Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.160.151–27 Approval inspections and tests for inflatable liferafts

(1) Jump test (Paragraph 1/5.2). One-half of the jumps must be with the canopy erect, and the remainder with the canopy furled or deflated. If a “suitable and equivalent mass” is used, it must be equipped with the shoes described in paragraph 1/5.2.1 of Resolution A.689(17), and arranged so the shoes strike the liferaft first.

(2) Mooring-out test (Paragraph 1/5.5). Initial inflation may be with compressed air.

(3) Loading and seating test (Paragraph 1/5.7). For a liferaft not intended for use with a launching or embarkation appliance, the persons used to determine seating capacity shall wear insulated buoyant immersion suits rather than lifejackets.

(4) Boarding test (Paragraph 1/5.8). This test must be performed using each boarding ramp or boarding ladder which is installed on the liferaft.

(5) Canopy-closure test (Paragraph 1/5.12). This test is required only for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts. For a davit-launched liferaft, any opening near the lifting eye should be sealed during the test to prevent the ingress of water. The water accumulated within the liferaft at the end of the test must not exceed 4 L (1 gallon).

(6) Detailed inspection (Paragraph 1/5.14). The independent laboratory's inspection of the prototype liferaft under § 160.151–13(a) satisfies the requirements of paragraph 1/5.14.

(7) Davit-launched liferafts—strength test (Paragraph 1/5.16.1). The calculation of combined strength of the lifting components must be based on the lesser of—