Chapter 5.3 of NSCV section C7A requires class 1, 2 and 3 vessels operating in areas D or E (partially smooth waters or smooth waters) to carry buoyant devices.
All commercial versions of the Life Cell are approved as a buoyant device. The number of people they can support varies from 1 – 4 PAX depending upon the model.
The commercial versions are fitted with grab lines, additional reflective tape on the back and specify the number of people they can support.
It is however the responsibility of the owner/skipper to attach a 10kn painter of sufficient length to allow for deployment and ensure parent vessel identification is permanently attached to the Life Cell, on both of the largest faces of the appliance, in letters not less than 75mm high in contrasting colours.
Life Cell should be mounted on its float-free bracket in a well luminated area so they can be safely deployed from a vessel with up to 10°trim and 15°list either way. The Life Cell should also not impede the deployment of other survival craft and be capable of floating free if the vessel capsizes or sinks.
BUOYANT STORAGE DEVICE
Chapter 4.10 of NSCV section C7A requires pyrotechnic and smoke signals to be stowed in a buoyant watertight container, fitted with a handle or lanyard. The container shall be clearly and permanently marked as to its contents. For all classes of vessel, it shall be readily accessible and on Class 3 vessels mounted in a float free position.
All Life Cell models are approved as a buoyant storage container. If used only for this purpose and not to replace other buoyant appliances, the standard/recreational models without grab lines are applicable. If Life Cell is also being used as a required buoyant device and a storage container, a commercial version should be used.
NON-SURVEYED VESSELS
Part G, Schedule 1 of the NSCV states that non-surveyed vessels are required to carry a buoyant device.
All recreational/standard Life Cell models meet the design and construction standards for a buoyant device on non-survey vessels.
Life Cells used for this purpose should be mounted on the float-free bracket supplied with the device to ensure easy deployment.
It is however the responsibility of the owner/skipper to attach 30m of 8mm buoyant rope to the Life Cell as stipulated in Part G, Schedule 1 of the NSCV.
If a self-igniting light is also required, this is the responsibility of the owner/skipper, and it can easily be attached to the Life Cell as shown below.
