Can a Marin-Ark liferaft be towed?
The liferaft can be towed away from the stricken vessel by a fast rescue boat or by another craft. RFD Marin-Ark has successfully fulfilled all the requirements of the towing test as set by SOLAS for compliance with SOLAS Chapter III 1983 & Amendments 1996 regulations. A Marin-Ark liferaft was fully loaded to its complement with ballast bags filled with water. It was first towed at 2 knots, and the load observed. During the test the speed was raised to 2.5 knots, 3 knots and 3.5 knots and the corresponding loads observed. The liferaft towed steadily and sustained no damage to itself or equipment. See table below. Results Speed(knots) Towing load(kg) 2 210 2.5 300 3 400 3.5 580 The above towing trial demonstrated that a rescue craft would require a minimum towing load of 210 kg to tow a Marin-Ark liferaft at 2 knots.
