Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32JUNE 2016 • FOGHORN 19 SAFETYMATTERS of the device as illustrated in Figure 1. The vessel name shall also be marked on the life float paddles. Stowage Life floats and buoyant apparatus must be stowed so as to float free of a sinking vessel. This means they are normally located on the upper most deck of a vessel or they are off the stern. Most installations also use a canister to contain the painter and a weak link. One end of the painter is attached to the life float or buoyant apparatus and the other to the weak link. The other end of the weak link is attached to the vessel. The weak link is sized based on the number of devices attached to the painter. The size is indicated on the tag, so never remove the tag. It is your only documentation. Life floats and buoyant apparatus can be stacked up to 48 inches (four feet) tall to save on space; however, much like a small child in shorts sitting in the back of a 1970 Ford station wagon with vinyl seats on a summer road trip, life floats stacked on each other will stick together if not separated by spacers. In fact, the regulations call for spacers to be installed when life floats are stacked up. Covers can also be installed over life floats and buoyant apparatus to help protect them from light, passengers, and birds that seem to love the taste of unicellular foam. Any cover that is installed cannot inhibit the deployment of the device in an emergency. Inspection and Maintenance The regulations in 46 CFR 122 (K) and 185 (T) call for weekly and monthly inspections of life floats and buoyant apparatus. The weekly inspection is just a visual exam to ensure the devices are properly equipped and ready to launch in an emergency. Monthly inspections are done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There is little equipment associated with these devices, but one thing they have in common is the waterlight. Have the crew test the waterlight, at least monthly, by inverting it into its floating position and watching the light activate. The batteries also have an ex- piration date and need to be replaced on or before the expiration date. Lines, painters, paddles and re- flective tape can all be replaced fairly easily. Minor damage to the body of the devices can be repaired with kits available from the manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all repairs. Major damage will likely require the replacement of the device. An remember, inspection and maintenance of life floats and buoyant apparatus are required to be logged or otherwise documented for inspection by the Coast Guard upon request. n Navigating your risks, day and night. As the owner of a passenger vessel you face tough decisions every day, from hiring qualified crew to making sure your vessel is in prime condition. At Aon, we spend day and night thinking about your maritime risks so buying insurance doesn’t have to be another tough decision. We work with you to develop creative approaches and customized solutions that deliver more efficiencies, improved profitability and greater value. For more information, please call 1.800.730.7053 or visit passengervessel.com/member-resources.html#insurance Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. Navigating your Aon Risk Solutions Marine