Where should life buoys be located on a vessel?

Life buoys should be located one on each side of the navigation bridge wing with lights and smoke signals to ensure they are readily accessible and visible in emergency situations. This strategic placement allows crew members and anyone in distress to quickly reach a life buoy from a position where they may need assistance, particularly in the event of a person overboard situation.

Having life buoys equipped with lights and smoke signals enhances their visibility and assists in signaling for help, making it easier to locate and retrieve someone who has fallen overboard, especially during low visibility conditions such as at night or in adverse weather. This ensures that safety measures are in place for immediate response and reinforces the overall preparedness of the vessel for emergencies.

Alternative locations such as the stern or only on the top deck do not provide the same level of immediate access from the bridge area, where crew members frequently operate and would need the equipment in case of an emergency. Similarly, placing them only in the cabin area would significantly limit access when fast action is required on deck. Thus, the designated location on the navigation bridge wings is critical for effective safety protocols on a vessel.