TM 55-1930-203-10
30-inch life ring buoys. A lifeline is provided with each life ring to aid in overboard rescue operations. The life rings are installed on
steel mounting brackets on the aft lifeline stanchions. One of the life rings has a floating distress light attached to a lanyard. This
light, when hung vertically, will not illuminate. When thrown into the water it will right itself, actuate the mercury switch, and glow with
bright light for as long as 22 hours.
b. Inspection.
(1) Inspect life rings for rips, holes, or other damage. Report all defects to organizational maintenance.
(2) Inspect lifeline for rotting or frayed spots.
NOTE
The lifeline should be coiled and tied to the inside of the ring at several places with light string. The string must
be light enough to be broken by hand in event of an emergency.
(3) Check mountings of both rings. Be sure that no obstruction would prevent the rings from floating loose.
(4) Check operation of the distress light by removing it from its mounting, and turning it so that the lamp end is pointing
upward, the lamp should light and glow steadily. If lamp does not light, or if light is intermittent, report to organizational maintenance.
CAUTION
Do not keep the lamp in a lighted position more than necessary since operating life
will be reduced.
(5) Check the body of the distress light, especially at the joints and seams, for signs of fluid leakage. If there is leakage,
entire light must be replaced.
(6) Check the glass dome covering the lamp. If dome is cracked or broken, entire distress light must be replaced.
NOTE
Do not try to repair the glass dome. The dome is filled with inert gas. If the gas escapes, the light will not
operate.
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