IS : 6685 - 1972

Indian Standard SPECIFICATION FOR

LIFE JACKETS

Marine Instruments and Safety Aids Sectional Committee, MCPD 4

Chairman

CAPT M. S. PATEE~

Representing

Directorate General of Shipping ( Ministry of Parlia- mentary Affairs, Shipping and Transport ), Bombay

CAPT S. B. AQA Ericson & Richards, Bombay CAPT D. MUNQAT ( Alternate )

CAPT P. ALEXANDER The Company of Master Mariners of India, Bombay; and La1 Bahadur Shastri Nautical & Engineering College, Bombay

CAPT P. S. VANCIXISWAR ( Altewte I ---- I CHIEB MEOEANICAL ENQINEER, Inter Port Consultations Secretariat Cell, Calcutta

TnE COMMISSIONERS BOR THE PORT OB CALOUTTA

CRIEZ MECHANIOAL ENQI- NEER, BOMBAY PORT TRUST ( Alternate )

SHRI V. G. DAMLE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OB WEAPONS

POLICY AND TACTICS SHRI J. E. GILL SERI K. GURURAJA SHRI M. G. KIRPALANI CAPT R. D. KOHLI

CAPT C. G. BHOOT ( Alternate ) SHRI V. KRISHNAMURTHY Snn~ SHAREEP MOLOOBHOY Ahmed S. Moloobhoy B Sons, Bombay

SRRI ARIFB MUNJEE ( Alternate ) DR E. SCHIMMEL Siemens India Ltd, Bombay

SHRI 0. P. TALWAR ( Alternate ) SHRI P. A. SHAPARIA Shaparia Dock & Steel Co Pvt Ltd, Bombay

SRRI C. N. MISTRY ( Alternate ) SHRI M. R. SRINIVASA RAO Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam

SHRI C. S. R. ANJANEYULU ( Alfnnate ) SHRI M. VELU Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin SHRI K. S. SUBRAMANIAM, Director General, ISI ( Ex-oficio Member )

Officer on Special Duty ( MCPD ) ( Secretary )

( Conhnued on page 2 )

AFCO Ltd, Bombay Ministry of Defence ( NHQ)

E. W. Stevens and Co Ltd, Calcutta Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore The Indian National Shipowners’ Association, Bombay The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Bombay

Directorate General of Technical Development

INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION MANAIi BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG

NEW DELHI 1

IS : 6685 - 1972

(Continued from page 1 )

Life Saving Equipment Subcommittee, MCPD 4 : 1

Convener

CAPT R. L. RIKRYE

Representing

Directorate General of Shipping ( Ministry of Parlia- mentary Affairs, Shipping & Transport ), Bombay

Members

CAPT S. S. BALABUBBA~ANIAY The Indian National Shipowners’ Association, Bombay

CAM N. N. BHANSALI The Company of Master Mariners of India, Bombay SERI V. G. DAMLE AFCO Limited, Bombay DIREOTOR OB N A v A L Ministry of Defence ( NHQ)

SHRI SHAREEP MOL~OBHOY Ahmed S. Moloobhoy & Sons, Bombay SHRI ARIFI? MIJNJEE ( Alternate )

CDR K. N. NAIZ Ministry of Defence ( R&D ) SHRI N. C. MUUEHERJEIE ( Alternate )

SHRI FULOHAND N. PATEL Bharat Traders, Bombay SHRI V. SWAMINATHAN ( Al&mate )

CAPT S. S. REWARI La1 Bahadur Shastri Nautical & Engineering College, Bombay

SHRI M. VELU Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin

2

18:6685-1972

Indian Standard SPECIFICATION FOR

LIFE JACKETS

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution on 25 October 1972, after the draft finalized by the Marine Instruments and Safety Aids Sectional Committee had been approved’ by the Marine, Cargo Movement and Packaging Division Council.

0.2 Life jackets are used for providing a means of safety for all persons whose occupation or recreation is connected with water.

0.3 While prescribing the performance and test requirements of life jackets, consideration has been given to lightness, compactness and simplicity in donning, without in any way affecting its purpose of saving life.

0.4 In this standard life jackets have been classified into sizes 1 and 2 suitable for persons weighing 32 kg or more and for persons weighing less than 32 kg, respectively. The size 1 is mainly intended for adults and the size 2 for children.

0.5 With increased information on testing of life jacket and results of practical utility, this standard may be revised, as and when necessary.

0.6 This standard, incorporates the requirements under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the Rules made thereunder, which conform to the requirements of SOLAS Convention - 1960. General requirements and testing of life jackets for sea-going vessels are subject to the approval by the Government of India under the said Acts and Rules.

0.7 In the preparation of this standard, assistance has been taken from BS 3595: 1963 ‘ Specification for life saving jackets ‘, issued by British Standards Institution.

0.8 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express- ing the result of a test, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS : 2.1960*.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised 1.

3

IS : 6685 - 1972

The number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard specifies the materials performance, safety requirements and test of life jackets for use by adults and children.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 It shall be light and compact and shall be designed for wear outside clothing.

2.2 It shall not unduly restrict the field of vision or hearing of the wearer, nor impede his breathing.

2.3 It shall be easy to grasp, and shall provide for the wearer to be held and pulled from the water without allowing him to slip out or to be hurt or prevent the movement of other limbs (see Appendix A).

2.4 Neither the life jacket nor any part of it shall be capable of damaging an inflatable liferaft.

3. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Collar-The jacket shall be provided with a collar or other suitable means for supporting above water the head of a floating unconscious wearer by distributing the buoyant material as given in 6.

3.2 Source of Buoyancy-The buoyancy shall be obtained essentially by the use of the buoyant materials as given in 7.

3.3 Ease of Donning -The jacket shall be simple to put on and to secure. The life jacket shall be capable of being donned and secured within 30 seconds by a wearer after having been familiarized with the method of donning. The means of donning shall be obvious with clearly marked simple instructions for use. The jacket shall fit securely the bodies of wearers of the various sizes shown in 4.

3.4 The jacket shall be designed to afford reasonable comfort and to allow freedom of movement to the wearer, both in and out of the water. The jacket shall be capable of being worn inside out. Life jacket’s stole and its outer cover, where one is fitted, shall be made from soft pliant materials which cannot cause the wearer discomfort due to chafing or rigidity. In the case of kapok filler being used as a buoyant material, a sealed plastic envelope shall also be used with the outer coverings. The requirements of this clause shall be checked according to Appendix A.

4

I -_

IS : 6685 - 1972

3.5 Speed, Ease of Rotation and Self-Righting - When the wearer of the life jacket falls in the water with face side ways, he shall assume the correct angle as given in 6.1 within 5 seconds. When the wearer stops swimming, with face on water, the time of self-righting shall not exceed 5 seconds. The requirements of this clause shall be checked according to Appendix A.

3.6 Ability to Withstand Impact -The jacket shall be strong enough to withstand any significant damage, an impact equivalent to a person wearing a life jacket falling or jumping into the water from a height of 6 metres. When tested in accordance with A-3, the life jacket shall be such that when the wearer drops through a verticle distance of 6 metres into the water he does not sustain injury and the life jacket does not become dislodged.

3.7 Freedom from Defects-The jacket shall be free from defects liable to impair its serviceability. Its efficiency shall be unimpaired by long periods of storage and it shall have a minimum shelf life of 3 years.

3.8 Ease of Extraction from Water - The life jacket shall be fitted with buoyant and rot-resistant harness, incorporating a lifting becket. The strength of the harness shall be tested according to Appendix B. @n completion of the test, apart from permanent stretching of webbing there shall be no breakage of stitching or teaming. There shall be no failure of attachments between the harness and the buoyancy compartments. The becket shall be positioned centrally in front and shall be conspicuous.

3.9 The life jacket shall not be permanently deformed when subjected to external forces caused due to any reasons during normal handling, storage, etc.

4. SIZES

4.1 The life jacket shall be of one of the following sizes:

a) Size 1 - Suitable for persons weighing 32 kg or more, and

b) Size 2-Suitable for persons weighing less than 32 kg. ’

4.2 Both the sizes shall be such as to be easily distinguishable to the wearer under all conditions.

5. BUOYANCY

5.1 The minimum buoyancy of each life jacket shall be such as to meet various test requirements enumerated in this standard. As a guide, the

5

IS : 6685 - 1972

minimum total buoyancy for each size of life jacket is recommended to be as follows when tested in accordance with Appendix C.

Size 1 -Not less than 100 N*.

Size 2 -Not less than 60 N* .

5.2 The loss in buoyancy of the life jacket when tested according to the manner described in Appendix C shall not exceed 2 percent of the buoy- ancy values indicated in 5.1.

6. DISTRIBUTION OF BUOYANCY

6.1 The distribution of buoyant material in the jacket shall be tested in accordance with A-6.

7. BUOYANT MATERIALS

7.1 Unicellular Plastics-Unicellular plastics, where used, shall be of the closed-cell type having at least 90 percent of its cells non-communi- cating. The cell structurs shall be substantially uniform and the material shall be resistant to the action of salt water, petroleum products and sun- light. The material shall meet the requirements of Appendix D.

7.2 Kapok- Kapok fibre filler where used, shall be well-teased, new material of first grade flotation quality. The 6bre shall be well-separated, of regular density, and free from lumps and objectionable odour. The kapok fibre shall be clean, dry and reasonable free from seeds and other extraneous matter. The kapok fibres shall comply with the following requirements:

Foreign matter 3 percent maximum by weight

Buoyancy 0.82 glcms

Moisture content 11 percent maximum by weight

The buoyancy ratio of kapok shall be determined according to IS : 304~1965t.

7.3 Cork-Cork, where used, shall be of good quality, and in pieces of volume not less than 165 ems each. The edges of each piece shall be suitably chamfered. The density of the cork used shall be such that it shall not weigh more than 190 kg/m3.

+lN = 0.1 kg. iSpecification for Indian kapok for stuffing purposes.

6

IS : 6685 - 1972

8. PROTECTION OF BUOYANT MATERIALS

8.1 Unicellular Plastics - Unicellular plastics when used as the buoy- ant material shall be protected by either of the following:

a) Secure incorporation in pockets formed by the outer covering of the jacket in such a manner that the volume of entrapped air in individual pockets is kept to a minimum;

b) Application to the material of a coating complying with the requirements shown in Appendix E.

8.2 Kapok -Kapok when used as the buoyant material shall be tightly and evenly packed in envelopes of laminated PVC sheeting of nominal thickness not less than 0315 mm. The PVC sheeting used shall meet the requirements of IS : 2076-1962*.

The PVC envelopes shall be sealed by radio frequency welding appa- ratus. Each seam shall be not less than 1.6 mm wide. The electrodes used shall be long enough to complete the welding in a single operation. Where welding is not continuous, the joints shall be cross welded. The enveloped material shall then be securely incorporated in pockets in the jacket as specified in 8.1.

8.3 Cork - Cork pieces when used as buoyant material shall be securely incorporated in pockets in the jacket as specified in 8.1. A separate pocket shall be provided for each piece of cork.

9. OUTER COVERING FOR BUOYANT MATERIAL

9.1 Where Byoyant Material is Accommodated in Pockets -Where the buoyant material is contained within pockets formed by an outer covering, the material of the outer covering shall be of cotton duck. When cork is used as the buoyant material, the cotton duck shall comply with Variety 4 of IS : 1422-1959f. When kapok is used as buoyant material, the cotton duck shall comply with the following essential requirements:

Weight - 225 g/m” Breaking load

Warpway - 785 N$ Weftway - 700 N$

tested on 5.00x 20.00 cm strips, in accordance with IS: 1969-1968$.

Vinyl-coated cotton fabric or cotton fabric proofed on one side with natural or synthetic rubber or nylon may also be used.

*Specification for unsupported flexible vinyl film and sheeting. +Specification for cottom duck, scoured, dyed or waterproofed. t1 NzO.1 kgf. §Method for determination of breaking load and elongation at break of woven textile

fabrics.

7

,

C

IS : 6685 - 1972

9.2 Where the Buoyant Material is Coated Unicellu1a.r Plastics- Where the buoyant material is unicellular plastics coated in accordance with 8.1(b), the coating shall be a fully cured compound and shall comply with the requirements shown in Appendix E.

10. VISIBILITY

10.1 The colour of the outer cover of the jacket shall be one of the follow- ing according to IS: 5-1961’:

a) 368- traffic yellow,

b) 557 -light orange, or

c) 574 - Indian saffron.

The colour of the jacket shall be as conspicuous as possible by day, both when saturated with water and when dry. For use at night a suitable self-igniting light may be provided.

10.2 The colour fastness of the jacket to the action of light shall be deter- mined in accordance with IS :2454-1967t and shall be rated as five or better. The colour fastness of the jacket to the action of sea water shall be determined in accordance with IS :690-1956: and shall be rated as four or better.

11. AUDIBILITY

11.1 The life jacket shall be provided with an efficient and robust non- metallic whistle, firmly secured by a lanyard to the jacket and housed in a loop or small pocket on the garment and shall be such that after immer- sion its performance is unaffected.

12. WEBBING, TAPES AND CORDS

12.1 All webbing, tapes or cords that form part of the jacket shall have a minimum breaking strength of 91 kg. when Rested in conformity with IS: 1969-1968s. All webbing, tapes or cords when intended to bear directly on the body of the wearer shall have a minimum width of not less than 25 mm. The tapes shall conform to Variety 1 of IS: 3255-196511. They shall be securely attached to or incorporated in the outer cover of the jacket. The webbing, tapes or cords shall be made rot-proof with a suitable rot-proofing agent.

*Colours for ready mixed paint ( second revision ). *Method for determination of colour fastness of textile materials to artificial light

( xenon lamp ) . SMethod of determination of colour fastness of textile materials to sea water. $Method for determination of breaking load and elongation at break of woven textile

fabrics. llspecification for cotton tapes’ for parachutes.

8

X8:6685-1972

13. SEWING

13.1 The cotton sewing thread used shall conform to Variety No. 35 of IS : 1720-1960*. proofing agent.

The thread shall be made rot-proof with a suitable rot- A mixture of cotton and nylon thread may also be used.

13.2 All stitching shall be in lock-stitch as illustrated in Appendix F.

13.2.1 Needles used shall be as fine as is consistent with the thread. The stitching shall be uniform, without twists or puckers, and there shall be not less than 8 nor more than 10 stitches per 25 mm. The ends of each row of stitching and any breaks shall be made secure and neatly trimmed. Where breakage has occurred, stitching shall be restarted not less than 25 mm back from the break.

14. FASTENINGS

14.1 All fastenings shall be smooth and shall be suitable for their intend- ed use. Press studs shall not be used.

14.2 The life jacket shall be examined for sharp edges or any component or parts which could cause damage to an inflatable liferaft.

15. STRENGTH OF NECK OPENING AND FASTENING DEVICE

15.1 When tested as described in Appendix G, the jacket after it has been assembled and fastened in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc- tions shall withstand without damage and without slippage of adjustment or fastening devices, a pull of 910Nt applied at that part of the jacket intended to support the head and a pull of 910Nt across the fastening device.

16. RESISTANCE TO CRUSHING

16.1 The jacket shall have a resistance to crushing such that its buoyancy will be not less than the minimum prescribed in 5 when subjected to a load of 750N distributed uniformly over the area of the normally folded jacket for a period of 5 minutes. The buoyancy shall be determined immediately after removal of the load, according to C-5 and shall meet the requirements of 5.

17. RESISTANCE TO HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURES

17.1 The jacket shall be capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to heat. The jacket shall be subjected to a temperature of 70 f 2°C for 12 hours. At the end of this period, the jacket shall show no sign of damage and when tested within 90 seconds according to C-5, its buoyancy shall meet the requirements of 5.

*Specification for cotton sewing thread, bleached or dyed. $ 1 N = O-1 kgf.

9

IS : 6685- 1972

17.2 The jacket shall be subjected to a low temperature of- 10 f 1°C for 12 hours. The time taken to reach the specified low temperature shall be not more than one hour. At the end of this period, the jacket shall show no sign of damage and when tested within 90 seconds according to C-5, its buoyancy shall meet the requirements of 5.

18. RESISTANCE TO PROLONGED IMMEtiSION IN SALT AND FRESH WATER AND IN HYDROCARBON OILS

18.1 The jacket shall be tested to prolonged immersion in salt and fresh water and in hydrocarbon oils such as crude oil, fuel oil, diesel oil and kerosene oil as described in Appendix H. It shall then be subjected to the recommended buoyancy test according to C-5, and shall meet the requirements of 5.

19. RESISTANCE TO FLAME

19.1 All materials that form part of the jacket shall be of low flamma- bility.

20. INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER

20.1 Manufacturer shall submit a detailed schedule of all materials incorporated in the life jacket. The schedule shall include particulars of any proofing, dying and surface protective treatment process used.

20.2 The manufacturer shall supply full instructions for maintenance and for use with each type of life jacket to ensure that the purchaser is made fully aware of the method of donning, securing and adjusting and also to obtain the greatest benefit from the life jacket particularly with regard to drying, storage and servicing.

21. TESTS

21.1 Type Tests-Type tests shall be carried out as indicated in J-2.

21.1.1 Life jackets subjected to type tests in accordance with J-2.2 shall be considered as unserviceable and destroyed.

21.2 Performance Tests-The main samples of life jackets selected according to J-1.1.1 shall be examined for the following:

a>

b)

cl

Operation of the non-metallic whistle and the method of housing the same on the life jacket; Visual examination of life jacket with regard to the condition of cover material, colour of the cover material, adjustment of web- bing, tapes and cords (see 12.1), stitching (see 13.2), general shape, reversibihty and markings on the life jacket (see 23.1); and

Ease of donning and comfort according to A-l.

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IS : 6685 - 1972

21.2.1 Life jackets subjected to performance tests in accordance with J-2.1 shall be considered as serviceable.

22. SAMPLING

22.1 Unless otherwise agreed to between the manufacturer and the purchaser, the sampling plan as given in Appendix J shall be followed.

23. MARKING

23.1 The jacket shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:

a)

b)

C> 4

The trade-mark or other means of identification of the manu- facturer; The words ‘ LIFE JACKET ’ in block letters of height not less than 15 mm;

Size of the jacket and date of manufacture; and

The words ‘ Front’ and ‘Back’ in appropriate positions where a possibility of confusion exists,

23.1.1 The material and the method used for marking on life jackets shall not affect the life jacket cover adversly.

23.i.2 The jackets may also be marked with the IS1 Certification Mark.

NOTIE -The use of the IS1 Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the Indian Standards Institution ( Certification Marks) Act and the Rules and Regu- lations made ‘thereunder. The IS1 Mark on products covered by an Indian Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the reouirements of that standard under a well-defined system of inspection. testine a& oualitv control which is devised and sunervised bv IS1 and onerated bv thz producer. IS1 marked products are also continuously checked by ISI’for conformity to that standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the use of the IS1 Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processora, may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

24. PACKING

24.1 The life jacket shall be delivered in a clean and commercially dry condition. Life jacket and the instructions shall be suitably packed (with the minimum compression) in an acceptable manner.

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IS : 6665 - 1972

APPENDIX A

(C7ause.s 2.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 6.1)

TESTS FOR EASE OF DONNING, COMFORT, ABILITY TO WITH- STAND IMPACT AND EXTENT AND DISTRIBUTION

OF BUOYANCY

A-l. EASE OF DONNING AND COMFORT

A-l.1 The life jacket is to be observed when worn by three subjects wearing:

a) sweater, trousers and shoes; and

b) in addition to (a) with oilskins.

Observation is made with the subject carrying out normal arm and leg movements to detect any discomfort to the wearer.

A-2. EASE TO GRASP

A-2.1 With the life jacket on, the subject is put into water and an attempt is made to pull the subject out of the water with

a) his back to the side of the shore or boat, and

b) facing the side of the shore or boat.

The test shall be considered satisfactory, if it meets the requirements of 2.3.

A-3. ABILITY TO WITHSTAND IMPACT

A-3.1 The subject jumps into the water in the ‘ at attention position ’ from heights progressively increasing up to 6 m. During and after jumping the life jacket shall not be dislodged or damaged in any way such as to interfere with normal flotation. Careful observation shall be made that the freedom of movement of the wearer is in no way affected when in water.

A-3.2 For inland vessels, port crafts and riverboats, the drop height shall be 3 m.

A-4. SPEED AND EASE OF ROTATION

A-4.1 The test subject shall stand as near as possible with his feet at water level and with the life jacket on, shall fall face sideways into water. The time taken for the relaxed body to assume the correct angle is noted.

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IS I 6685 - 1972

A-5. EASE OF MOVEMENT AND SELF-RIGHTING

A-5.1 The test subject swims five breast strokes and then relaxed face downwards. The method and speed of self-righting is noted.

A-6. DISTRIBUTION OF BUOYANCY

A-6.1 The life jacket is observed for being capable of turning the body of a fully relaxed wearer to a safe floating position within 5 seconds as he enters the water with his head so supported that the face, nose and mouth is well clear of water with the mouth at least 150 mm above the water for a period of 24 hours.

A-6.2 The angle of the trunk of the body is checked visually and photo- graphically by a camera under water, with reference to a vertical pole. The angle so obtained shall be between 20” and 50”.

APPENDIX B ( Clause 3.8 )

RECOMMENDED TESTING RIG FOR THE STRENGTH OF HA-RNESS

B-l. TEST RIG

B-l.1 The test rig is cpnstructed as shown in Fig. 1. It consists of a framework of mild steel tube and channel in the centre of which is bolted a dummy. The balance weights are of such a size that the total weight of the rig is 270 kg and are so positioned that the rig balances about X-X and T-T axes.

NOTE - This can be checked by laying the rig on a horizontal surface, inserting a bar through the hole provided on one axis and observing whether the rig remains horizontal when lifted by the ends of the bar. This procedure is repeated for the other axis. When the rig has been balanced, the balance weights are locked into position by welding, pinning or other suitable means.

B-2. METHOD OF TEST

B-2.1 The wet life jacket is fastened on the dummy in the manner speci- fied by the manufacturer in his instructions. If necessary, the dummy is removed from the rig for this purpose. The rig with the dummy bolted in place is then placed horizontally under a hoist or other suitable lifting device, the hook of which (padded if necessary) is placed through the

13

IS:668511972

becket of the life jacket: The rig is then raised steadily without jerking until it is hanging freely, and is maintained in this position for a minimum of 60 seconds. The rig is then lowered and the life jacket examined for any resultant defects.

MILD STEEL Y CHANNEL

I I

““” rn,l

steel)

,AfJJ

BALANCE

ZOE:’ OF PLATES

I Y MILD STEEL

CHANNEL

FIG. 1 APPARATUS FOR STRENGTH OF HARDNESS TEST

14

__-_-_ _ ____.__~___ _ _.--_

I&3:6685-1972

APPENDIX C ( Clauses 5.1, 17.1 and 18.1 )

RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF BUOYANCY OF LIFE JACKETS

C-l. APPARATUS

C-l.1 A tank of approximately l-5 m in diameter or square and suffi- ciently deep to allow free and complete immersion of the life jacket without overflow.

C-l.2 A spring balance of 25 N* capacity, supported over the centre of the tank, with an accuracy of 100 g.

C-l.3 A wire mesh basket, with means for hanging this on to the spring balance and also with an arrangement for attaching a weight of 20 kg.

C-l.4 Weights for weighing the wire mesh basket, if necessary.

C-2. PROCEDURE

C-2.1 Attach a weight of 20 kg to the wire mesh basket.

C-2.2 Suspend the basket with the weight attached beneath the surface of the water from the spring balance. Note the balance reading to the nearest 200 g. This represents the total load of the basket and the weight as measured in the water (W,).

C-2.3 Raise the basket above the water surface and place the life jacket underneath the basket in the same condition as it would be in use. Lower the basket with the weight and life jacket into the water. The connection between spring balance and basket should be long enough to ensure that the top of the basket is at least 50 mm below the surface of the water.

Allow the system to settle down and note the reading of the spring balance to the nearest 200 g (IV,). This reading is taken to obtain the initial buoyancy of the life jacket.

C-2.4 After obtaining the reading W,, allow the life jacket to remain submerged for 24 hours. During this period of submersion, care shall be taken to see that no part of the basket rises above the surface of the water. At the end of the 24 hours period, note the spring balance reading to the nearest 200 g (W,).

*l N 3 0.1 kgf.

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IS : 6685 - 1972

C-3. CALCULATION AND REPORT

C-3.1 The buoyancy shall be obtained as follows:

a) Initial buoyancy of life jacket = WI- Wa sorrect to the nearest 200 g.

b) Buoyancy of life jacket = WI-W, correct to the nearest 200 g.

C-4. LOSS IN BUOYANCY

C-4.1 Express the difference between the values obtained in C-3.1 (a) and C-3.1(b) as a percentage of the value obtained in C-3.1(b). This represents the loss in buoyancy and should not exceed 2 percent.

C-5. BUOYANCY TEST AFTER THE TESTS SPECIFIED IN 16,17, AND 18

C-5.1 Proceed as given in C-2.1 to C-2.4 and obtain the buoyancy of life jacket as in C-3.1(b) at the end of tests detailed in 16,17 and 18.

D-l. GENERAL

APPENDIX D ( Clause 7.1 )

TESTING OF UNICELLULAR PLASTICS FOR USE AS BUOYANT MATERIAL WITH LIFE JACKETS

D-l.1 The test shall be carried out on specimens of dimensions indicated in each test. Where the thickness of the material is less than the value indicated in the test, sufficient layers of the material shall be bonded together with a suitable adhesive to obtain the required test thickness. Where the test sample is an object of moulded shape, the largest single piece so moulded shall be treated as the sample.

D-2. DENSITY

D-2.1 The maximum density of the material shall be 89 kg/ma for sheet material and 129 kg/ma for moulded sections.

D-3. WATER ABSORPTION

D-3.1 The maximum water absorption shall be 3.6 kg/m* of surface area.

16

.

Is:6685-1972

D-3.2 Test specimens shall be 100 mm x 100 mm x 75 mm and shall have any skin or rind removed before testing. Three such specimens shall be weighed and then submerged in water at a pressure of 300 mbar at room temperature for 48 hours. The specimens shall then be removed and placed in a stream of air for the minimum time necessary to remove visible surface water and then re-weighed. The result shall be indicated in terms of the weight gain per unit area of the surface. The mean of the three test results shall be considered as the result of this test.

D-4. THERMAL STABILITY

D-4.1 When heat aged as in D-4.2 the loss of volume shall not exceed 10 percent.

D-4.2 The test samples consist of three pieces of material 200 mm~200 mm x thickness of the material used or the largest single piece so moulded.

The volume before and after heat-ageing shall be estimated by measur- ing the volume of the water displaced by the samples.

The samples shall be placed in an air-oven maintained at 70 f 1°C for a period of 1 week. At the end of this period, the samples shall be removed from the oven and allowed to recover in the open for 5 hours at a temperature of 27 L 1°C before the final volume is assessed. The mean for the three test results shall be taken as the percentage volume loss.

D-5. RESISTANCE TO HYDROCARBON OILS

D-5.1 The loss of buoyancy when tested according to D-5.2 shall not exceed 7.5 precent. Further, there shall be no gross shrinkage, swelling, softening or hardening such as might make the material unfit for its pur- pose as a buoyant material.

D-5.2 Test samples shall consist of three pieces of material 100 mm x 100 mm x 75 mm for each hydrocarbon oil. Three test specimens shall be immersed fully in the following hydrocarbon oils at room tempe- rature for a period of 72 hours:

a) Diesel fuel,

b) Crude oil, c) Fuel oil, and d) Kerosene oil.

The buoyancy of the test specimens shall be measured before and after immersion in the hydrocarbon oil for the period mentioned above. The mean value of three test results shall be taken as the percentage loss of buoyancy.

17

ISr6685- 1972

D-6. LOSS OF BUOYANCY AFTER COMPRESSION

D-6.1 The loss of buoyancy after compression shall not exceed 7.5 percent. Three test samples of 100 mm x 100 mm x 75 mm, from which skin or rind has previously been removed, shall be used. The buoyancy of each test specimen shall then be assessed. The percentage loss of buoyancy shall be taken as the mean value of the three test samples.

D-6.2 Each specimen shall then be subjected to a force exerted by a weight of 90 kg for a period of 1 hour. At the end of this period, the weight is removed and the specimens are allowed to recover for a period of 5 minutes, at the end of which the buoyancy is assessed once again.

D-6.3 The mean value of the three test results shall be reported as the percentage loss of buoyancy.

APPENDIX E ( Czauses 8.1 and 9.2 )

TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE SKIN COATINGS ON EXPANDED PLASTIC BUOYANT MATERIAL

Property

Tensile strength

Elongation at break

Tear strength Adhesion to expanded plastics

base

Requirement

43 N per 25 mm width, Min

170 percent, Min

54 N, Min

9.1 N per 25 mm width, Min

APPENDIX F ( Clause 13.2 )

STITCHING TO BE USED IN LIFE JACKET FABRICATION

F-l. DESCRIPTION

F-l.1 This type of stitch shall be formed with two threads-one needle thread, A, and one bobbin thread, B. A loop of thread A shall be passed through the material and interlanced with thread B. Thread A shall be pulled back so that the interlancing shall be midway between the surface of the material of materials being sewn ( see Fig. 2 ).

18

IS : 6685 - 1972

FIG. 2 LOCK STITCH

APPENDIX G

(Clause 15.1 )

METHOD OF TESTING STRENGTH OF NECK OPENING AND FASTENING DEVICE(S)

G-l. APPARATUS

G-1.1 The following apparatus is required for this test:

a) 91-kg weight; b) A suitable rig for suspending the jacket and the weight; and

c) Suitable grips or slings as appropriate to the style of the jacket, for applying the load to the jacket. The grips or slings shall be such that they, will not damage the jacket under the applied load.

G-2. PROCEDURE

G-2.1 The jacket shall be fastened in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the adjustment for size shall be adjusted to an inter- mediate position. The jacket shall be suspended vertically by means of a grip affixed to the collar or, through such neck opening.

if there is a neck opening, a sling passing A 91-kg weight shall then be attached to

the lower portion of the jacket by means of a second grip. Five minutes after the application of the load, the weight and the grips or slings shall be removed and the jacket examined for evidence of damage.

The above test shall be repeated with the jacket in a horizontal position. The jacket shall be suspended by one sling and two 91 kg weights attached to the other sling in a such manner that at least 59 per- cent of the load is taken by the fastening device(s) on the jacket. Follow- ing the application of the load for 5 minutes, the fastening device(s) and the jacket shall be examined for evidence of damage or slippage.

19

IS : 6685 - 1972

APPENDIX H ( Clause 18.1 )

CONDITIONING FOR R&SISTANCE TO SALT AND FRESH WATER AND HYDROCARBON OILS

H-l. APPARATUS

H-1.1 The apparatus shall consist of three tanks each of approximately l-5 m diameter or square and of 1.5 m minimum depth. Suitable lifting tackle and weight carriers with means of attachment to life jackets shall be provided.

H-2. METHOD

H-2.1 One tank shall be filled to a suitable depth with fresh water at room temperature, one tank with water at the room temperature contain- ing 5 percent (w/w) solution of sodium chloride and third tank shall be filled with fresh water at room temperature and 3 mm depth of light diesel oil spread on the surface.

H-2.2 The life jacket under test shall be suitably weighted and lowered into the tank of fresh water until completely submerged. Care shall be taken that no air is trapped within the life jacket and all air bubbles shall be brushed off. The life jacket shall be kept totally submerged for a period of 8 hours, after which it shall be raised out of the tank and left to drain into it for a further period of 16 hours. The life jacket is then immersed in, the tank containing salt water for 8 hours after which it is raised out of the tank and left to drain into it for a further period of 16 hours. The same cycle of immersion and draining in fresh water and salt water shall be repeated except that after the second immersion in salt water the life jacket shall be allowed to dry for at least 48 hours.

H-2.2.1 The whole process as described above shall be carried out four times.

H-2.2.2 At the end of this period the life jacket shall be half immersed in the water/oil tank for a single period of three hours.

H-2.3 At the end of test as indicated in H-2.2 the life jacket shall be test- ed for its buoyancy according to C-l buoyancy requirements as indicated in 5.

20

and shall meet the minimum

\ ‘IS I 6685-o 1972

APPENDIX J ( Clause 22.1 )

SAMPLING

J-l. SCALE OF SAMPLING

J-1.1 Lot- In any consignment all the life jackets of the same size and manufactured under the same conditions shall constitute the lot.

J-1.1.1 For ascertaining the conformity of the lot to the requirements of this specification, samples shall be examined from each lot separately. The number of life jackets to be selected at random for this purpose shall be in accordance with co1 2 and 3 of Table 1. The sub-samples may be drawn from the lot or from the main samples.

TABLE 1 SCALE OF SAMPLING

No.or LIFEJACKETS MAI~SAMPLE S--EAMpLE INTHE LOT SIZE SIZE

(1) (2) (3)

up to 500 3 2 501 to 1000 5 2

1000 and above 8 3

J-2. NUMBER OF TESTS AND CRITERIA FOR CONFORMITY

J-2.1 The main’samples of life jackets selected according to J-1.1.1 shall be examined for design requirements (see 3.1 to 3.9), size (see 4), visi- bility (see lo), audibility (se8 II), stitching (see 13.2) and fastening (see 14).

J-2.1.1 The lot shall be considered conforming to the requirement speci- fied in J-2.1 if all the life jackets tested are found satisfactory.

J-2.2 If the lot is found satisfactory according to J-2.1.1, the sub-sample as specified in co1 3 of Table 1 shall be drawn and tested for buoyancy (see 5 ),-distribution of buoyant material (see 6), strength of neck opening and fastening device (see 15), resistance to crushing (see 16), resistance to high and low temperature (see 17), resistance to immersion in salt and fresh water and in hydrocarbon oils (see 18) and resistance to flame (see 19). If so desired by the purchaser, the sub-sample shall also be tested for material requirements given under 7,8,9, 12, 13.1, Appendix D and for colour fastness ( 16.2 ) .

J-2.2.1 The lot shall be declared conforming to the requirements ofthis specification if all the test specimens tested in J-2.2 are found satisfactory.

INDIAN STANDARDS ’

ON

MARINE INSTRUMENTS AND LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT

IS:

3573-1966

3580-1966

3586-1966

3732-1966

3947-1966

4045-1967

4259-1967

4549-1968

4550-1968

-4551-1968

4562-1968

4568-1968

Sea anchors for lifeboats and liferafts

General requirements for distress signals for lifeboats and liferafts

Recommendations for lifeboats equipment

Rigid liferafts

Code of practice for testing, installation and maintenance of marine portable fire appliances

General requirements for magnetic compasses and binnacles, Class A, for use in sea navigation

Code of practice for erection and calibration of direction -finders ( medium frequency ) for marine use

Lifeboat compass -liquid type

Recommendation for positioning of magnetic compasses in ships

Lifeboat crutches

Portable chemical fire extinguishers, foam type for marine use

Liefeboat oars ( wood )

4601 (Part I )-I968 Navigation lights for large sea-going power-driven vessels: Part I Positioning and screening of lights

4601’( Part

4602-19fi8

5289-1969

5314-1969

5326-1969

5327-1969

5376-1969

5385-1969

5386-1969

II )-1968 Navigation lights for large sea-going power-driven vessels : Part II Oil lanterns

General requirements and testing of lifeboats for less than one hundred persons

Terminology for magnetic compasses and binnacles

Graduated drinking vessels for lifeboats and liferafts - sea-going ships

Cork life-buoys

Rigid bailers for lifeboats

Dioptric lenses for navigational lanterns

Lifeboat accessories

General purpose ships’ davit