lifting machinery, cargo gear, staging,
transport equipment, warehouses or other premises, used or to he used,
for any dock work;

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(c) Require the production of any register, muster roll or other document
relating to the employment or dock workers and examine such document;

(d) Take on the spot or otherwise such evidence of any person, which he may
deem necessary: Provided that no person shall be compelled under this
section to answer any question or give any evidence tending to
incriminate himself;

(e) Take copies of registers, records or other documents or portions thereof as

lie may consider relevant in respect of any offence which lie has reason to
believe has been committed or for the purpose of any inquiry; (f) Take
photograph, sketch, sample, measure or record, as he may consider
necessary for the purpose of any examination or inquiry;

(g) Hold an inquiry into the causes of any accident which he has reason to
believe was the result of the collapse or failure of lifting machinery,
transport equipment, staging or non-compliance with any of the
provisions of this Act or the regulations;

(h) Issue shows cause notice relating to the safety, health and welfare
provisions arising under this Act or the regulations;

(i) Prosecute, conduct or defend before any court any complaint or other
proceedings arising under this Act or the regulations;

(j) Exercise such other powers as may be conferred upon him by the regulations.

5. Powers of Inspectors where employment of dock workers

are dangerous. –
(1) If it appears to an Inspector that any place at which any dock work is being
carried on is in such a condition that it is dangerous to life, safety or
health, of dock workers, he may, in writing, serve on the owner or on the
person in charge of such place an order prohibiting any dock work in such

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 place until measures have been taken to remove the cause of the danger
to his satisfaction.

(2) An Inspector serving an order under sub-section

(1) shall endorse a copy to the Chief Inspector who may modify or cancel the
order without waiting for an appeal.
6. Facilities to be afforded to an Inspector. -The owner or the person in charge
of the place at which any dock work is being carried on, shall afford the
Chief Inspector or the Inspector all reasonable facilities for making any
entry, inspection, survey measurement', examination or inquiry under this
Act or the regulations.

(c) “authorised person” :

means a person authorised by the employer, the master of the ship or a
responsible person to undertake a specific task or tasks and possessing
necessary technical knowledge and experience for undertaking the task or
tasks;

(d) “competent person” means—

(i) a person belonging to a testing establishment in India who is approved by the
Chief Inspector for the purpose of testing, examination or annealing and
certification of lifting appliances, loose gears or wire ropes;
(ii) any other person who is recognised under the relevant regulations in force
in other countries as competent for issuing certificates for any of the
purposes mentioned in sub-clause (i) for the implementation of the
Protection Against Accidents (Dockers) Convention (Revised), 1932 (No.
32) and the Convention concerning Occupational Safety and Health in
Dock Work (No. 152), 1979, adopted by the International Labour
Conference;

“responsible person” :
means a person appointed by the employer, the master of the ship, the
owner of the gear or port authorities, as the case may be, to be
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 responsible for the performance of a specific duty or duties and who has
sufficient knowledge and experience and the requisite authority for the
proper performance of the duty or duties;

The salient features of the Dock Workers (Safety, Health and

Welfare) Regulations are –
• Appointment of Safety Officers and Welfare Officers for dock work;
Constitution of Safety Committees and the implementations of the decisions
taken therein;
• Duties of “authorized persons”;
• Training of dock personnel;
• Initial and periodical medical examination of dock workers;
• Provision for safety in container handling and container terminals;
• Provision for protection against harmful effects of excessive noise, vibration
and
• air pollution;
• Provision on Emergency Action Plan;
• Provision on canteen facilities.

1.2 Objectives
The objectives of this Code are:
.1 to establish an international framework involving co-operation between
Contracting Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the
shipping and port industries to detect security threats and take preventive
measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in
international trade;
.2 to establish the respective roles and responsibilities of the Contracting
Governments, Government agencies, local administrations and the shipping and
port industries, at the national and international level for ensuring maritime
security;
.3 to ensure the early and efficient collection and exchange of security-related
information;
.4 to provide a methodology for security assessments so as to have in place plans and
procedures to react to changing security levels; and
.5 to ensure confidence that adequate and proportionate maritime security measures
are in place.

9.2 All SSPs should:

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.1 detail the organizational structure of security for the ship;
.2 detail the ship.s relationships with the Company, port facilities, other ships and
relevant authorities with security responsibility;
.3 detail the communication systems to allow effective continuous communication
within the ship and between the ship and others, including port facilities;
.4 detail the basic security measures for security level 1, both operational and
physical, that will always be in place;
.5 detail the additional security measures that will allow the ship to progress without
delay to security level 2 and, when necessary, to security level 3;
.6 provide for regular review, or audit, of the SSP and for its amendment in response
to experience or changing circumstances; and
.7 reporting procedures to the appropriate Contracting Governments contact points.
9.3 Preparation of an effective SSP should rest on a thorough assessment of all issues that
relate to the security of the ship, including, in particular, a thorough appreciation of the physical
and operational characteristics, including the voyage pattern, of the individual ship.
9.4 All SSPs should be approved by, or on behalf of, the Administration. If an
Administration uses a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) to review or approve the SSP the
RSO should not be associated with any other RSO that prepared, or assisted in the preparation
of,
the plan.

Ship security officer means the person on board the ship, accountable to the
master, designated by the Company as responsible for the security of the ship,
including implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan and for
liaison with the company security officer and port facility security officers.

CSOs and Ship Security Officers (SSOs) should develop procedures to:
.1 assess the continuing effectiveness of the SSP; and
.2 prepare amendments of the plan subsequent to its approval.

Chain Register of Lifting appliances

The tests, examinations and inspections indicated in this Register are based on the requirements of the ILO
Convention No. 152 and Recommendation No. 160. They are intended to ensure that ships’ lifting
appliances are initially certified by a competent person and to establish periodically that they continue to be
in safe working order to the satisfaction of a competent person acceptable to the competent authority. A
Register of Lifting appliances and items of loose gear shall be kept in a form prescribed by the competent
authority, account being taken of this model recommended by the International Labour Office. This Register
and related Certificates shall be kept and be available to any person authorised by the competent authority.
The Register and Certificates for gear currently aboard the ship shall be preserved for at least five years after
the date of the last entry.

Survey report 4.3.1 A noise survey report shall be made for each ship. The report shall comprise information
on the noise levels in the various spaces on board. The report shall show the reading at each specified
measuring point. The points shall be marked on a general arrangement plan, or on accommodation drawings
attached to the report, or shall otherwise be identified. 4.3.2 The format for noise survey reports is set out in
appendix 1. 4.3.3 The noise survey report shall always be carried on board and be accessible for the crew. C

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