Security of lifeboat and rescue equipment

All items or lifeboat or rescue boat equipment, with the exception of boat-hooks which shall be kept free for fending off purposes, shall be secured within the lifeboat or rescue boat by lashings, storage in lockers or compartments, storage in brackets or similar mounting arrangements or other suitable means. The equipment shall be secured in such a manner as not to interfere with any abandonment procedures or with any launching or recovery procedures (in case of rescue boat). All items of lifeboat or rescue boat equipment shall be as small and of as little mass as possible and shall be packed in a suitable and compact form. boats.