Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations

30 (1) Life saving, fire extinguishing and navigating equipment shall be inspected at the following intervals:

• (a) annually, in the case of fishing vessels of more than 150 tons, gross tonnage;

• (b) annually, in the case of fishing vessels propelled by steam; and

• (c) quadrennially, in the case of fishing vessels not propelled by steam and not more than 150 tons, gross tonnage.

(2) The inspection of life saving, fire extinguishing and navigating equipment shall be carried out as follows:

• (a) all lifeboats, boats, dories and skiffs shall be swung out and lowered into the water, except that in exceptional circumstances this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the inspector who shall, however, satisfy himself regarding the length and condition of all falls and lifelines;

• (b) lifeboats, boats, dories and skiffs shall be inspected with the movable equipment removed;

• (c) the equipment for lifeboats, boats, dories and skiffs shall be inspected, checked and properly re-stowed;

• (d) all lifeboat markings shall be checked;

• (e) all air cases, or approved portable substitutes therefor, shall be removed from lifeboats for complete inspection and testing at intervals not exceeding four years, and where the approved substitute for air cases forms an integral part of the lifeboat, the inspector shall take drillings as he considers necessary to determine the condition of the substitute material;

• (f) lifejackets and lifebuoys with their lights and lines shall be inspected and the means provided for stowage shall be to the satisfaction of the inspector;

• (g) all fire extinguishers shall be examined and charges shall be renewed where there is evidence of deterioration;

• (h) soda acid and foam fire extinguishers shall be recharged annually;

• (i) fire hoses and buckets shall be inspected and tested if the inspector considers it necessary;

• (j) navigation instruments, distress signals and all equipment essential to the safe navigation of the ship shall be inspected; and

• (k) all equipment shall be re-stowed after inspection to the satisfaction of the inspector.

(3) The master of a fishing vessel shall take adequate steps to ensure that the crew understands the use of the life saving and fire extinguishing equipment and knows where it is located.