Lifeboats and life rafts kept clear for launching.
The decks on which lifeboats of any class or life rafts are carried shall be kept clear of freight or any other obstruction that would interfere with the immediate launching of the lifeboats or life rafts. (R. S. Secs. 4405, 4488.)
Boat-davit falls and receptacles therefor.
It shall be the duty of the master or officer in charge of all vessels to see that the boat-davit falls shall at all times be in readiness for immediate use, and protected from ice, and not painted, and such boat-davit falls on all boats not swung out at boat drills shall be cast loose and overhauled; and it shall be unlawful to stow in any lifeboat articles other than those required by law and regulations. On all steamers over 1,000 gross tons, covered tubs, boxes, or reels shall be provided in which to stow away the boat-davit falls.
Care of lifeboats.
Lifeboats shall be stripped, cleaned, thoroughly overhauled, and painted at least once in every year.
Embarkation of the passengers in the lifeboats and rafts.
Suitable arrangements shall be made for embarking the passengers in the boats, in accord with regulations by the Board of Supervising Inspectors, with the approval of the Secretary of Commerce.
In vessels which carry rafts there shall be a number of rope or wooden ladders always available for use in embarking the persons on to the rafts.