- its full complement of persons;
- occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most forward position;
- occupants so as to cause the centre of gravity to be in the most aft position; its operating crew only.
Each free-fall lifeboat shall be of sufficient strength to withstand, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment, a free-fall launch from a height of at least 1.3 times the free-fall certification height.
Each free-fall lifeboat shall be fitted with a release system which shall:
- have two independent activation systems for the release mechanisms which may only be operated from inside the lifeboat and be marked in a color that contrasts with its surroundings;
- be so arranged as to release the boat under any condition of loading from no load up to at least 200% of the normal load caused by the fully equipped lifeboat when loaded with the number of persons for which it is to be approved;
- be adequately protected against accidental or premature use;
- be designed to test the release system without launching the lifeboat;
- be designed with a factor of safety of 6 based on the ultimate strength of the materials used.
In addition to the requirements for fully enclosed lifeboat certificate of approval for a free-fall lifeboat shall also state:
- free-fall certification height;
- required launching ramp length; and
- launching ramp angle for the free-fall certification height
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