A water wheely, ring buoy, lifering, lifesaver, life donut, life preserver or lifebelt, also known as a "kisby ring" or "perry buoy", is a life saving buoy designed to be thrown to a person in the water, to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning.
There are various lifebuoy requirements as per SOLAS and LSA Code. Here in this article we have compiled all the requirements at one place. So, let’s have a look at them.
-The inner diameter should not be less than 400 mm;
- The outer diameter should not be more than 800 mm.
- Mass of the lifebuoy should not be less than 2.5 Kg.
- Man Overboard lifebuoy’s mass should not be more than 4 Kg.
- The diameter of the grab line should not be less than 9.5 mm. It’s length should be at least 4 times the outer diameter.
-It should be constructed of inherent buoyant material.
-It should be able to withstand a drop into water from height at which it is stowed above waterline in lightest sea going condition or 30 metres whichever is greater without impairing its operating capability.
-At least one lifebuoy on each side shall be fitted with buoyant lifeline. The length of the lifeline should not be less than twice the height at which it is stowed above water in lightest sea going condition or 30 metres, whichever is greater.
The SEA SAVER was designed because the client wanted a more simplified model than the existing one. This was challenging because the design itself was aleady very simple.
I like challenges and often a simple design is the best design.
I change the model by using less material and also insert 4 lower handle-grasps where the person using the Sea-Saver can easily hang-on at any side of the product.
If my client desides to take it futher, I would recommend him to consider using drones to drop-of the product to the person in need instead of putting another persons life on the line. Technology can be very helpful and one must look at ways that it can be utilised.
