Aiming for “Zero Victims” from Tsunamis: LSA Code-Compliant Products Open New Evacuation Strategies

With the imminent threat of the Nankai Trough mega-earthquake and giant earthquakes along the Japan and Kuril Trenches, and with the expectation of devastating tsunami damage, innovative measures are needed to protect the lives of individuals, in addition to conventional evacuation methods. This article focuses on products compliant with the LSA Code (International Life-Saving Appliance Code), internationally recognized as marine life-saving equipment, and explores the potential for disaster prevention and mitigation from the new perspective of diverting it to tsunami evacuation.

Overcoming the Limits of Horizontal and Vertical Evacuation: The Third Option, “Floating Devices”

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, various floating devices such as tsunami lifeboats and shelters have been proposed. However, there are many challenges, such as low evacuation awareness, confusion due to lack of training, the existence of people who have difficulty evacuating, and a shortage of vertical evacuation sites. In order to overcome these challenges and save more lives, we need flexible ideas that are not bound by existing evacuation methods.

LSA Code: An International Standard for Protecting the Safety of Ships

The LSA Code is an international standard based on the SOLAS Convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) that defines the requirements for life-saving equipment installed on ships. LSA Code-compliant products, which have cleared strict standards such as accommodation capacity, inflation method, stability, material durability, and emergency equipment, are expected to be diverted to tsunami evacuation due to their high reliability.

Utilizing LSA Code-Compliant Products According to Tsunami Level

By selecting appropriate LSA Code-compliant products according to the scale and situation of the tsunami, more effective evacuation becomes possible. Below are product lineups and usage examples for each tsunami level.

Level 1: For individual homes and small-scale facilities in coastal areas

• Estimated Tsunami Height: 1-3m
• Recommended Product: 6-person inflatable liferaft (SOLAS TYPE A)
• Features: Compact design, equipped with an automatic inflation system
• Usage Examples: Residential areas, small childcare facilities, and for crew members of fishing boats

Level 2: For places where group evacuation is required, such as hospitals and schools

• Estimated Tsunami Height: 3-10m
• Recommended Product: 25-person high-buoyancy liferaft (SOLAS TYPE A-PLUS)
• Features: Wave height resistance of 15m, double floor structure, built-in 72-hour survival kit
• Usage Examples: Nursing care facilities, elementary schools in coastal areas, and for passengers on tourist ships

Level 3: For special environments such as petroleum complexes

• Estimated Tsunami Height: 10-20m
• Recommended Product: 50-person heat-resistant life-saving system (SOLAS FIRE PROTECTION)
• Features: Fire-resistant coating, oxygen supply system, GPS transmitter
• Usage Examples: Coastal facilities of oil refineries, thermal power plants, and industrial port management areas

Level 4: The last line of defense against unexpected mega-tsunamis

• Estimated Tsunami Height: 20m+
• Recommended Product: 150-person multi-layer defense evacuation boat (SOLAS MEGA SAFE)
• Features: Shock-absorbing unit, self-sufficient water purification system, satellite communication equipment, capable of self-sufficiency for 7 days
• Usage Examples: Municipal disaster prevention warehouses, around nuclear facilities, and bridge management facilities in straits

Benefits of LSA Code Diversion: Cost, Safety, and Sustainability

The benefits of diverting LSA Code-compliant products to tsunami countermeasures can be summarized into three points: cost reduction, improved safety, and ensuring sustainability.

1. Cost Efficiency: Development costs can be significantly reduced by diverting existing products for ships.
2. Simplified Certification: The certification process can be simplified by applying maritime safety standards to land-based disaster prevention.
3. Maintenance: Maintenance costs can be reduced by utilizing the statutory inspection system every three years.
4. International Compatibility: Overseas expansion can be considered by complying with ISO standards.

Implementation Examples: Shimizu Model, Kesennuma Method, Shikoku Electric Power Plan

The “La Nashica Mihono Matsubara,” a nursing home with assisted living in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture, has installed five 25-person liferafts on the roof and conducts training every year including local residents (Shimizu Model). In Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, a plan is underway to divert 6-person boats for fishing vessels and deploy 320 units in coastal houses (Kesennuma Method). In addition, Shikoku Electric Power has installed 12 50-person liferafts around its power plants to build a completely self-sufficient system for 72 hours (Shikoku Electric Power Plan).

Challenges and Prospects for LSA Code Utilization

There are also challenges in utilizing LSA Code-compliant products, such as installation by specialized technicians, verification of installation locations through tsunami drift simulations, and implementation of regular training. However, by overcoming these challenges and utilizing LSA Code-compliant products appropriately, we can get closer to the goal of “zero victims” from tsunamis.

Conclusion: Bringing Tsunami Disaster Prevention to a New Stage with Technological Innovation and Social Implementation

LSA Code-compliant products have great potential to complement the challenges of existing tsunami evacuation methods. By each region selecting and utilizing the optimal products according to its characteristics, more effective tsunami disaster prevention and mitigation measures can be realized. Let’s accelerate technological innovation and social implementation, aim for a society where everyone can evacuate safely, and move forward together.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the attached materials and does not guarantee the accuracy or safety of the contents. For final decisions regarding tsunami evacuation, please follow the instructions of the relevant organizations.