New lifejacket lights test standard: UK21/L001
Adopted EU recommendation LSA-003. UK approved recommendation on the testing standards for lifejacket lights.
Question
Should there be a requirement that individual approved lifejacket lights be approved and tested for fastening requirements to dedicated approved types of lifejackets and immersion suits?
Recommendation
The drop test for lights required by IMO Res. MSC.81(70) paragraph 10.3 should first be done during the conformity assessment process of the lights to be approved under UK/1.2c with the light attached to a UK type-approved sample of each of the following:
a) an inherently buoyant lifejacket
b) an inflatable lifejacket
c) an immersion suit
The jump test carried out with the light should establish not only that the light is not damaged or dislodged following the jump, but also that it functions satisfactorily after the test and that a suitable fastening design is used.
References
• IMO Res. MSC.81(70)
• MSN 1874 as amended
• The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
Items affected
• UK/1.2c, Position-indicating lights for life-saving appliances: for lifejackets.
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca