TECHNICAL INFORMATION

KOREAN REGISTER OF SHIPPING

No.:2003001/IMO Date: Jan. 15, 2003
23-7, Jang-dong, Yusung-ku, Yusung P.O. Box 29, Taejon, Korea Phone : 82-42-869-9114(Rep) Fax : 82-42-862-6015 Web site : http://www.krs.co.kr E-mail : ycpark@krs.co.kr

Contact person : Yeong-Chul Park

Phone No. : 82-42-869-9332

Subject:

Connection method for the weak link regarding liferafts.

1 This is to inform you that there were some reports that the weak link of inflatable liferafts was connected in wrong manner by PSC, and in recent ages PSC inspection has been enhanced. We get the information that some port Authorities will strengthen the PSC inspection particularly on the weak link in order to check whether it is attached correctly, in this regard we, hereunder issue this technical information as a guideline. 2 IMO provided MSC/Circ.811 recommending that inflatable liferafts using internal weak link system should be marked on the outside of the container with appropriate wording indicating the system used for float-free arrangement. Nevertheless, there was argument involved in the weak link attaching. Thereafter, most of the ships have adopted the external weak-link system for their liferafts due to the fact that PSC inspection has been stronger. 3 Especially in South Korea, the government appoints the service stations approved to provide one-stop service for liferafts without attendance of class surveyors, so PSC records are subject to the company's competency. 4 Nonetheless, the role of surveyors, superintendents of the shipping company and masters would not passed over and they are highly required to check thoroughly during survey or operation. The followings are summarization in relation to hydrostatic release units and a manner of attaching weak link. 4.1 Composition of hydrostatic auto-release system Weak link: when a ship sinks, the weak link has the function as follows. (Fig. 1 external weak-link type) When a container floats automatically and the weak link is tensioned

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by buoyancy, the operating line tied to the painter (inside of the container) is pulled and inflation of the liferaft is started. As the liferaft inflates, the weak link tensioned up to 184265kg (2200400N) breaks, so the liferaft is released from the sinking ship and floats to the surface. Operating line: operating line works cutting device of gas bottle. Some are located inside of the container, meanwhile others are outside the container. In latter, the operating line should be secured to ship or cradle always. Painter: when manually operated, the painter links both the ship and the liferaft to prevent from wandering due to wind or wave. In automatic releases, the painter should be connected to weak link not to the ship. Weak link connection In preparedness for PSC, the weak link should be provided outside the container regardless of the type of cradle and liferaft. The weak link is connected to the end of the painter so as to be secured to the cradle or the ship as follows. 1) The arrangement shall be of that the liferaft is capable of being released free from the sinking ship by cutting the weak link. 2) In manual release, the arrangement shall be of that the tension should be given only to painter, not to the weak link. (Fig. 1, 2, 3) 4.2

Fig. 1 General type of manufacturers' in South Korea and Japan. The w li k eak n is not tensioned in manual release because the safety pin(1) is removed frs, and t releas it hen e handle is pulled for the purpose of throwing-down.

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Fig. 2 The weak link is not tensioned in manual release because the slip hook is untied and then threw down, so that the painter is fixed with automatic release unit.

Fig. 3 Disposable hammer type The weak link is not tensioned because in manual release. Once manual release works, the painter is connected to the cradle with the shackle.

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4.3 The release instructions for liferaft in use should be prepared for each liferaft type and properly posted in such a manner as follows:

manual release order automatic release unit.

manual release order

voyage, only attached to the cradle with a fine thread)

1) Check that the painter is fastened to (the end of painter shall not be fastened during 2) Check that the operating line is tied to 1) Check that the operating line is tied to the cradle. the cradle. 2) Pull the painter and fasten it to the 3) Remove the safety pin. cradle or to a strong point of the 4) Pull strongly the release handle to ship. throw down. 3) Pull up the safety handle. 4) rotate the manual release handle clockwise to be released. Automatic hydrostatic release and floating: In the case that a ship sinks, the hydrostatic release unit starts working at the depth of water of 24 meters, the container floats and inflates automatically. In the case of being equipped with the weak link, it is cut off from the sinking ship at 184264kg(2.2kN0.4kN) and the liferaft is separated. The approved service stations by Korean government shall provide a ship with a operating manual laid out appropriately applied to each on-board liferaft type. (internal weak link system type, non-weak link system type, or external weak link system type). refer to the liferaft manual sample as attached.

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5 On the other hand, we would like to recommend that a surveyor be prepared for PSC inspection, as one of methods, guide a shipowner/operator to install the weak link as practical in order to make it easy to maintain the equipment on board, referred to in paragraph 4.2. In addition, at the time of service, the approved service station shall: - make sure that the weak link is not tensioned, when liferaft is manually released, by connecting the painter with the hydrostatic release unit (In manual release case, the hydrostatic release unit does not work); - in automatic release, consider the arrangement that a liferaft is capable of being separated from the ship without any obstruction as the weak link connected with the painter only is cut off and in this manner, provide the hydrostatic release unit with the shipowner. Best regards,

Mu-Chang Park Managing Director Ship Survey Division Korean Register of Shipping

Encl.

the liferaft manual sample.

Attn : KR surveyors, shipowners/operators concerned, the approved service stations by Korean government, shipyard and the Administrations

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Sample of Operating Instruction for Manual Release Internal weak-link system External weak-link system
manual release safety pin release handle by after pulling manual removing release safety pin release handle by after pulling removing

Non-weak link system

manual release by using hydro-release unit

check if the weak link is check if operating line is tied to cradle. detach the painter from the cradle. manually alongside liferaft painter. embark in the by release the the hydrostatic release unit. painter indication panel and fasten it to check if operating line is tied to cradle. detach painter the from supplementary the properly connected. check if the painter is fastened to the hydrostatic release unit.

painter check if the red operating indication panel and fasten it line is fastened securely, to the hydrostatic release when located outside. unit. remove the safety pin pull strongly the release handle to be threw down.

inflated remove safety pin and pull strongly release handle. hauling the

alongside the inflated liferaft alongside the inflated liferaft by hauling the painter. by hauling the painter. liferaft

along embarkation ladder. embark in the liferaft along embark in the liferaft along embarkation ladder. embarkation ladder. cut the painter with the knife equipped inside the cut the painter with the cut the painter with the knife equipped inside the knife equipped inside the liferaft and sail away from the ship. liferaft and sail away from the ship. liferaft and sail away from the ship.

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