This copy shall be placed in/at

TRAINING MANUAL
on life-saving appliances

Name of ship ___

Port of registry ________

Type of ship _

Call sign ___

Official number

Year of build _

Main particulars ____

Length _ DWT _

Breadth Main engine power

GRT/GT Service speed _

ISBN 87-87895-93-5
Printed by JBK Offset ApS, Ishoj.
Printed in Denmark 1991
Guidance for the shipping
company/safety officer
This training manual will form a complete guide to the use of
life-saving appliances on board ships when the supplements/re-
movals mentioned below have been made. It will thus fulfil the
requirements laid down in SOLAS 74, Chapter III, Regulation 51.

In order to comply fully with the directions contained in regulation

51 it is necessary - as mentioned - to make individual supple-
ments/removals applicable to the individual ship so that the train-
ing manual comprises the life-saving appliances on board that
ship. This applies here to arrangements of launching appliances,
lifeboats and liferafts, lifejackets etc.

Instructions for several brands of life-saving appliances are in-

cluded in this manual. For other brands of life-saving appliances
carried on board the ship the safety officer must procure or pre-
pare the relevant material and insert it in the manual.

The instructions in the manual must be replaced by updated

material whenever life-saving appliances carried on board are
changed or replaced by another type or model.

The items which have to be adjusted are as follows:

0 The front page to be filled in.

2.2 The muster lists to be inserted.
2.3 Scheme of alarm signals to be filled in.
3.2 Lifejackets and immersion suits:
Instructions to be inserted.
3.3 This section to be extended with relevant instructions/
drawings for the ship.
3.4 Signals for launching of survival craft to be entered,
(ref. 2.3).
3.4.2 Relevant instructions to be inserted.
3.4.3 Relevant instructions to be inserted,
(slip-hooks, hydrostatic release gear).
4.1 Liferaft-book of instructions to be inserted in the plastic
pocket at the back of the manual.
4.2 Instructions for pyrotechnics and radio to be inserted.
4.3 Instructions for EPIRBs to be inserted.
4.4 Instructions for lifeboat engine to be inserted.
5.3 Instructions for line-throwing appliance to be inserted.
5.4.1 Alarm signal to be entered, (ref. 2.3).
Instructions regarding rescue boat to be inserted.
5.4.3 Number of lifebuoys on board to be entered.
Instructions for MOB-buoy to be inserted.
6. The intention of this section is to cover special equipment
found on specialized vessels such as passenger ships, gas
and chemical tankers, diving ships etc.
7. Under this item instructions and comments are inserted
regarding procedures especially valid for the shipping com-
pany. For instance questionnaires etc. to be used in con-
nection with the safety training might be inserted here.
Introduction
This training manual has been written and collected by a project
group representing the Danish Maritime Authority (S0fartsstyrel-
sen), shipping companies, and the seafarers' organizations, who
- under the Danish Shipowners' Association - have been working
for a general and uniform training manual on the use of life-saving
appliances on board vessels in connection with the introduction of
the revised chapter III on life-saving appliances in the International
Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, SOLAS 74 *). The revised
chapter III came into force on July 1st 1986.

The training manual is intended as a reference book containing

answers to questions arising from the use of all life-saving ap-
pliances on board, and according to SOLAS 74, chapter III, re-
gulation 18, a manual shall be provided in each crew mess room
and recreation room or in each crew cabin to be accessible to all
members of the crew.

The manual has been prepared as a loose-leaf binder into which

amendments can be inserted. Furthermore supplementary sec-
tions dealing with special ships, special equipment, policy of ship-
ping companies regarding procedures etc., can be inserted for
the individual user.

On the condition that this training manual has been completed for
the vessel which is identified on the front page of the book, the
present edition fulfils the requirements laid down in regulation 51
of SOLAS 74, chapter III, 1983-amendments.

The abbreviation SM »B« refers to a Danish set of regulations

equal to the SOLAS 74.

The project group would like to express their thanks to the IMO
for permission to reproduce "A Pocket Guide to Cold Water Sur-
vival", as well as to all companies and persons who have co-
operated in the production of the manual.

This second edition of the Training Manual has been brought up

to date and a few parts have been rewritten. Important amend-
ments are issued as loose-leafs to the first edition.

This edition closed for contributions in April 1988.

') SOLAS is an abbreviation of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea prepared by
the United Nations' shipping organization IMO (International Maritime Organization).
 Contents
Page
Part 1 - Common safety............................................. 1.0
Lifeboat and fire muster lists .................... 1.1.01
Man-Over-Board muster list ....................... 1.2.01
Drills and instructions ................................ 1.3.01
Safety notices and signs ............................ 1.4.01
Escape ........................................................ 1.5.01
Know the location and use of safety
equipment..................................................... 1.6.01

Part 2- When the accident occurs ...........................2.0

Types of accidents ................................... 2.1.01
Muster lists ...................................................2.2.01
Alarm signals ..............................................2.3.01

Part 3 - Abandoning the ship ....................................3.0

Hazards of cold exposure
(survival technique) .................................... 3.1.01
Personal life-saving appliances .................. 3.2.01
Precautions when launching the survival
crafts.............................................................3.3.07
Survival craft.................................................3.4.01
boarding ..................................................3.4.1.01
launching...................................................3.4.2.01
release ......................................................3.4.3.01

Part 4-In the survival craft .......................................4.0

Use of the survival craft facilities ................ 4.1.01
Use of the survival craft detection equipment
-pyrotechnics and radio .......................... 4.2.01
Use of Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacons (EPIRB) ....................................... 4.3.01
Use of engine and accessories ................. 4.4.01
Emergency repair of life-saving appliances . 4.5.01
Parts- Various rescue situations .............................5.0
Rescue by helicopter ................................ 5.1.01
Shore rescue ................................................5.2.01
Line-throwing appliance ...............................5.3.07
Man-Over-Board situation ......................... 5.4.1.01
Use of rescue boat ................................. 5.4.1.01
Recovering of the rescue boat
and lifeboat ...............................................5.4.2.01
Lifebuoys...................................................5.4.3.01

Part 6 - Special rescue equipment for specialized

ships.............................................................6.0

Part?-
 Index
Pag.
Alarm signals ..................................... 2.3.01
Basketlift ............................................ 5.1.02
Boarding lifeboats and -rafts ............. 3.4.01
Boat alarm.......................................... 2.3.01, 3.4.01
Cold injury.......................................... 3.1.A. 10
Cold injury, treatment........................ 3.1.04, 3.1.A.07
Common safety.................................. 1.0
Doublelift ........................................... 5.1.01
Drills ................................................... 1.1.01, 1.3.01
Embarkation area.............................. 3.3.01
Emergency lighting in the embarkation
area .................................................. 3.3.07
Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB)................................ 4.3.01
Emergency repair of life-saving
appliances .......................................... 4.5.01
Emergency signals ............................ 4.2.03
Engine in lifeboat .............................. 4.4.01
EPIRB ................................................ 4.3.01
Escape routes .................................... 1.5.01
Fire alarm ......................................... 2.3.01
Fire muster lists .............................. 1.1.01, 2.2.01
Freezing cold injury (frostbite) ........... 3.1.A. 10
General alarm .................................... 2.3.01
Hazard of cold exposure ................... 3.1.01
Hydrostatic release gear ................... 3.4.3.02
Hypothermia ..................................... 3.1.A.05
Immersion suits................................. 3.2.01
Jumping wearing a lifejacket ............. 3.4.1.02
Launching of boats from ships making
headway............................................. 3.4.2.03
Launching of lifeboat ......................... 3.4.1.03, 3.4.2.01
Launching of liferaft ........................... 3.4.1.04
Launching of rescue boat .................. 5.4.1.02
Lifeboat, boarding, launching and
release................................................ 3.4.01
Lifeboat drills..................................... 3.4.3.01
Lifeboat equipment............................ 4.1.05
Lifeboat muster list............................ 1.1.01, 2.2.01
Lifeboat, recovery.............................. 5.4.2.01
Lifebuoys ............................................ 5.4.3.01
Lifejackets .......................................... 3.2.01
 Pag.
Liferaft, boarding, launching and
release ................................................ 3.4.01
Liferaft equipment ............................... 4.1.05
Life-saving signals ............................ 5.2.03
Line-throwing appliance....................... 5.3.01
Man-over-board muster list................. 1.2.01, 2.2.01, 5.4.1.01
MOB-alarm.......................................... 2.3.01
MOB-boat ........................................... 1.2.01, 5.4.1.01
MOB-buoy........................................... 5.4.3.02
Muster lists __ '. ................................ 2.2.01
Non-freezing cold injury ...................... 3.1.A. 10
Personal life-saving appliances........... 3.2.01
"A Pocket Guide to Cold Water
Survival".............................................. 3.1.A.01
Pyrotechnics ...................................... 4.2.01
Radio .................................................. 4.2.02
Recovering of the rescue boat and
lifeboat ................................................ 5.4.2.01
Release of lifeboat or -raft ................. 3.4.3.01
Rescue by helicopter.......................... 5.1.01
Rescue from the shore ..................... 5.2.01
Rocket apparatus ................................ 5.2.01
Safest position for unconscious
person ............................................... 3.1.A.08
Safety notices ..................................... 1.4.01
Sea anchor ......................................... 4.1.01
Ship abandonment.............................. 3.1.A.06
Shore rescue ...................................... 5.2.01
Signals when launching ...................... 3.4.02
Signs ................................................. 1.4.01
Singlelift .............................................. 5.1.01
Special rescue equipment for
specialized ships................................. 6.0
Stretcherlift.......................................... 5.1.02
Survival technique............................... 3.1.01
Temperature regulation of the body .. 3.1.02, 3.1.A.02
Treatment for hypothermia ................ 3.1.04, 3.1.A.07
Types of accidents.............................. 2.1.01
 Regulation 51
SOLAS, Chapter III, Regulation 51 describes a series of detailed
items and procedures which are to be included in training man-
uals on life-saving appliances, prepared according to the above
regulation.

The table below indicates where the individual items described in

Regulation 51 are dealt with in this training manual.

SOLAS, Chapter III, Regulation 51 Training manual

. 1 donning of lifejackets and immersion suits . 3.2

.2 muster at the assigned stations ................................................ 2.2

.3 boarding, launching, and clearing the sur-
vival craft and rescue boats ......................... 3.4, 5.4.1

.4 method of launching from within the survival

craft ........................................................... 3.4

.5 release from launching appliances ............ 3.4

.6 methods and use of devices for protection

in launching areas, where appropriate . . . . 3.3

.7 illumination in launching areas ................... 3.3

.8 use of all survival equipment ....................... 4.1

.9 use of all detection equipment ..................... 4.2

. 10 with the assistance of illustrations, the use

of radio life-saving appliances .................... 4.3

. 11 use of sea anchors .................................... 4.1

. 12 use of engine and accessories .................. 4.4

. 13 recovery of survival craft and rescue boats

including stowage and securing ................ 5.4.1,5.4.2

. 14 hazards of exposure and the need for warm

clothing........................................................... 3.1

. 15 best use of the survival craft facilities in

order to survive ........................................... 4.1
. 16 methods of retrieval, including the use of
helicopter rescue gear (slings, baskets,
stretchers) breeches-buoy and shore life-
saving apparatus and ship's line-throwing
apparatus .................................................... 5.1, 5.2, 5.3

.17 all other functions contained in the muster

list and emergency instructions ................... 1.1-1.6, 2.3

. 18 instructions for emergency repair of the life-

saving appliances ...................................... 4.5
1.1
Lifeboat and
fire muster lists
In accordance with SOLAS,
notices known as muster
lists, which tell each crew
member what to do in an
emergency, are to be placed
on all ships. Among these
notices are "LIFEBOAT AND
FIRE MUSTER LISTS". They
can differ from ship to ship
depending on the company.
The lifeboat and fire muster
lists will also vary according to
the type of ship and the size of
its crew.
Certain general requirements
apply to the contents of these
lifeboat and fire muster lists,
among other things that they
are to contain information
about when the various alarm
signals are to be used and
what they sound like.
It is vital that all those on
board fully understand their
tasks in the event of an emer-
gency. For this reason it is the
duty of every crew member
carefully to study the lifeboat
and fire muster lists as soon
as they sign on.
To ensure that all on board al-
ways know their duties in the
event of an emergency, drills
shall be performed. It is dur-
ing drills that things possibly
not functioning quite accord-
ing to the purpose shall be
found and it is during drills
you ask the questions you
want to have answered.
Remember! Ask - while there
is time to answer! During an
emergency there is no time to
answer questions.
Remember! It is Your duty to
participate in the lifeboat
(Abandon Ship) and fire drills
1.6
Know the
location and
use of safety
equipment
The location of the safety
equipment is carefully planned
and already before the ship
was built the distribution of the
safety equipment was ap-
proved by the administration.
No matter where you are in the
ship there is always some
safety equipment nearby - but
remember it might be difficult
to locate if for instance the
rooms are filled with smoke,
so it is wise to note the loca-
tion of the equipment before
you have to use it.
2.1
Types of
accidents
The ship and the seafarer can
encounter many different
types of emergencies.
Many of these can be avoided
with care and by knowledge
of the potential dangers. For
this reason it is important, not
to expose yourself or others
to dangers because ofsloppi-
ness.
- Know your duties in an
emergency!
- Be prepared - an emergen-
cy can arise any time!
- Knowledge and training
gives you the best chances
to cope with an emergency.
Emergencies can arise for a
variety of reasons, for in-
stance:
Fire/Explosion can arise due
to failure or faulty operation of
equipment, to self-ignition
caused by carelessness with
open fire or smoking in the
bunk.

Collision can be caused by

failure of machinery or rudder,
inadequate watchkeeping or
by navigational errors.

Grounding or stranding, like

collision, can be caused by
navigational errors, failure of
machinery or rudder, bad
weather or by the ship drag-
ging its anchor.

Leakage occurs if the ship's

hull, deck or hatches are
damaged.
Icing can be dangerous es-
pecially to smaller vessels. It
reduces the stability of the
vessel, which may result in
Muster lists
In order to cope with an emer-
gency situation in the best
way planning ahead is neces-
sary. The plans are called the
muster lists, and comprise the
boat muster lists and the fire
muster lists respectively, and
in certain ships there may
also be a Man-Over-Board
muster list.

Out of consideration for your

shipmates and yourself it is
your duty to acquaint yourself
thoroughly with the muster
lists - consider in particular:

- What is my task, do I under-

stand what to do?

- Where do I have to appear?

- Where is the equipment to

be used?

- Who gives the orders?

- To whom shall I report?

- What are the ship's alarm

signals?

It is your duty to attend all

musterings and drills. Your
place on the muster list is
given either by your profes-
sion, name, crew number or
room number.
If the heat loss is too great to
be compensated for by the
shiver and increasing insula-
tion the body temperature will
fall; first at a slow rate, later on
faster until death occurs.

The possibility of the body to

compensate for the heat loss
by shivering and increased in-
sulation by narrowing the
blood-vessels are very limited
compared to the amount of
heat being lost by lowering a
body into the water. Even at
temperatures of 30°C a sub-
stantiel cooling will take place,
and only in few places in the
world is the sea water tem-
perature so high.

When a person falls into cold

water, it will immediately pen-
etrate the clothes. The insulat-
ing layer of air in the clothes
will be displaced by water and
the skin will be strongly
cooled.

The blood-vessels of the skin

will narrow, but if the water
temperature is below the
above mentioned 30°C, this al-
one will not prevent heat loss.
The body will try to produce
more heat by tightening the
If you are in cold water and
can't swim to anything near
by, keep your clothes on, avoid
movements and await rescue.
In cold water don't overesti-
mate your ability to swim.

If you are wearing a lifejacket,

which keeps your head and
neck out of the water, the cool-
ing of the body will be slower,
as the main artery to the head
is less exposed to cooling at
the place where it runs close
to the skin.

As you see, wearing a life-

jacket is not only a question of
avoiding drowning, but also a
question of surviving for a pro-
longed period.

An extra help to reduce cool-

ing can be achieved by press-
ing the lifejacket against the
breast, keep the arms close to
your body, bend the thighes up
against the lifejacket and keep
The purpose of this guide is to
examine the hazards of cold
exposure that may endanger
your life.

It provides you with advice on

how to prevent or minimize
those dangers.

A thorough understanding of
the information contained in
this guide may some day save
your life.

During the second world war

the Royal Navy of the United
Kingdom alone lost about
45,000 men at sea, of whom it
is estimated 30,000 died from
drowning and hypothermia.
Many of those who drowned
did so because of incapacita-
tion due to cold. Even today
the pattern is similar.

It is important to realize that

you are not helpless to effect
your own survival in cold
water. Body heat loss is a
gradual process, and re-
search shows that in calm
water at 5° C a normally dress-
ed person has only a 50 per
cent chance of surviving one
hour. Simple, self-help tech-
niques can extend this time,
particulary if the person is
wearing a lifejacket.

You can make the difference;

this guide is intended to show
Hypothermia
The loss of body heat is one of
the greatest hazards to the
survival of a person at sea.
The rate of body heat loss de-
pends on water temperature,
the protective clothing worn,
and the manner in which the
survivor conducts himself. An
abnormally low body core
temperature can be recog-
nized by a variety of symp-
toms. Very early during ex-
posure, the body tries to com-
bat the excessive heat loss
both by narrowing its surface
blood vessels (to reduce heat
transfer by blood to surface)
and by shivering (to produce
more body heat). However, if
the exposure is severe, the
body is unable to conserve or
produce enough heat. Body
core temperature begins to
fall. When body core tempera-
ture is below 35°C the person
is suffering from "hypother-
mia".
Ship
abandonment
Records show that many
ships sink in less than 15 min-
utes. This affords little time to
formulate a plan of action, so
careful preplanning is essen-
tial to be ready in an emergen-
cy. Here are some sound
pointers for you to remember
when abandoning ship:
1 Put on as much warm
clothing as possible, mak-
ing sure to cover head,
neck, hands and feet.
2 If an immersion suit is
available put it on over the
warm clothing.
3 If the immersion suit does
not have inherent flotation,
put on a lifejacket and be
sure to secure it correctly.
4 All persons who know that
they are likely to be af-
fected by seasickness
should, before or imme-
diately after boarding the
survival craft, take some
recommended preventive
tablets or medicine in a
dose recommended by the
manufacturer. The inca-
pacitation caused by sea-
sickness interferes with
your survival chances; the
vomiting removes pre-
cious body fluid, while sea-
sickness in general makes
you more prone to hypoth-
ermia.
5 Avoid entering the water if
possible, e.g. board davit-
launched survival craft on
the embarkation deck. If
davit-launched survival
crafts are not available,
use over-side ladders, or if
necessary lower yourself
by means of a rope or fire
6 Unless it is unavoidable do
not jump from higher than
5 metres into the water. Try
to minimize the shock of
sudden cold immersion. A
sudden plunge into the
cold water can cause rapid
death or an uncontrollable
rise in breathing rate may
result in an intake of water
into the lungs. On occa-
sions it may be necessary
to jump into the water; if
so, you should keep your
elbows to your side, cover
your nose and mouth with
one hand while holding the
wrist or elbow firmly with
the other hand. One
should not jump into the
water astern of the liferaft
in case there is any re-
maining headway on the
ship.
7 Once in the water, whether
accidentally or by ship
abandonment, orientate
yourself and try to locate
the ship, lifeboats, life-
rafts, other survivors or
other floating objects. If
you were unable to pre-
pare yourself before enter-
ing the water, button up
clothing now. In cold water
you may experience vio-
lent shivering and great
pain. These are natural
body reflexes that are not
dangerous. You do,
however, need to take ac-
tion as quickly as possible
before you lose full use of
your hands; button up
clothing, turn on signal
lights, locate whistle, etc.
 Title:
Part: o ., , ., . .
G Abandoning the ship
In more serious cases, where
the survivor is not shivering
and is semi-conscious, uncon-
scious, or apparently dead,
immediate first aid measures
will be necessary to preserve
life while awaiting medical ad-
vice on more detailed manage-
ment procedures. The recom-
mended first aid measures for
such an immersion survivor
are as follows:
1 On rescue always check the
survivor's breathing;
2 If the survivor is not
breathing, ensure the air-
way is clear and start artifi-
cial respiration immediately
(mouth to mouth or mouth
to nose);
3 Attempts at resuscitation
should be continued for at
least 30 minutes if medical
advice is not available.
4 If the survivor is breathing
but unconscious, lay him in
the unconscious position as
illustrated.
Pa e:
9 O -4
o. I. A.08
5 Avoid all unnecessary man-
handling; do not even re-
move wet clothes; do not
massage.
6 Prevent further heat loss
through evaporation and
from exposure to the wind.
Wrap the patient in blankets
and transfer him imme-
diately below decks to a
compartment at between
15°C and 20°C, preferably
keeping him horizontal,
slightly head down.
7 Seek advice by radio on fur-
ther treatment; advice on
rewarming and decisions
with regard to further treat-
ment should then be given
by a doctor.
The above basic guidelines on
first aid treatment are illus-
trated diagrammatically:
Cold injury
Another problem confronting
a survivor in cold environ-
ments is the threat of acquir-
ing a cold injury. Such injuries
usually result from prolonged
exposure to low ambient tem-
peratures, especially when
wind speeds are high. Cold in-
juries may be of a freezing or
nonfreezing variety.
1 On detection of the above
Freezing cold
injury (frostbite)
Frostbite is the term given to
the condition when tissue flu-
ids freeze in localized areas of
the body; the hands, face and
feet are particularly suscept-
ible.
Cause
Exposure, particularly of bare
skin to subzero temperatures
especially when combined
with air movement. Look-outs
in liferafts or survivors in open
boats are particularly prone to
this injury. Accordingly, con-
sideration should be given to
the length of watch period.
Diagnosis
The signs are:
1 extreme waxy pallor of the
skin;
2 initial local tingling and stiff-
ness when it is difficult to
wrinkle the face or wriggle
affected toes or fingers;
3 complete absence of sen-
sation in the area affected;
and
4 local hardness due to freez-
ing of the flesh.
Be watchful for the early signs
of frostbite in yourself and in
others.
Prevention
If bare skin has to be exposed
to the elements, the periods of
exposure should be kept to a
minimum and freezing winds
particularly avoided. Moderate
exercise and massage at an
early stage will help to prevent
the onset of cold injury. DO
NOT smoke; smoking reduces
the blood supply to the hands
and feet.
Treatment
signs, immediate steps should
be taken to re-warm the frozen
part before permanent
damage occurs. Get out of the
wind. Re-warm the frozen
areas by applying them to a
warmer part of the body e.g.
hands under armpjts, cupped
hand over cheek, nose, ear,
etc. Once freezing has oc-
curred DO NOT rub or mas-
sage affected areas.
2
Non-freezing
cold injury
(immersion
foot)
This is a term given to the con-
dition when the temperature of
local tissues in the limbs (usu-
ally the feet) remains sub-nor-
mal but above freezing for a
prolonged period. It is com-
monly encountered by ship-
wreck survivors who have
been adrift and cold for seve-
ral days. Usually the feet have
been wet and immobile, but
this injury can occur in dry
conditions. Other contributory
factors are tight footwear and
sitting still with the feet down,
as when sitting in a chair for
prolonged periods.
Diagnosis
Feet become white, numb,
cold and frequently are slightly
swollen. When returned to the
warmth the feet become hot,
red, swollen and usually pain-
ful.
Prevention
Every effort should be made
by survivors to keep their feet
warm and dry. Shoe laces
should be loosened; the feet
should be raised and toe and
ankle exercises encouraged
several times a day. When
possible, shoes should be re-
moved and feet kept warm by
placing them under the
armpits, but outside the
clothing, of an adjacent occu-
pant. Alternatively, unwanted
spare clothing may be wrap-
ped round the feet to keep
them warm. Smoking should
be discouraged.
Treatment
After rescue every effort
should be made to avoid rapid
rewarming of the affected
limbs. Care should be taken to
avoid damaging the skin or
breaking blisters. DO NOT
massage affected limbs.
Summing up
We have briefly explained how
your body responds to cold,
what you can do to help ward
off the harmful effects of cold,
and finally, how to administer
aid to an immersion survivor.
We will now sum up the story
with a number of important re-
minders. Follow them, for your
life may depend on them!
1 Plan your emergency
moves in advance! Ask
yourself what you would do
if an emergency arose.
Where is your nearest exit to
the deck for escape ? Where
is the nearest available im-
mersion suit, lifejacket, or
raft? How would you quickly
get to your foul weather
gear, insulated clothing,
insulated gloves, distress
signal, etc. ?
2 Know how your survival
equipment works. The time
of the emergency is not the
time to learn.
3 Even in the tropics, before
abandoning ship, wear
many layers of clothing to
offset the effects of cold.
Wear an immersion suit if
available.
4 Put on a lifejacket as soon
as possible in an emergen-
cy situation.
5 When abandoning ship, try
and board the lifeboat or
raft dry if you can.
6 If immersion in water is ne-
cessary, try to enter the
water gradually.
7 Swimming increases body
heat loss. Swim only to a
safe refuge nearby.
8 To reduce your body heat
loss, float in the water with
your legs together, elbows
to your side and arms
across your chest.
9 In a survival situation, you
must force yourself to have
the will to survive. This will
very often make the dif-
ference between life and
death.
In conclusion, advance plan-
ning, preparation, and thought
on your part can be the most
significant factors in your
struggle with cold water im-
mersion and in your survival.
Familiarize yourself with the
contents of this guide.
3.3
Precautions
when
launching
survival craft
Depending on the individual
vessel, there may be certain
precautions to which particu-
lar attention should be paid
before launching the survival
craft.

The following information

may be relevant.
- Emergency lighting in the
embarkation area:
position
operation
- Special hazards when
launching:
stabilizer finns
overboard discharge
- Sprinkling of embarkation
area on tankers where the
survival craft are posi-
tioned in the tank area.

Embarkation area is the deck

area from which survival craft
are boarded.
Launching
when the
vessel is
underway
SOLAS stipulates that all res-
cue boats and in addition life-
boats on cargo ships of
20,000 GRT and above must
be launchable while the ship
is making up to 5 knots head-
way through calm water.
In connection with this sti-
pulation it is important to note
that:
- The requirement applies to
the construction of the
launching appliances i.e.
the design and strength of
davits, painters, etc.
- No demands are made on
training or exercises in the
launch of boats when the
ship is underway.
- When launching takes place
when the ship is underway it
should be carried out in ac-
cordance with the below in-
structions prepared by the
IMO, and the exercise
should be carried out only if
the boat is approved for this
purpose by the Danish Mar-
itime Authority.
- Even for an experienced
crew, a certain element of
risk is involved in the
launching of boats from a
ship which is underway.
Guidelines for
training crews
for the purpose
of launching
lifeboats and
rescue boats
from ships
making
headway
through the
water
(Annex to IMO
Resolution A.624(15))
1. Chapter III of the 1974
SOLAS Convention, as
modified by the 1983
amendments, contains no
mandatory training require-
ments for launching life-
boats and rescue boats
from ships making head-
way through the water.
However, if such training is
undertaken, the Guidelines
should be followed.
2. These Guidelines apply to
the launching drills referred
to in regulation 111/18.3.9 of
the 1983 SOLAS amend-
ments, undertaken with
lifeboats and rescue boats
capable of being safely
launched with the ship
making headway at speeds
of up to 5 knots in calm
water, as prescribed in re-
gulations 111/16.3 and III/
28.2, and therefore apply to
new cargo ships of 20,000
tons gross tonnage and up-
wards, other new ships fit-
ted with rescue boats, and
any other ship fitted with
lifeboats or rescue boats
having on-load release
 gear adequately protected
against accidental or pre-
mature use.
3. These Guidelines supple-
ment the procedures to be
followed for the particular
equipment provided on
board a ship as described
in the instructions and in-
formation found in the
ship's training manual re-
quired by regulation 111/18.2
(i.e. this training manual).
This will include instruc-
tions on launching and re-
covery, the use of the re-
lease gear, clearing the
boat from the ship and,
where applicable, the use
of a painter. The boat's
crew should be instructed
in the procedures to be fol-
lowed before the drill com-
mences.
4. Drills should be carried out
either on board a ship at
anchor or alongside where
there is a suitable relative
movement between ship
and water, or at a suitable
shore establishment where
similar conditions prevail.
Alternatively, at the mas-
ter's discretion, drills may
be carried out on board a
ship when making head-
way in sheltered waters.
For safety purposes, it is
not necessary when train-
ing to exercise at the max-
imum design 5 knots head-
way launching capability of
the equipment. Drills
should be carried out with a
low relative water speed
particularly where inex-
perienced personnel are in-
volved. When planning the
drill, consideration should
be given to ensuring that,
as far as practicable, the re-
letive water speed will beat
a minimum when recover-
ing the boat.
5. None of the provisions in
these Guidelines are inten-
ded to inhibit launching
drills carried out on ships
where such drills are car-
ried out on a frequent and
regular basis with fully
trained and experienced
boat crews.
6. When planning for and car-
rying out the launching
drills referred to in regula-
tion 111/18.3.9, the following
precautions should be
taken:
1. Drills should only be
carried out under the
supervision of an of-
ficer experienced in
such drills and under
calm and clear condi-
tions.
2. Provisions should be
made for rendering as-
sistance to the boat to
be used in the drill in the
event of unforeseen cir-
cumstances;
for example, where
practicable a second
boat should be made
ready for launching.
3. When practicable, the
drill should be carried
out when the ship has
minimal freeboard.
4. Instructions as to pro-
cedures should be
given to the boat's crew
by the officer in charge
before the drill com-
mences.
5. The number of crew
members in the boat
should be the minimum
compatible with the
training to be carried
out.
6. Lifejackets and, where
appropriate, immersion
suits should be worn.
7. Except in the case of
totally enclosed boats,
head protection should
be worn.
 8. For the purposes of the
drill, skates, where fit-
ted, should be removed
unless they are de-
signed to be retained
under all launch condi-
tions.
9. In the case of totally en-
closed boats, all open-
ings should be closed
except for the helms-
man's hatch which may
be open to provide a
better view for launch-
ing.

10. Two-way radiotele-

phone communications
should be established
between the officer in
charge of lowering, the
navigating bridge and
the boat before lower-
ing commences, and
be maintained through-
out the exercise.
11. During lowering and re-
covery and while the
boat is close to the
ship, steps should be
taken to ensure that the
ship's propeller is not
turning, if practicable.
12. The boat's engine
should be running be-
fore the boat enters the
water.
13. The launching and re-
covery should be fol-
lowed by a de-briefing
session to consolidate
the lessons learned.
screwed on. If the survivors
have become wet, their
clothes should be taken off at
once, first down to the waist.
Wring it thoroughly - wet
clothes are better than none
at all.

Drogue and line

The drogue and line, which is
secured to the lower buoyan-
cy tube should be set imme-
diately (the release cord/
painter being cut first). The
drogue stabilizes the raft,
thus reducing the risk of cap-
sizing. It also reduces drifting
from the position which may
have been stated over the ra-
dio. The emergency pack
contains a spare drogue and
line.

Closing Entrances and

Checking Top Lights
Close the entrances (see in-
structions mounted to the can-
opy at the entrances inside the
raft).
A light (top light) has been
mounted outside at the top of
the life raft, another has been
placed inside the raft. Both
lights switch on automatically
when the raft is inflated and
comes into contact with water.
If one or both lights are out of
operation, try to locate the
fault if possible. Inside the raft,
close by the light, there is an
on/off switch so you may put
out the light and save power
by daylight.
Lifemft
equipment
- Operational Instructions
- 2 Sea anchors and cord
- 2 Paddles
- Rescue quoit with line
- Bellows
- Repair kit
- 2 bouyant safety knives
- 4 rocket parachute flares
- 6 hand flares
- 2 bouyant smoke signals
- Electric torch with spare
bulb and batteries
- Whistle
- Signalling mirror
- Scissors
- Instruction for survival
- Illustrated table of life
saving signals
- 1 bailer, 2 in rafts for more
than 12 persons
- 2 sponges
- Emergency ration, 10,000
kJ per person
- Drinking water, 1.5 litre per
person
- 1 drinking vessel
- 3 tin openers
- Fishing tackle
- Medicine box
- Anti-seasickness medicine,
6 doses per person
- Seasickness bag, 1 per
person
Lifeboat
equipment
- 1 set of oars
- 1 set of crutches
- 2 boat-hooks
- 1 bailer
- 2 buckets
- 1 survival manual
- 1 compass in binnacle
- 1 sea-anchor
- 2 painters
- 2 hatchets
- 3 litres of fresh water per
person
- 1 rustproof dipper with
lanyard
- 1 rustproof, graduated cup
- 1 ration of provision with at
least 10.000 kJ for each
person
- 4 parachute flares
- 6 hand flares
- 2 smoke signals
- 1 flashlight (Morse) with
spare batteries and bulb
- 1 signal mirror
- 1 copy of rescue signals
- 1 whistle
- 1 medicine chest 4
- 6 doses of anti-seasick-
ness medicine for each
person
- 1 seasickness bag for each
person
- 1 pocket knife with lanyard
- 3 can openers
- 2 rescue quoits with line
- 1 manual pump
- 1 set of fishing tackle
- 1 fire-extinguisher
- 1 searchlight
- Thermal protection aid
- 1 efficient radar reflector
- 1 set of tools for minor
adjustments of the engine,
(SM "B" Chapter III Reg.
41.8.27.)
The above applies to ships
built after July 1st, 1986.
Distress signals
1. The following signals, used 2. The use or exhibition of any
or exhibited either together or of the foregoing signals ex-
separately, indicate distress cept for the purpose of indicat-
and need of assistance: ing distress and need of assis-
a) a gun or other explosive tance and the use of other sig-
signal fired at intervals of nals which may be confused
about a minute; with any of the above signals
b) a continuous sounding is prohibited.
with any fog-signalling ap-
paratus; 3. Attention is drawn to the rel-
c) rockets or shells, throwing evant sections of the Interna-
red stars fired one at a time tional Code of Signals, the
at short intervals; Merchant Ship Search and
Rescue Manual and the fol-
d) a signal made by radiotele- lowing signals:
graphy or by any other sig-
nalling method consisting a) a piece of orange-coloured
of the group • • ---------- canvas with either a black
(SOS) in the Morse Code; square and circle or other
appropriate symbol (for
identification from the air);
b) a dye marker.
e) a signal sent by radi-
otelephony consisting of
the spoken word »May-
day«;
f) the International Code Sig-
nal of distress indicated by
N.C.;
g) a signal consisting of a
square flag having above
or below it a ball or any-
thing resembling a ball;

h) flames on the vessel (as

from a burning tar barrel,
oil barrel, etc.);

i) a rocket parachute flare or

a hand flare showing a red
light;
j) a smoke signal giving off
orange-coloured smoke;
k) slowly and repeatedly rais-
ing and lowering arms out-
stretched to each side;
I) the radiotelegraph alarm
signal;
m) the radiotelephone alarm
signal;
n) signals transmitted by
emergency positioning in-
dicating radio beacons.
Start
1. Activate the decompres-
sion.'
2. Turn the engine rapidly
about 20 revolutions.
3. Release the decompres-
sion and note where the
starting handle is placed in
the compression stroke. If
the handle is on its way
down, turn it half a turn in
the daw so that you oper-
ate against the compres-
sion.
4. Now activate the de-
compression again and
turn the engine up to as
many revolutions as possi-
ble.
5. Release the decompres-
sion handle at the same
time as you operate the
starting handle vigorously.
6. The engine starts.

After start
1. Check the lube oil pressure
on the oil pressure gauge in
the instrument panel. The
lube oil pressure must be
between 2 and 4 kg/cm2
(must never be lower than 1
kg/cm2).
2. Engage the gear in ahead
or reverse when idling.
3. Adjust the revolutions at
the number wanted.
4. A fter some minutes of navi-
gation check that the cool-
ing water temperature is
normal 75-85°C (in case of
keel cooling the boat must
move through the water at
higher load).
5.
Various rescue
situations
5.1 Rescue by helicopter
5.2 Shore rescue
5.3 Line-throwing appliance
5.4 Man overboard situation

.1 Use of rescue boat

.2 Recovery of rescue/
lifeboat
.3 Lifebuoys

Introduction
There are several types of final rescue, dependent on the situa-
tion at hand.
This part of the training manual describes methods and equip-
ment you should make yourself familiar with in the context of
various rescue operations.
5.4.3
Lifebuoys

A certain number of lifebuoys

must be carried in every ship.
The number is dependent on
length and purpose of the ship
(cargo or passenger ship).

This ship carries

_ _ lifebuoys!

The lifebuoys are placed in

such a way that they are easily
accessible on both sides of
the ship. The lifebuoys must
be ready for being rapidly cast
off. They must by no means be
permanently fastened.

Be aware of the placing of the

lifebuoys!

The lifebuoys have to be

equipped with reflection tapes
and the name and port of regi-
stry of the ship shall be mark-
ed on each lifebuoy in legible
block letters.
6. Special rescue equipment for
specialized ships
On specialized ships there may be a need for special rescue
equipment due to the nature of the cargo or the operation of
the ship. One example is the use of escape breathing appara-
tus in gascarriers.
Instructions on the use of this equipment if available is inserted
here.