What must a lifeboat ensure at all times for emergency use according to regulations?

In the context of regulations governing lifeboats, maintaining operational integrity is crucial for ensuring that the lifeboat is always ready for emergency use. This means that the lifeboat must be in a fully functional condition, allowing for swift deployment and effective use in an emergency situation. Operational integrity encompasses various factors, including the structural soundness of the lifeboat, the readiness of all necessary equipment, and the assurance that all systems are working as intended.

While signaling devices, radiotelephones, and fuel reserves can contribute to a lifeboat's readiness and effectiveness in specific scenarios, they do not encompass the overall requirement for the lifeboat to be operationally sound. A lifeboat may have these additional tools on board, but without operational integrity, those devices would be ineffective, as the lifeboat itself could fail to function properly during an emergency. Thus, ensuring operational integrity is paramount for lifeboats according to regulatory standards.