-  Wires or chains should not be used as FPDs, as they do not absorb shock loads. 

-  Be used strops or synthetic slings according to a number of considerations.

-  The FPDs are not to interfere with the operation of the release gear.

-  Strops or slings should be of resilient fibre in construction.

-  The FPDs must be accompanied by a certificate attesting to a factor of tensile strength, which provides a safety factor of at least six, based on the total weight of the lifeboat when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

-  The material of the strop or sling should be rot-proof, corrosion-resistant, not be unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack, and UV resistant

- The strops or slings should be permanently marked with the date of entry into service.