🔍 Key Concepts

• SOLAS requirements for life-saving appliances testing and maintenance • Difference between inspection and test firing of pyrotechnic/impulse devices • Why over-frequent test firing would be impractical and costly on merchant vessels

💭 Think About

• Think about how often you could realistically discharge an impulse line-throwing unit and still be ready for an emergency. • Consider how SOLAS and the USCG usually schedule tests for equipment that is partially consumed when tested (like rockets or flares). • Ask yourself whether this test would normally align with other scheduled safety equipment tests and drills on board.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in current SOLAS/46 CFR LSA sections how often line-throwing appliances must be test fired, not just visually inspected. • Check whether the regulation mentions a specific time interval (e.g., yearly) rather than leaving it to the Master. • Confirm that the required test interval is not so short that it would constantly use up cartridges, and not so long that crew lose proficiency.