UAM.IDE.MVCA.310 Life rafts

LIFE RAFTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING DISTRESS SIGNALS

(a)Each required life raft should conform to the following specifications:

(1)should be of an approved design and stowed so as to facilitate its readily use in an emergency;

(2)should be radar conspicuous to standard airborne radar equipment.

(b)In addition to the specifications under point (a):

(1)when carrying more than one life raft on board, at least 50 % should be deployable by the crew while seated at their normal station, where necessary by remote control; and

(2)life rafts that are not deployable by remote control or by the crew should be of such weight as to permit their handling by one person. 40 kg should be considered a maximum weight.

(c)Each required life raft should contain at least the following:

(1)one approved survivor locator light;

(2)one approved visual signalling device;

(3)one canopy (for use as a sail, sunshade or rain catcher) or other means to protect occupants from the elements;

(4)one radar reflector;

(5)one 20-m retaining line designed to hold the life raft near the VCA but to release it if the VCA becomes totally submerged;

(6)one sea anchor;

(7)one survival kit, appropriately equipped for the route to be flown, which should contain at least the following:

(i)one life raft repair kit;

(ii)one bailing bucket;

(iii)one signalling mirror;

(iv)one police whistle;

(v)one buoyant raft knife;

(vi)one supplementary means of inflation;

(vii)sea sickness tablets;

(viii)one first-aid kit;

(ix)one portable means of illumination;

(x)500 ml of pure water and one sea water desalting kit; and

(xi)one comprehensive illustrated survival booklet in an appropriate language.