Scheme for the reciprocal recognition of tests and inspections carried out on ships' equipment - Ninth supplement

Scheme for the reciprocal recognition of tests and inspections carried out on ships' equipment - Ninth supplement

Loose-leaf edition NINTH SUPPLEMENT (June 1986) Table of contents 1. General information on the Scheme 2. The text of the Scheme 3. Appendix: List of Participating Authorities 4. Common reguirements for: lifeboat engines electro-hydraulic steering gear for passenger ships the design and construction of lifeboat davits and winches glass-fibre reinforced plastic lifeboats inflatable life-rafts lifeboat covers (canopies) non-portable fire extinguishers compasses pilot hoists, performance standards self-contained breathing apparatus for the use of firemen in ships totally enclosed lifeboats gangways and accommodation ladders including platforms life-jackets type-testing of fire alarm cabinets and electrical component parts for fire alarm and detection systems hydrostatic release units double compartment inflatable work vests --------------------------------------------------------------------~ Title Date of In force between entry Participating into force Authorities of --------------------------------------------------------------------~ Common requirements for 1 December Denmark, Finland, type testing of fire 1984 Iceland, the alarm cabinets and Netherlands, electrical component Norway, Portugal, parts for fire alarm and Sweden, detection systems United Kingdom, Yugoslavia --------------------------------------------------------------------~ Common reguirements for 1 September Denmark, Finland, hydrostatic release 1986 the Netherlands, units Norway, Sweden --------------------------------------------------------------------~ Common requirements for 1 September Denmark, Finland double compartment 1986 the Netherlands, inflatable work vests Norway, Sweden

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SCHEME FOR THE RECIPROCAL RECOGNITION

OF TESTS AND INSPECTIONS CARRIED OUT

ON SHIPS' EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this Scheme is to facilitate trade in ships' equipment by allowing certain tests and inspections required by a Participating Authority of the importing country to be carried out by another Participating Authority of the exporting country.

Explanation of terms

1. For the purpose of this Scheme

(a) »SHIPS« EQUIPMENT' means any equipment, including life-saving appliances and fire-extinguishing equipment, which is subject to the requirements and approval of or acceptance by a Participating Authority; (b) »PARTICIPATING AUTHORITY« means the administration in a country which is competent to approve or accept ships' equipment in relation to national regulations and which participates in this Scheme. Participating Authorities are listed in the Appendix.

Submission of designs and specifications

2. A person wishing to export ships' equipment or a person authorized by him shall

(a) under reference to this Scheme, forward to the Participating Authority whose approval or acceptance he wishes to obtain, in accordance with its required procedures, designs and specifications in respect of that equipment together with details of certifications by the authorities of other countries; and (b) specify the Participating Authority intended to undertake the tests and inspections.

Approval of designs and specifications; inspections and tests (* 1)

3. The Participating Authority whose approval or acceptance has been reguested shall, without undue delay, declare to the Participating Authority specified in accordance with paragraph 2(b), if it so finds, that the designs and specifications submitted to it are in accordance with its regulations or are otherwise acceptable to it and shall at the same time request the latter Participating Authority to undertake, on its behalf, such of the following operations as it finds appropriate to the facilities of that authority

(a) inspection of the production facilities of the manufacturer; (b) surveillance of production; (c) inspection and tests of the prototype; (d) issuance of reports, certificates and other documentary material.

Reports, certificates and other documentary material

4. The reports, certificates and other documentary material referred to in paragraph 3(d) shall be submitted by the Participating Authority which has carried out the operations to which they relate, to the Participating Authority on whose behalf they have been undertaken. Upon receipt of these reports, certificates and other documentary material the latter Participating Authority shall, if satisfied, grant without undue delay such final approval of the ships' equipment to which they relate as is laid down in its regulations or otherwise indicate its acceptance.

Refusal of final approval

5. Nothing in this Scheme shall prevent the Participating Authority whose approval or acceptance has been requested from refusing final approval to or acceptance of any ships' equipment tested and inspected under this Scheme if it has reason to believe that such equipment is not in conformity with its regulations. Refusal of final approval or acceptance and the reasons therefore shall be notified, without undue delay, to the Participating Authority which has carried out the operations referred to in paragraph 3 above.

Participation by other authorities

6. (a) This Scheme is open for participation by an administration in another country which is competent to approve or accept ships' equipment in relation to national regulations (requesting authority). Requests for participation expressing willingness to accept this Scheme, together with a description of the regulations governing approval of designs and specifications, inspections and tests, shall be addressed to the Secretary-General of EFTA who shall notify this to all Participating Authorities. (i) If the requesting authority is situated in a contracting party to the GATT, its participation in this Scheme shall take effect three months after the request has been received by the Secretary-General. (ii) If the requesting authority is not situated in a contracting party to the GATT, its participation in this Scheme requires the consent of all Participating Authorities. The notification of consent shall be transmitted to the Secretary-General through the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participation shall take effect three months after the Secretary-General has received notification of consent from all the Participating Authorities. (iii) The date on which the participation in the Scheme takes effect in relation to the requesting authority shall be notified by the Secretary-General to all Participating Authorities and the requesting authority. (b) A Participating Authority may, having regard solely to the technical competence and reliability of the requesting authority, notify the Secretary-General within two months after this participation became effective, that it will not accept the tests carried out by the requesting authority or specify the conditions under which it will accept their tests. The absence of such notification shall not prejudice any of the rights of the Participating Authorities provided for under this Scheme. Should the content of any such notification be considered unsatisfactory by the requesting authority it shall be free to withdraw from the Scheme with immediate effect. (c) The Secretary-General shall amend the Appendix in accordance with notifications received and forward them to all Participating Authorities.

Amendments

7. This Scheme may be amended by mutual agreement between the Participating Authorities.

Consultations between Participating Authorities

8. Representatives of the Participating Authorities shall meet from time to time to discuss matters of common interest relating to the operation of this Scheme.

9. Such meetings shall be convened by the Secretary-General of EFTA whenever necessary, but at least once a year or upon request in writing indicating the reason for the meeting from two or more Participating Authorities in different countries.

Establishment of common requirements

10. In order to facilitate the application of this Scheme Participating Authorities may establish common requirements for items of ships' equipment.

11. A common requirement shall not preclude a Participating Authority from having other requirements additional to the provisions therein. Common requirements may be amended by general agreement of the Participating Authorities concerned.

12. A Participating Authority may at any time withdraw from a common requirement by notification to the Secretary-general. Any Participating Authority wishing to withdraw shall whenever practicable give reasonable notice to the other Participating Authorities of its intention to do so. The common requirement shall continue to apply as between those Participating Authorities which have not withdrawn from it.

13. The Secretary-General shall notify all Participating Authorities of the common requirements as well as of any amendments and withdrawals, and, from time to time, circulate a list of the requirements so far issued.

Withdrawal

14. A Participating Authority may withdraw from this Scheme by giving six months' notice in writing to the Secretary-General, who shall notify all other Participating Authorities. On withdrawal of a Participating Authority the Secretary-General shall revise the Appendix and circulate it to each Participating Authority.

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COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR INFLATABLE LIFE-RAFTS

(Only SI units are used in the common requirements given in the following pages. Except for the units of length the table below sets out the corresponding metric and imperial units) --------------------------------------------------------------------~ Paragraph SI unit Metric unit Imperial unit --------------------------------------------------------------------~ 3.5 96 dm3 96 dm3 3.4 ft3 3.6 96 dm3 96 dm3 3.4 ft3 3.7 0,372 m2 0,372 m2 4 ft2 3.13 10 kN 1020 kp 2250 lbf 5 kN 510 kp 1125 lbf 4.4 8,6 MPa 87,7 kp/cm2 1250 lbf/in2 65 N 6,63 kp 14.5 lbf 4.5 12,5 MPa 127,5 kp/cm2 1800 lbf/in2 21 MPa 214 kp/cm2 3025 lbf/in2 4,2 MPa 43 kp/cm2 605 lbf/in2 5.5 1 dm3 1 1 0.22 gal 7.10 75 kg 75 kg 165 lb 7.14 37,8 dm3/s 37,8 dm3/s 500 gal/min 7.17 75 kg 75 kg 165 lb 7.18 75 kg 75 kg 165 lb 8.1(a) 0,4 kPa/grC 0,004 kp/cm2/gr.C 0.03 lbf/in2/gr.F 8.1(b) 1,8 kPa 0,018 kp/cm2/gr.C 0.25 lbf/in2/gr.F 8.1(c) 1,3 kPa 0,013 kp/cm2/gr.C 0.18 lbf/in2/gr.F 8.1(f)(ii) 0,35 kPa 356 mm H2O 14 in water gauge 75 Pa 77 mm H2O 3 in water gauge 8.1(f)(iii) 0,25 kPa 255 mm H2O 10 in water gauge 50 Pa 51 mm H2O 2 in water gauge 8.3 75 kg 75 kg 165 lb 9 2,2 kN 225 kp +/- 47 kp 500 lbf +/- 0,4 kN +/- 103 lbf 10.5 +/- 14 g +/- 14 g +/- 0.5 oz 56 g 56 g 2 oz 1,1 kg 1,1 kg 2.4 lb 28 g 28 g 1 oz --------------------------------------------------------------------~ COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR HYDROSTATIC RELEASE UNITS In force as from 1 September 1986

N.B.

These common requirements are to be read in connection with the text of the Scheme, as revised. Particular attention should be given to paragraph 11 of the Scheme. The reader is advised to ask the relevant Participating Authority if there are any national requirements additional to the provisions of these common requirements.

1. REQUIREMENTS

A hydrostatic release unit used in float-free arrangements shall

1.1 be constructed with proper workmanship and materials; 1.2 not be damaged in stowage throughout the air temperature range - 30 degrees C to + 65 degrees C; 1.3 be capable of operating satisfactorily throughout the sea-water temperature range -1 degrees C to + 30 degrees C; 1.4 be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, and not be unduly affected by sea-water, oil or fungal attack; 1.5 where exposed to sunlight, be resistant to deterioration; 1.6 be constructed of compatible materials so as to prevent malfunction af the unit. Galvanizing or other forms of metallic coating on parts of the hydrostatic release unit shall not be accepted; 1.7 automatically release the liferaft at a depth of not more than 4 m; 1.8 have drains to prevent the accumulation of water in the hydrostatic unit when the unit is in its normal position; 1.9 be so constructed as to prevent release when seas wash over the unit; 1.10 be permanently marked on its exterior with its type and serial number; date of manufacture, month and year; 1.11 be provided with a document or identification plate stating the date of manufacture, type and serial number; 1.12 be fitted with a small plate permanently attached to the unit on which the date when it was last seviced or, in the case of a disposable unit the date when fitted, can be recorded; 1.13 be such that each part connected to the painter system has a strength of not less than that required for the painter; 1.14 be tested in accordance with section 2 below. 1.15 be constructed so that it can be readily removed for servicing or replacment. 2. PROTOTYPE TESTS 2.1 Two samples of hydrostatic release units shall be given a visual and dimensional examination. If the devices conform with the manufacturer's drawings and specifications, they shall be accepted and assembled for further testing under the technical and performance tests as prescribed in paragraphs 2.2 and 2.3. 2.2 Technical tests Each hydrostatic release unit shall undergo all the following technical tests. No parts shall be renewed or repaired between the tests. The tests shall be conducted in the following sequence: 2.2.1 Corrosion resistance test The hydrostatic release unit shall be exposed to a salt water spray test (20 % natrium chloride solution) at a temperature of +35 degrees C +/- 3 degrees for 160 h without interruption. After completion the hydrostatic release unit shall show no corrosion which could affect its efficient functioning and shall then be subjected to the following tests after which it shall continue to function efficiently. 2.2.2 Temperature tests The hydrostatic release unit shall then be subjected to the temperature cycling test prescribed in paragraph 2.4. 2.2.3 Submergence and manual release tests The hydrostatic release unit shall then be tested by applying a buoyant load equal to its designed capacity while the device is submerged in water or in a water-filled pressure testing tank. It shall release at a depth of not more than 4 m. On completion of these tests and resetting, the hydrostatic release unit shall be capable of being released manually if it is designed to allow manual release of the unit. It shall then be opened for inspection and shall show no significant signs of corrosion or degradation. 2.2.4 Strength test After reassembly the hydrostatic release unit shall be subjected to a tensile test of at least 10 kN and, if designed to allow manual release of the unit, shall then be capable of being operated manually. 2.2.5 Technical tests on the membrane The following tests shall be carried out on the membrane: (a) Test of resistance to cold Number of specimens 2 membranes Temperature - 30 degrees C Exposure time 30 min Flex testing 180 degrees with both inside and outside stretched. Requirements: The membranes shall show no visible cracking. (b) Test of resistance to heat Number of specimens 2 membranes Temperature + 65 degrees C Exposure time 7 days Requirements: The membranes shall show no visible cracking. (c) Test for surface resistance to oil Number of specimens 2 membranes Temperature + 18 degrees C to 20 degrees C Type of oil A mineral oil meeting the following requirements: Aniline point: 120 degrees +/- 5 degrees C Flashpoint: minimum 240 degrees C Viscosity: 10-25 cSt at 99.0 degrees C The following oils may be used: ASTM Oil No. 1 ASTM Oil No. 5 ISO Oil No. 1 Testing period 3 h on each side Requirements: The material shall show no deterioration. (d) Resistance to sea-water Two membranes shall be immersed for 7 days in 5% natrium chloride solution. Test temperature + 18 degrees C to 20 degrees C Requirements: The material shall show no deterioration. (e) Resistance to detergents The membranes shall not be affected by detergents commonly used on board ship. 2.3 Performance test 2.3.1 A liferaft shall be placed horizontally in a rack or platform of sufficient weight to submerge the liferaft. The hydrostatic release unit, the weak link (when fitted) and the painter shall be installed as on board ship. 2.3.2 The following tests shall be carried out in a suitable depth of water. The platform on which the liferaft is mounted shall be lowered into the water as follows: 2.3.2.1 horizontal; 2.3.2.2 tilted 45 degrees and then 100 degrees with the hydrostatic release unit at the upper side; 2.3.2.3 tilted 45 degrees and then 100 degrees with the hydrostatic release unit at the lower side; and 2.3.2.4 vertically. Under these conditions the hydrostatic release unit shall release the liferaft at a depth of not more than 4 m. 2.4 Temperature cycling test The following test shall be carried out on two units: The hydrostatic release units shall be alternately subjected to surrounding temperatures of -30 degrees C and + 65 degrees C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately efter each other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of 10 cycles, is acceptable: 2.4.1 an 8 h cycle at + 65 degrees C to be completed in one day; 2.4.2 the specimens removed from the warm chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day; 2.4.3 an 8 h cycle at -30 degrees C to be completed the next day; and 2.4.4 the specimens removed from the cold chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day. 2.4.5 The hydrostatic release unit shall show no sign of loss of rigidity under high temperatures and, after the tests, shall show no sign of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities. --------- COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR DOUBLE COMPARTMENT INFLATABLE WORK VESTS In force as from 1 September 1986

N.B.

These common requirements are to be read in connection with the text of the Scheme, as revised. Particular attention should be given to paragraph 11 of the Scheme. The reader is advised to ask the relevant Participating Authority if there are any national requirements additional to the provisions of these common requirements.

1. GENERAL

This specification applies to inflatable work vests constructed with two inflatable buoyancy chambers of approved material, inflating arrangement, protective cover and securing arrangement. 1.1 A double compartment inflatable work vest consists of: - a buoyancy chamber I with water-activated CO2 inflation, manually activated CO2 inflation and oral inflation, - a buoyancy chamber II with, as a minimum, means for oral inflation, - a neck opening, - an adjustable securing arrangement, - a protective cover for the deflated buoyancy chambers when the work vest is worn uninflated, and - audible and visual means for detection. 1.2 If only buoyancy chamber I is provided with CO2 inflation it shall provide 155N of buoyancy in fresh water within 10 seconds of being submerged in water. If both buoyancy chambers are provided with CO2 inflation they shall together provide at least 155N of buoyancy within 10 seconds of being submerged in water and each buoyancy chamber alone shall be capable of providing at least 155N of buoyancy after oral topping up. The work vest shall, when conditioned to the lowest temperature at which the work vest is designed to be worn, have completely opened its cover and be inflated to at least 67% of its specified volume within 10 seconds, after being submerged in seawater at - 1 degrees C. 1.3 The buoyancy should not be reduced by more than 5% after 24 hours submersion in fresh water. 1.4 An inflated buoyancy chamber shall be so designed that an unconscious or exhausted person will be supported with the body inclined backwards with a mouth freeboard of at least 120 mm. 1.5 When inflated, buoyancy chamber II shall fulfil the same requirements as buoyancy chamber I. 1.6 It shall be possible for a person in the water to inflate a buoyancy chamber orally. 2. MATERIALS FOR WORK VEST (BUOYANCY CHAMBERS), PROTECTIVE COVER AND SECURING ARRANGEMENTS 2.1 General 2.1.1 Materials shall be of a type which satisfies the Participating Authority. Tests shall be carried out on samples of materials and components as supplied for use in the manufacture of the inflatable work vest, and as far as practicable in the form in which it is intended that they shall be incorporated. When required by a Participating Authority a fire test shall be carried out on the completed work vest in accordance with IMO Assembly resolution A. 521 (13) »Recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances«. 2.1.2 Materials which will be exposed to the effects of sunlight shall be resistant to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. When the materials have been exposed to light, minimum to class 5-6, in accordance with ISO 105-B02-1984 »Normal Condition«, the tensile strength determined in accordance with British Standard BS 2576: 1977 and tested with the testing machine as mentioned in Annex A, A2, shall be not less than 0.5 kN/50 mm. If the fabrics are coated or proofed the tensile strength shall be determined as stated in paragraph 2.2.1. 2.1.3 The material for the exterior of the buoyancy chambers and for the protective cover shall be of a highly visible colour (for example traffic yellow in accordance with British Standard BS 381, ref. 368 or international orange in accordance with British Standard BS 381, ref. 592). Colour fastness: (a) The resistance to exposure to light when tested in accordance with ISO 105-B02-1984 »Normal Condition«, shall be not less than class 5. (b) The resistance to rubbing off when tested in accordance with ISO 105-x12-1984 dry and wet rubbing, shall be not less than class 3. (c) The resistance to sea water when tested in accordance with ISO 105-E02-1978 shall be not less than class 4. 2.1.4 The materials shall be inherently rot-proof, durable, resistant to moisture and able to withstand normal wear and stowage conditions. 2.1.5 The materials shall be able to resist temperatures between -30 degrees C and +65 degrees C and shall be capable of being folded at -30 degrees C without being damaged. 2.1.6 The materials shall be resistant to salt water, oil and oil products. They shall be tested in accordance with SIS 882221 item 7. 2.1.7 The metal parts shall be resistant to corrosion. They shall be tested in accordance with British Standard BS 1391: 1952, part 2. After 100 hours there must be no sign of corrosion. 2.2 Buoyancy chambers 2.2.1 Material used for buoyancy chambers shall in addition to the requirements of paragraph 2.1 comply with the following: - Tensile strength of at least 1.5 kN/50 mm (warp and weft) when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 3424: 1982, part 4, using a constant rate of traverse machine. (The test report shall additionally state the breaking strength in each direction of the test specimens.) - Tear strength of at least 75 N (warp and weft) when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 3424: 1982, part 5, Method 7A, or in accordance with DIN 53356. - Puncture pressure of at least 20 N when tested in accordance with SIS 882221. 2.2.2 The buoyancy chambers shall be able to withstand a pressure of 3 N/cm2 (30 kPa) above atmospheric pressure for 24 hours and also the overpressure caused by releasing the CO2 inflation system after the vest has bee inflated to a pressure of 1 N/cm2 (10 kPa) above atmospheric pressure. The chambers shall also be capable of withstanding a pressure of N/cm2 (100 kPa) for 1 minute. 2.3 Protective cover Material used for the protective cover shall in addition to the requirements of paragraph 2.1 comply with the following: - Tensile strength of at least 250 N/50 mm (warp and weft) when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 3424: 1982, part 4, using a constant rate of traverse machine, if a coated or proofed material, and when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 2576: 1977 using the testing machine mentioned in Annex A of that standard if not a coated or proofed material. - Tear strength of at least 200 N (warp and weft) when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 3424: 1982, part 5, Method 7A, if a coated or proofed material and when tested in accordance with British Standard BS 4F 100: 1982 if not a coated or proofed material. 2.4 Securing Arrangement Material used for the securing arrangement shall in addition to the requirements of paragraph 2.1 have a breaking strength of 1.5 kN. 3. CONSTRUCTION 3.1 Work vest (buoyancy chambers) An inflatable work vest shall be of such construction and shape that: 3.1.1 an inflated buoyancy chamber does not restrict arm movements when swimming, and such that it does not cause discomfort by pressing against throat and chin, 3.1.2 the collar does not unduly restrict movement of the head and reduce the field of vision, 3.1.3 an inflated buoyancy chamber remains fastened correctly on the person wearing it in the water whether swimming or floating in a reclining position regardless of the size of an adult person wearing the vest, 3.1.4 it cannot be dislodged upwards over the head of a person wearing it, when inflated, whether swimming or floating in a reclining position, 3.1.5 it does not cause undue pressure whether inflated or deflated against neck, throat or head when the person wearing it jumps into the water, 3.1.6 the risk of the vest being dislodged over the head of a person wearing it, whether inflated or uninflated, when jumping into the water from a height og 4.5 m, is negligible, 3.1.7 CO2 or air cannot be released inadvertently through either the automatic CO2 or oral inflation system or the deflation device, 3.1.8 seams shall be to the satisfaction of the Participating Authority. 3.2 Comfort/mobility An inflatable work vest shall be of such construction and shape that: 3.2.1 when worn uninflated it fits comfortably, does not restrict movements of arms, body and head, does not reduce the field of vision and can be worn during work on board without inconvenience as regards comfort and mobility, 3.2.2 when worn with either of the buoyancy chambers inflated it does not unduly restrict movements of arms, body and head, does not reduce the normal field of vision, and when worn on board ship and in survival craft does not unduly impair the comfort and mobility of the person wearing it, 3.2.3 when one or both of the buoyancy chambers are inflated they do not exert an uncomfortable pressure against the throat when the person wearing it is swimming or floating in a reclining position, 3.2.4 the buoyancy of each chamber is arranged in such a manner that when one or both buoyancy chambers are inflated, the head of an unconscious or exhausted person is supported backwards and sideways when the person wearing the vest is in a reclining upright position. 3.3 Protective cover and securing arrangement 3.3.1 The protective cover shall provide for simplified packing and the rear portion shall be attached to the work vest in an easily detachable manner. Joining and closing of the cover shall be effected in a simple and safe manner, by velcrotapes, press buttons or equivalent methods. 3.3.2 An inflatable work vest shall have an approved securing arrangement which can be readily fastened, tightened and released by one person without assistance. The arrangement shall be such that: - the work vest remains in its correct position when the person wearing it jumps into the water or is swimming, - it cannot cause injury to the wearer when the vest is worn during work or in an emergency situation. 3.3.3 Straps resting against the body of the wearer shall have a width of at least 25 mm. 3.3.4 The complete securing arrangement shall have a breaking strength of at least 1.5 kN.

4. ATTACHMENTS An inflatable work vest may have a buoyant grab line attached with a simple handhold. The line shall have a length of not less than 1 m and a breaking strength of at least 1.5 kN.

5. MEANS FOR DETECTION

5.1 The inflated buoyancy chamber shall on the outside have at least six readily visible areas (5 x 10 cm) of a suitable retro-reflective material of an approved type which shall be placed as high on the work vest as possible. 5.2 The work vest shall be fitted with a whistle firmly secured to the vest by a cord of suitable lenght and stowed in a suitably placed pocket. The whistle shall be of non-metallic material and must not be adversely affected by water or humidity.

6. MARKING ARRANGEMENTS An inflatable work vest shall be clearly and permanently marked with the temperature range for which it has been tested, the name of the manufacturer or his trade mark, the name under which the vest is sold, the year of manufacture, and a mark showing by which Participating Authority it has been approved. A panel or other means on which can be marked the date and location of each inspection and servicing shall be attached in the vest.

7. PACKING It shall be possible to pack an inflatable work vest in the protective cover without restricting inflation of the buoyancy chambers. The packing shall be such that: - the work vest has as few folds as practicable, - all hard components which could damage the vest are placed in such a manner that the risk of wear during stowage and use of the work vest is minimized, - all hard components of the vest are protected by suitable shock absorbant material, and - the protective cover can be easily examined for external damage, and can be readily opened and closed for examination of the vest.

8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND INSPECTION

8.1 For each type of inflatable work vest approved instructions for its use shall be available in the language or languages required by the Participating Authority. At least the following shall be included: - donning and use of the work vest, - operation of inflation equipment, replacement of parts and maintenance of inflation equipment, - maintenance and repairs of buoyancy chambers, and - inspection of the work vest on board. 8.2 Inspection and servicing procedures, instructions and maintenance manuals shall be to the satisfaction of the Participating Authority.

9. PERFORMANCE TESTS The tests shall be carried out with at least six persons of the following heights and weights

Height Weight 1.40 m - 1.60 m 1 person under 60 kg 1 person over 60 kg 1.60 m - 1.80 m 1 person under 70 kg 1 person over 70 kg over 1.80 m 1 person under 80 kg 1 person over 80 kg

Two of the persons shall be females. During the tests the persons shall wear underwear, boiler suit and shoes. 9.1 Righting An inflatable work vest shall in calm water keep an unconscious person in a safe upright position with the body inclined backwards with a mouth freeboard of at least 120 mm. The work vest shall be able, when inflated in the water, to turn, in not more than 5 seconds, the body of an unconscious person in the water from any unconstrained position to one where the mouth is clear of the water. 9.2 Swimming An inflatable work vest shall not unduly restrict swimming by breast- or backstroke. 9.3 Jumping It shall be demonstrated that when wearing a work vest and jumping into the water from a height of 4.5 m with either or both of the buoyancy chambers inflated or uninflated the wearer shall not be injured nor the work vest damaged.

10. PRODUCTION TESTS Each work vest should be proof tested by inflation to a pressure of 20.5 kPa for 1 minute. This should be followed by an airholding test at a pressure of 5 kPa for 15 minutes.

11. OTHER TESTS Other methods of testing the materials etc. will be accepted if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Participating Authority that the test results correspond to the requirements laid down.

12. RESERVATION AS TO APPROVAL Notwithstanding an inflatable work vest or the materials incorporated satisfying the requirements laid down in these common requirements, the Participating Authority may reject a work vest when it is found unfit for its purpose.

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(* 1) Interpretation of Article 3 (agreed at the 15th Meeting of the Participating Authorities on 18 and 19 September 1985)

1. Article 3 of the Scheme for the reciprocal recognition of tests and inspections carried out on ships' equipment shall be interpreted as meaning that one Participating Authority shall examine designs and specifications for ships' equipment included in the Scheme submitted by another Participating Authority for approval or acceptance as meeting its national requirements.

2. Consideration shall be given to the use of the facilities of the Applying Authority to carry out inspections and tests where appropriate.

3. The approval or acceptance of items of ships' equipment in this way will have the effect that such equipment is acceptable for use on the ships of the Approving or Accepting Authority.

4. Approval or acceptance does not depend upon a particular ship or contract reguiring that equipment but is general.