What You Don’t Know About Lifebuoys Requirements In 2025

October 15, 2025

Lifebuoy Requirements SOLAS - Marineguru

A Complete Guide for Seafarers, Deck Officers & Safety Practitioners

Table of Contents

1️⃣ Lifebuoy Carriage Requirements and Quantity

The number of lifebuoys a ship must carry depends on the type and length of the vessel, as per SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 7.1.2 and the LSA Code.
All lifebuoys must be SOLAS-approved and stowed ready for immediate use.

A. Cargo Ships

Ship Length	Minimum Quantity of Lifebuoys
Less than 100 m	8 lifebuoys
100 – 150 m	10 lifebuoys
150 – 200 m	12 lifebuoys
More than 200 m	14 lifebuoys or more

B. Passenger Ships

Ship Length	Minimum Quantity of Lifebuoys
Up to 60 m	8 lifebuoys
60 – 120 m	12 lifebuoys
120 – 180 m	18 lifebuoys
180 – 240 m	24 lifebuoys
More than 240 m	30 lifebuoys

General Carriage Notes

Every ship must have enough lifebuoys to provide adequate coverage along both sides of the vessel.
Minimum 6-person buoyancy capacity required per lifebuoy.
All lifebuoys shall be SOLAS-approved and constructed of inherently buoyant material.
Each lifebuoy must be stenciled with the ship’s name and port of registry in block Roman letters.

2️⃣ Lifebuoy Distribution Requirements

Lifebuoys must be strategically distributed across the vessel to ensure rapid accessibility from any deck during emergencies.

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Distribution Rules (SOLAS III/7.1.2)

Lifebuoys must be readily available on both port and starboard sides.
They must be evenly spaced to cover all open decks and working areas.
At least half of the total number shall be fitted with self-igniting lights.
At least two shall have self-activating smoke signals.
One lifebuoy must always be fitted near the stern for man-overboard recovery.
Lifebuoys with lifelines should be placed one on each side of the vessel.
Bridge wing lifebuoys must be equipped with combined smoke and light units.
Lifebuoys shall be stowed for rapid release (not permanently fixed).

3️⃣ Lifebuoy Placement Requirements

Placement is critical for both regulatory compliance and rescue efficiency.
The Fire Control and Safety Plan on board indicates each lifebuoy’s position and type.

Placement Guidelines:

Location	Type / Fittings	Purpose
Bridge Wings (Port & Starboard)	Lifebuoy with self-activating smoke & light	Immediate release during MOB
Stern Area	At least one lifebuoy	MOB recovery at ship’s wake
Open Decks / Accommodation Areas	Standard lifebuoys with grab lines	General access for emergencies
Forward / Bow Sections	Lifebuoy with buoyant lifeline	Retrieval aid for person overboard
Embarkation Stations	Easily reachable lifebuoys	Crew and passenger safety
Engine Room Access Decks (if open)	Standard lifebuoys	Local emergency use

Mounting Rules:

Must be secured in open brackets for quick release.
Must be visible, unobstructed, and not tied or lashed permanently.
Must fall freely into the sea when released.

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4️⃣ Lifebuoy Specifications (SOLAS & LSA Code)

Each lifebuoy must meet strict design and performance standards to ensure it functions effectively in all sea conditions.

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Specification	SOLAS / LSA Requirement	Purpose
Outer Diameter (D)	≤ 800 mm	Ensures manageability
Inner Diameter (d)	≥ 400 mm	Allows person’s arms to pass through
Weight (Standard)	≥ 2.5 kg	Allows proper throw distance
Weight (Smoke Type)	≤ 4 kg	Fitted on bridge wings
Material	Inherently buoyant, non-absorbent, fire-resistant	Long-term durability
Buoyancy Test	Must support ≥ 14.5 kg of iron in fresh water for 24 hours	Confirms buoyant endurance
Drop Test	Withstand 30 m drop or stowage height	Strength verification
Fire Resistance	Must not burn/melt after 2 sec flame exposure	Safety integrity
Grab Line Diameter	≥ 9.5 mm	Secure hand grip
Grab Line Length	≥ 4 × outer diameter	Full circumferential grip
Grab Line Attachment	4 equidistant points	Equal load distribution
Lifeline (if fitted)	≥ 30 m or twice stowage height	Rescue reachability
Lifeline Strength	≥ 5 kN	Withstands towing
Reflective Tape	Mandatory	Night visibility
Markings	Ship name & port in block Roman letters	Identification
Smoke Duration	≥ 15 minutes	Visual location aid
Light Duration	≥ 2 hours (white light)	Night detection
Shelf Life (Smoke)	3 years	Replacement interval

5️⃣ Other SOLAS & LSA Requirements, Inspection, and Maintenance

Additional Provisions

Lifebuoys must float in all sea conditions for at least 30 days without loss of function.
Construction must withstand exposure to sunlight, oil, and seawater.
Lifebuoys and attachments must not corrode or crack.

Routine Inspection & Maintenance Checklist

Component	Inspection Requirement
Grab Line	Check diameter (9.5 mm), attachment, and wear
Foam Plug	Ensure intact; no water ingress
Markings	Clear and legible (Ship Name & Port)
Lights	Operational, sealed, battery expiry checked
Smoke Signals	Within 3-year shelf life; free fall unobstructed
Reflective Tape	Clean, visible, not peeling
Weight Check	Not waterlogged; balanced when handled
Lifeline	Proper length, strength, and non-twisting
Mounting Brackets	Not rusted or obstructed

Memory Aids (For Exams & Orals)

Rule	Mnemonic
Cargo Ships	“8–10–12–14”
Passenger Ships	“8–12–18–24–30”
Dimensions	“800 outer, 400 inner — fireproof winner”
Grab Line	“9.5 mm thick, four times round — safety found”
Buoyancy	“Supports 14.5 kg for 24 hours — stays afloat, never sours”

FAQs

Question	Answer (Short & Voice Friendly)
How many lifebuoys are required on a 150 m cargo ship?	12 lifebuoys minimum.
What are the dimensions of a SOLAS lifebuoy?	Outer ≤ 800 mm; Inner ≥ 400 mm.
What is the standard weight of a lifebuoy?	Not less than 2.5 kg.
How long must the light should burn?	At least 2 hours of white light.
How long must the smoke signal operate?	15 minutes minimum.
How many of them must have lights?	At least half of total onboard.
How many lifebuoys must have smoke signals?	Two (bridge wings).
What is the minimum grab line diameter?	9.5 mm.
What is the buoyancy test requirement?	Support 14.5 kg of iron for 24 hours.
Where must one lifebuoy always be placed?	Near the stern.

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What You Don’t Know About Lifebuoys Requirements In 2025