ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0559 (dated 25 December 2003) is revised and please be informed as follows:

For Category A ships (Ocean going ships or fishing ships, with no limitation on length of trips), notwithstanding their size, at least one stretcher of Neil Robertson type is to be provided. For Category B ships (Ocean going ships or fishing ships, making trips of less than 150 nautical miles from the nearest port), notwithstanding their size, at least one stretcher of Neil Robertson type or one stretcher which complies with the following requirements is to be provided.

1. Stretcher construction
(1) Stretchers must be made of dure, stainless material.
(2) Two longitudinal carriers of at least 2m in length should be provided left and right.
(3) In case of folding type stretchers, folding mechanism should be constructed so as carriers are not damaged, either in longitudinal or in transverse direction, depending on the folding type (longitudinal or transverse).
(4) Floor supports to be provided for the horizontal position of stretcher.
(5) Four handles should be provided for the carriage of sick or injured persons.
(6) The minimum dimensions of the stretcher should be 2m in length and 0.45m in breadth.
(7) In general, stretcher should be constructed in a way to avoid further injury of the carried person.

2. Stretcher material
Material should be watertight so as no liquids from the carried person are absorbed, and must be easily cleared with soap or antiseptic liquid without being destroyed.

3. Carrying capacity / safe load
The carrying capacity / safe load of the stretcher must be at least 150kg.

4. Fastening belts
Stretchers should be provided with at least two fastening belts with quick release mechanism for the fast and safe transport of the carried person.