In general, the minimum standards set out in 46 CFR for inspected vessels are adequate for research vessels. Within SOLAS, oceanographic research vessels fall into a group defined as “Special Purpose Vessels” and are subsequently grouped as “Cargo Vessels.”
However, the minimum standards set forth by 46 CFR 25-28 of Subchapter C for uninspected vessels are substandard for any vessel which operates on coastal or ocean routes unless a vessel is operating well inshore. The RVSS takes the position that research vessels, while operating on ocean routes (20 or more miles offshore), shall meet the general principles and standards set forth by 46 CFR 199 Subchapter W for vessels not subject to SOLAS.
The following definitions apply to this chapter:
NVIC 2-92 addresses survival equipment for life rafts. A transition has been in progress, which has resulted in oceangoing vessels replacing “ocean” and “limited” service life rafts. The new life rafts will be “SOLAS A” (equivalent to ocean service), “SOLAS B” (equivalent to limited service) and “coastal” service life rafts. The changes to the SOLAS requirements for A and B Pack rafts include “an efficient radar reflector”, “thermal protective aids ...sufficient for 10% of the number of persons the life raft is permitted”, and being “fitted with retro reflective material”.
All vessels shall be provided with a USCG approved PFD for each person on board. Vessels over 65 ft and all vessels operating in the open ocean should carry Type 1 PFDs. Vessels under 65 ft operating in protected waters should carry life jackets for their size as prescribed by 46 CFR 25.25-5. Each life preserver must be fitted with a USCG approved light (USCG and SOLAS approved for SOLAS vessels), and retro reflective material of approved type. Lifejackets should be marked with the name of the vessel or operating institution. Details on lifejackets may be found in 46 CFR 199.70 and 46 CFR 25.25.
Immersion suits are required for vessels operating north of 32 degrees north and south of 32 degrees south and should be type approved under series 46 CFR 160.171. See 46 CFR 199.70c for details of requirements, markings, stowage, and required attachments and fittings. The immersion suits should be marked and equipped the same as life preservers and stowed in close proximity to working or living areas.
Because immersion suits take longer to don than life preservers, periodic donning drills must be scheduled per CFR for both crew and scientists. 46 CFR 199.180(d)(12) requires all persons other than crew to receive instruction on donning immersion suits monthly. 46 CFR 199.180(d)(11) requires all crewmembers to don an immersion suit every 3 months.
All inspected and uninspected vessels under 328 ft (100m) in length in ocean service shall carry a minimum of eight ring life buoys that shall be stowed, marked, and have attachments per 46 CFR 199.70(a). Life buoys must be stowed so they can be rapidly cast loose, may not be permanently attached to the vessel, and each position must be marked with either the words “LIFEBUOY” or “LIFE BUOY” or the appropriate IMO designated symbol. They must be distributed so they are readily available on either side of the vessel, with at least one near the stern. At least two life buoys fitted with self-activating smoke signals shall be stowed near the bridge where they can be easily released. Life buoys fitted with self-activating smoke shall also be fitted with self-illuminating lights. Each life buoy must be marked in block capital letters with the vessels name and homeport. At least one life buoy on each side shall be fitted with a buoyant lifeline at least 100 ft long. Half the total number of life buoys shall be fitted with approved self-illuminating lights.
For vessels 65 ft or over in length and in services other than ocean (not more than 20 miles offshore), lifebuoys should be stored, marked, and fitted with attachments and fittings as per 46 CFR 199.70(a). For vessels over 65 ft and under 98 ft the minimum number of life buoys to be carried shall be three and for vessels over 98 ft and under 196 ft a minimum of four life rings shall be carried. (46 CFR 199.630) One ring buoy on either side of the vessel shall have 100 ft (30m) of buoyant line attached. All ring buoys shall be marked in capital letters with the name and homeport of the vessel. At least two of the ring buoys with water lights attached shall also be provided with a self-activated smoke signal and capable of quick release from the bridge. While these are not legally required on other voyages, they are strongly recommended minimums.
All uninspected vessels over 26 ft and under 65 ft in services other than ocean (not more than 20 miles off shore) shall be equipped with a minimum of at least one ring life buoys which shall be equipped with a line at least 60 ft in length and shall be placed so as to be readily accessible to the persons on board. The position of the life buoy shall be plainly indicated. (46 CFR 25.25-5)
All vessels in coastwise or ocean service must carry, in the pilothouse or other suitable location, the following minimum pyrotechnic distress signals: 12 approved rocket, parachute, red flare distress signals contained in an approved portable water-tight container. Each approved signal must have an expiration date marked on it and that date must not be more than 42 months from the date of manufacture. (46 CFR 199.60(c))
Rescue Boat: All inspected vessels must have a rescue boat approved under approval series 46 CFR 160.156 and be equipped as specified in table 46 CRF 199.175 and shall comply with requirements for stowage, launch and embarkation. (46 CFR 199.262)
None.
Survival Craft: SOLAS vessels constructed after July 1, 1986 must be in conformance with the new requirements. Existing SOLAS ships were subject to these requirements July 1, 1991. Older vessels may continue to use life rafts approved for “ocean service” with an “ocean service” equipment pack so long as they remain in good condition. Inspected vessels not required to comply with SOLAS may use the SOLAS A Pack, Ocean Service, or Limited Service (with SOLAS B equipment pack) life rafts as appropriate. “Coastal” service life rafts with a “coastal” equipment pack shall only be used for uninspected vessels operating within 20 miles of the coast.
Requirements for Life Preservers and Lifesaving equipment on uninspected vessels in Subchapter C are contained in 46 CFR 25.5. UNOLS Vessels should adhere to the higher standards in this chapter under section 17.4 in addition to the basic requirements in section 17.2.
None.
UNOLS research vessels shall carry an additional number of life preservers readily accessible for the personnel on watch in the engine room, pilothouse, laboratories, and lookout. Lifejackets should be distributed throughout the crew and scientific quarters and other places accessible to each person on board.
In addition to the legal requirements, each UNOLS operator shall carry this equipment, based on local or operational circumstances. Operators especially should consider water temperature in all areas of operations, local or otherwise. 46 CFR 199.70 applies to vessels operating north of 32 degrees north and south of 32 degrees south.
The work vest, Type V PFD, is an item of safety apparel and an adequate number of approved work vests must be carried for use by personnel working near or over water. They are not an acceptable substitute for life jackets and shall not be stowed in the same location. Operators shall outfit their work vests with retro reflective material as a minimum, with a PFD light and Global Positioning System (GPS) locators being additional recommendations. Because of the nature of their use, these vests will require replacement more frequently than other lifesaving equipment and frequent inspections are therefore necessary. There are a number of floatation suits and coats available that are recommended when operations take place in a low temperature environment. However, unless these are Coast Guard approved, they may not be substituted for work vests. (46 CFR 26.30 and 46 CFR 196.34)
All UNOLS research vessels between 65 ft and 98 ft shall comply with the inspected vessel standards.
All vessels need to maintain a capability to quickly recover a person in the water. On inspected vessels, rescue boats provide this means. All uninspected vessels have a responsibility and should maintain a capability to recover a person in the water. There is no requirement for uninspected vessels to carry rescue boats. However, consideration should be given to types of operations the vessel will be conducting, vessel maneuverability, and vessel freeboard. It is recommended that uninspected vessels have a designated rescue boat when operating in ocean service, coastwise service, or in the Great Lakes. The vessel’s workboat may be designated as the rescue boat. In so doing due consideration must be given to the workboats suitability for such purposes and the need to be readily launched, embarked, easily recovered, and suitable for existing conditions (46 CFR 199.640(g)). Since the vessel’s workboat may be used for other science support purposes, the vessel operator should decide whether or not the boat should comply with state motorboat registration rules or be marked as a ship’s boat.
Survival Craft needs for uninspected vessels are unclear and inadequate. Therefore, the following minimum standards shall apply for UNOLS Research Vessels:
Inflatable life rafts are the only type of buoyant apparatus acceptable for uninspected vessels operating in the open ocean more than 20 miles from shore. Each vessel shall carry life rafts or a SOLAS A life raft (or equivalent ocean service if they remain in good condition) with an aggregate capacity sufficient to accommodate the total number of persons on board and that are stowed in a position providing for easy side to side transfer at a single open deck level, or with an aggregate capacity on each side of the ship to accommodate the total number of persons on board (46 CFR 199.261 and 46 CFR 199.640). Life raft capacity shall be prominently displayed near each raft. They shall be of a capacity of six persons or more. They shall be stowed and equipped with hydrostatic release or float free link (46 CFR 199.130). Life rafts and releases shall be inspected and serviced at approximately 12-month intervals at a facility approved by the manufacturer and US Coast Guard to service the specific type of life raft
Vessels over 65 ft in length and not operating more than 20 miles beyond shore shall give due consideration to vessels service, operating area, and environmental conditions including water temperature when selecting an appropriate survival craft. Any US Coast Guard approved type buoyant apparatus may be used. The institutional decision to carry equipment must be based on the vessel’s service and operating area. When carried, the apparatus should be of a capacity sufficient for all persons on board, or the number of persons on board limited to the capacity of the apparatus. The apparatus shall be mounted so it can be readily launched and, when unlashed, will float free should the vessel sink. Each will be attached to the vessel by a painter and float free link (NVIC 1-83). Each apparatus will be marked as per 46 CFR 199.640(j)(3). Also, each shall be equipped for the service of the vessel and periodically examined for integrity and condition.
Vessels operating in “cold water” where the monthly mean low water temperature is below 59 degrees F (15 degrees C) shall carry an inflatable life raft with a coastal service pack. Cold-water areas are defined in NVIC 7-91. Each vessel shall carry life rafts with an aggregate capacity sufficient to accommodate the total number of persons on board and are stowed in position providing easy side-to-side transfer at a single open deck level, or with an aggregate capacity on each side of the ship to accommodate the total number of persons on board. Each raft shall prominently display life raft capacity. Rafts shall be stowed and equipped with a hydrostatic release or float free link. Life rafts and releases shall be inspected at approximately 12-month intervals at a facility approved by the manufacturer and the U. S. Coast Guard to service the specific type of life raft. If a life raft canister is damaged or the seal broken, the life raft shall be serviced again promptly by an approved facility. Hydrostatic releases shall be provided with stainless steel tags on which is stamped their annual test dates (46 CFR 160.062-4).
Embarkation aids in the form of ladders or other suitable devices and continuous illumination shall be provided at life raft stowage and launching areas. (46 CFR 199.110)
Vessels operating in “warm water” where the monthly mean low water temperature is normally more the 59 degrees F (15 degrees C) may give consideration to carrying inflatable buoyant apparatus. Vessels opting to carry inflatable buoyant apparatus, or life floats shall insure they are stowed, equipped and marked in accordance with guidelines set forth in 46 CFR 199.640(j).
Inspected vessels shall comply with those requirements for Muster List and Emergency Instructions contained in 46 CFR 199.180. These same requirements shall apply to all vessels in ocean service.
For uninspected vessels, clear instructions must be provided to each person on board a vessel in the event of an emergency. Copies of muster lists shall be posted in conspicuous locations and shall be current for the particular voyage. Each muster list shall include at a minimum, instructions for operating the general emergency alarm system, emergency signals, actions to be taken when an emergency signal is sounded, and duties assigned to members of the ship’s crew.
Emergency instructions and illustrations shall be posted in each cabin occupied by personnel on board. The instructions and illustrations shall include fire and emergency signals, muster station, location of lifejackets, and methods of donning lifejackets. As an alternative smaller uninspected research vessels may consider complying with 46 CFR 28.265 for uninspected fishing vessels.
Training and drills for inspected vessels are addressed in 46 CFR 199.180. These same requirements shall apply to all vessels in ocean service. As an alternative uninspected vessels may comply with those requirements for drills and orientation on fishing vessels contained in 46 CFR 28.270.
Vessel operators shall also make available tethers for use as appropriate by persons involved in deck operations. These should be comprised of an easy-release belt or shoulder harness and buoyant line. There is no Coast Guard approval requirement.
Lifeboats, life rafts, ring life buoys, rescue boats, work boats, life floats, and personal floatation devices shall have retro reflective material which is Coast Guard approved for that application and is approved under 46 CFR 164.018. (46 CFR 25.25-15)
The handling of oceanographic equipment poses a high risk of a person on deck falling overboard, and a vessel with equipment over the side is usually not able to maneuver freely to make a recovery. All UNOLS vessels must maintain a capability to recover a person in the water. Depending on the vessel’s operating characteristics and responses to weather and sea conditions this capability may include a line-throwing appliance. Reliability and speed are the main criteria for developing a recovery capability. On the approved equipment list there are two approved line-throwing devices:
Training in the use of the line throwing gun or device shall be held quarterly and logged. All vessels should actually fire these devices at a frequency appropriate to maintain proficiency. (46 CFR 199.170 and 46 CFR 199.180(e))
Vessels equipped with Stearns Ultra 4000 inflatable PFDs (or equivalent) with manual and automatic features and outfitted with the ACR ResQFix™ 406 PERSONAL LOCATION BEACON (PLB) will provide them to scientists and crew while working on the open deck. Should an overboard situation arise, the vest will inflate automatically and the PLB can be activated giving a GPS location while simultaneously transmitting a signal on 121.5 MHz (Search and Rescue (SAR) homing frequency) to assist rescuers once in the general area. NOTE: Some vessels are equipped with Radio Direction Finders that can track on 121.5 MHz
Vessels equipped with the MUSTANG SURVIVAL RESCUE STICK or other new water-rescue devices will place them in locations in close proximity to existing throwable life rings. The RESCUE STICK ™ is a throwable personal floatation device that inflates into a horseshoe shape upon contact with the water. The RESCUE STICK can be thrown over 100 feet with good accuracy making it more effective than a standard life ring.
None
Lifesaving equipment carried in excess of CFR requirements should still be of a type approved by those regulations and should be maintained in accordance with those regulations.
The Master should determine when activities on deck or circumstances require the wearing of work vests, work suits or inflatable work vests and ensure these requirements are known and followed by all personnel on board.
Care must be used in designating and marking life rafts. Life rafts are approved for service separately from the equipment pack provided.
Immersion suits are expensive and must be ready for use when needed, but must also be used for training, which can damage the suits. To save wear on emergency equipment, operators may want to have some suits marked “not serviceable -- drill only” and separately stowed for this purpose. These suits often tend to crack along fold lines when packed and stored for long periods, and at least quarterly suits should be hung unfolded for a day. Vessels should have available small adult and oversize adult sizes if there will be persons on board under 110 lbs or over 330 lbs. If persons with disabilities are on board, special suits may be required. Immersion suits shall be tagged or marked on the outside of the bag with the date of the last inspection.
When re-stowing life preservers after drills, each shall be checked for condition. At least semi-annually a thorough inspection of each lifejacket shall be made by a qualified crewmember, including a squeeze to ensure floatation pads are still sealed.
Chemiluminescent type lights should be avoided on vessels operating in near-freezing waters.
Litters and Stretchers: Litters or stretchers that are used to evacuate an ill or injured person from a vessel should be equipped with floatation.
Dated Materials: Many items of lifesaving equipment, such as flares, EPIRB batteries and life raft supplies, have a specified, limited service life. Care shall be taken to ensure these items are marked with an expiration date upon being placed into service, and records shall be kept to ensure timely replacement.
Training and Drills: The key to emergency response is training and drills. Therefore uninspected vessels should at minimum:
Drills shall include:
Every new crewmember shall be provided:
A record of all training, drills and personnel attending should be maintained on board the vessel. The date, time and type of drill should be documented in the vessel’s log.