hydrostatic liferaft?

Paul Beaurain · 13 November 2007, 18:40

Hi
I am looking at coding my new 8.4m rib.
The builder is doing most of it.
I am checking out liferaft hire (NorWest Marine) what is unclear is if a Hydrostaitic release is a requirement?

Cat 3 - solus B
definative advise please?
Thanks
PB

C2 RIBS · 13 November 2007, 19:54

I am MCA coding a 7.8 for code 3/4 and have been advised by the surveyor I can place in bench/or consul provided it is readily available and does not need hydro release

mike · 14 November 2007, 23:10

exactly the same advice and also we have a norwest. definately not required if it is in a float free situation.

Searider · 15 November 2007, 08:51

If it's a valise type it must be in a locker in order to protect it from the elements - so ne requirement for straps and a hydrostatic release.

If it's in a GRP canister it depends how you stow it. It can go in a locker in the same way as a valise type. If doing this it must be easily deployable. This may require fitting some sort of webbing handles so it can be lifted out easily - they're heavy and difficult to get a grip on when wet!

If stowed on deck it obviously needs to be strapped down. If it's strapped down it should have a hydrostatic release.

That's how I apply the rules when inspecting boats.

John Kennett · 15 November 2007, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searider

If it's strapped down it should have a hydrostatic release.

That's how I apply the rules when inspecting boats.

Why? Surely if it's strapped on deck with a suitable manual release it's already easier to deploy than if it was stored in a locker.

John

The Garfish · 15 November 2007, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

it's already easier to deploy

downt bee a torl twatt yew torl twatt

tri itt wen de fkin botes upsyde dowen

garF

Doug Stormforce · 19 November 2007, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Why? Surely if it's strapped on deck with a suitable manual release it's already easier to deploy than if it was stored in a locker.

John

Thats the rules John

Valise is stowed out of the weather (in a locker)

Canister is stowed on deck with a HRU

It may not seem , logical but then a lot of regulations dont.

John Kennett · 19 November 2007, 22:20

Fair enough!

John

Jon Brooks · 20 November 2007, 07:43

Ours is in a cage at the front of the boat.
The liftraft is a float free type and the cage is designed to assist thet.
We did not have to have the hydro release.

We also have the option to lift the raft out and deploy by hand.

We have a security bar that locks the raft in place at night or when not at sea.
It is removed as part of the boat prep on working days

CAT 3? does you RIB have a cabin? if not I do not think you will get CAT 3 now.
You have to have shelter for all on board if operating after dark and this can not be a temp shelter, they are very specific on this.
If you do I would be very interested in how you got it through.

Cheers

Pete7 · 20 November 2007, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

CAT 3? does you RIB have a cabin? if not I do not think you will get CAT 3 now. You have to have shelter for all on board if operating after dark and this can not be a temp shelter, they are very specific on this. If you do I would be very interested in how you got it through. Cheers

Jon, thats what I thought too, until I saw that the latest MCA "open" ribs had gained CAT 3. I think they claim that there crews always have drysuits on - but I think thats bending the rules a little to far.

Pete

Jon Brooks · 20 November 2007, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Jon, thats what I thought too, until I saw that the latest MCA "open" ribs had gained CAT 3. I think they claim that there crews always have drysuits on - but I think thats bending the rules a little to far.

Pete

I totally agree Pete, bend it any further and it might break

That is all well and good for the crew but what happens if they get tasked to help with a rescue at night and have to collect people?

Just a thought are they Cat 3 under the Work Boat Code?

Pete7 · 20 November 2007, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

That is all well and good for the crew but what happens if they get tasked to help with a rescue at night and have to collect people? Just a thought are they Cat 3 under the Work Boat Code?

Different branch of the MCA, probably not qualified to save life or lift people out of the water phone the RNLI for that. Blue lights just there for inforcement, or if they go into Cowes like some local ribs.

http://www.marinelink.com/Story/RIB+Report-9806.html

Pete

Pete7 · 20 November 2007, 11:13

Duncan, you have used the word "should" which implies nice to have, do the rules say "shall" which implies must have.

(Before I nip down the chandlers to find a self releasing widget for the new canister liferaft located on the A Frame).

Regards

Pete

Doug Stormforce · 20 November 2007, 15:45

Cat 3 is possible for open boats provided certain limitations are stated on the cert, have never done it myself but Im pretty sure some forum members have, Im sure somone can clarify what the limitations would be

Jon Brooks · 20 November 2007, 16:03

Hi Doug,

When I coded mine earlier this year the only way to get Cat 3 would have been if I had a cabin.
The rules changed recently so I am lead to understand.
There are a number of Ribs that are Cat 3 but were done prior to the changes.

The big change is this issue regarding the fact that there must be shelter for all on board and not just the crew when operating at night.

C2 RIBS · 20 November 2007, 17:12

I have also been told we can get a restricted Cat 3 without a cabin up to three miles at night and then 20 for daylight. I hope this is the case as that is where my latest RIB is being worked towards

Searider · 20 November 2007, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Duncan, you have used the word "should" which implies nice to have, do the rules say "shall" which implies must have.

(Before I nip down the chandlers to find a self releasing widget for the new canister liferaft located on the A Frame).

Regards

Pete

Should / shall - you should have been a lawyer Pete!

The raft must be secure - ie not move around or bounce out of the boat. It must also be easily deployable including in the event that crew are injured.

Open top cradles have been accepted on some boats as long as they are deep enough for the raft not to move around.

The rules state hydrostatic release required. "Alternative Provisions" are permissible but I will only accept these once I have seen the boat and the operator and discussed the proposal.

CAT 3 RIBs are a minefield. The operator can request a restricted Category 3 coding from the Certifying Authority who then apply to the MCA on their behalf on a case by case basis. They are in no way guaranteed to get it.

I have lost business to other surveyors when stating that CAT 3 is not possible on an open boat.

Perhaps some Certifying Authorities have been less diligent than others when allowing CAT3................

Jon Brooks · 20 November 2007, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutlass

I have also been told we can get a restricted Cat 3 without a cabin up to three miles at night and then 20 for daylight. I hope this is the case as that is where my latest RIB is being worked towards

Is that 3 miles from safe haven or from your home port?

Who are you using to code your boat?

I did mine with the RYA and it was made clear that I could not get Cat 3 due to shelter requirement.

Cheers

C2 RIBS · 20 November 2007, 19:52

sent PM to Jon

Pete7 · 21 November 2007, 08:20

Jon, I can understand why your a little miffed, perhaps you should send a freedom of information request into the MCA asking how many open ribs have a Cat 3 coding

Hopefully they would also list there own ribs.

Pete