Resolution
MSC.272(85)
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCE (LSA) CODE
(adopted
on 4 December 2008])
THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,
RECALLING
Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization
concerning the functions of the Committee,
NOTING
resolution MSC.48(66), by which it adopted the International Life-Saving
Appliance Code (hereinafter referred to as "the LSA Code"), which has
become mandatory under chapter III of the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as "the
Convention"),
NOTING
ALSO article VIII(b) and regulation III/3.10 of the Convention concerning the
procedure for amending the LSA Code,
HAVING
CONSIDERED, at its [eighty-fifth] session, amendments to the LSA Code, proposed
and circulated in accordance with article VIII(b)(i) of the Convention,
1.
ADOPTS, in accordance with article VIII(b)(iv) of the Convention, amendments to
the LSA Code, the text of which is set out in the Annex to the present
resolution;
2.
DETERMINES, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the Convention,
that the amendments shall be deemed to have been accepted on 1 January 2010
unless, prior to that date, more than one third of the Contracting Governments
to the Convention or Contracting Governments the combined merchant fleets of
which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the worlds merchant
fleet, have notified their objections to the amendments;
3.
INVITES Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article
VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1
July 2010 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;
4.
REQUESTS the Secretary-General, in conformity with article VIII(b)(v) of the
Convention, to transmit certified copies of the present resolution and the text
of the amendments contained in the Annex to all Contracting Governments to the
Convention;
5.
FURTHER REQUESTS the Secretary-General to transmit copies of this resolution
and its Annex to Members of the Organization, which are not Contracting
Governments to the Convention.
Annex.
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCE (LSA) CODE
Chapter
IV.
SURVIVAL CRAFT
4.4
General requirements for lifeboats
1.
In subparagraph .1 of paragraph 4.4.2.2, the words "(for a lifeboat
intended for a passenger ship) or 82.5 kg (for a lifeboat intended for a cargo
ship)" are inserted after the words "75 kg".
2.
The existing paragraph 4.4.9.1 is replaced by the following:
"4.4.9.1 The number(s)
of persons for which the lifeboat is approved, for passenger ships and/or cargo
ships, as applicable, shall be clearly marked on it in clear permanent
characters."
4.7
Free-fall lifeboats
3.
The existing paragraph 4.7.2 is replaced by the following:
"4.7.2
Carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat
4.7.2.1
The carrying capacity of a free-fall lifeboat is the number of persons having
an average mass of 82.5 kg that can be provided with a seat without interfering
with the means of propulsion or the operation of any of the lifeboats
equipment. The seating surface shall be smooth and shaped and provided with
cushioning of at least 10 mm over all contact areas to provide support for the
back and pelvis and flexible lateral side support for the head. The seats shall
be of the non-folding type, permanently secured to the lifeboat and arranged so
that any deflection of the hull or canopy during launching will not cause
injury to the occupants. The location and structure of the seat shall be
arranged to preclude the potential for injury during launch if the seat is
narrower than the occupants shoulders. The passage between the seats shall
have