Radar Reflectors included in SOLAS Liferafts
Shipping Notice: CISN 11/2005
Published 15th August 2005, 12:18pm
To: Owners, Managers, Masters, ISM Designated Persons, Classification Societies and Liferaft Suppliers to Cayman Islands Ships
1. Background
1.1. Chapter IV, paragraph 4.1.5.1.14 of the Life-saving Appliances (LSA) Code requires every liferaft to carry “an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar transponder is stowed in the liferaft”.
1.2. During a number of recent surveys onboard Cayman Islands ships and yachts it has come to light that a number of such vessels are carrying liferafts marked RADAR REFLECTOR NOT INCLUDED (or similar).
2. Requirements of other Flag States
2.1. In line with IMO Circular MSC/Circ. 447 (Recommendation on radar reflectors for liferafts and on training manuals), some Flag States have decided to exempt their ships from the requirement to carry radar reflectors in liferafts. For example, for US Flag ships such an exemption is documented in United States legislation under 46 CFR 160.151-2(n).
2.2. Any exemption granted by a Flag Administration does not automatically apply to ships flying other Flags, including those registered in the Cayman Islands.
3. Requirements for Cayman Islands Ships
3.1. When MSC Circular MSC/Circ.447 was adopted in September 1986 there was concern expressed by some Governments regarding the availability of “efficient radar reflectors for liferafts” at that time.
3.2. Given the current ready availability of radar reflectors suitable for stowing in liferaft containers which meet applicable IMO requirements1 or International Standards2, the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry does not feel that exemption from this requirement can still be justified.
3.3. As such, all liferafts supplied to Cayman Islands ships must comply with the full requirements of the LSA Code.
4. Required Actions
4.1. Companies are asked to bring the contents of this shipping notice to the attention of the masters of all Cayman Islands ships under their management.
4.2. ISM Designated Persons are to ensure that only liferafts provided with radar reflectors are
supplied to Cayman Islands ships under their management.
4.3. Masters are asked to check all liferafts carried onboard to ensure that radar reflectors have been provided. If radar reflectors have not been provided with the liferaft, a suitable radar reflector is to be supplied for each liferaft and stored in a suitable container at the liferaft launching position. At the next annual service, a radar reflector is to be provided in the liferaft emergency pack.
1. Assembly Resolution A.384(X): “Performance Standards for Radar Reflectors”
2. For example: ISO 8729:1999 “Ships and Marine Technology: Marine Radar Reflectors”
For further information contact: Corporate Communications