Life Raft Servicing at Regular Intervals

One of the most important aspects of maintaining the safety of a maritime vessel is ensuring that its life-saving equipment is in optimal condition. This includes life rafts, which are essential in emergencies. 

So, how often should a life raft be serviced? The answer is simple: regular and timely maintenance is critical to ensure that the life raft will function properly when needed most. 

In this blog, we will explore the recommended service intervals for life rafts, why regular servicing is crucial, and how Marinetech can help you maintain your life rafts according to international standards. 

To learn more about life raft inspection and servicing, visit https://marinetechss.com/services/life-raft-inspection-and-service.

How Often Should A Life Raft Be Serviced?

1. Annual Servicing as the Industry Standard

The industry standard for life raft servicing is typically once a year. According to international safety regulations, including those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, life rafts must be inspected and serviced at least once every 12 months. 

This annual service is mandatory for all commercial vessels, regardless of size, and is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of the life rafts.

During an annual service, technicians perform a comprehensive inspection of the life raft, checking for any damage, leaks, or wear and tear. 

The raft is also inflated to test its buoyancy and structural integrity. Components such as inflation cylinders, valves, and survival equipment are inspected, replaced if necessary, and repacked to ensure that the life raft is ready for use.

2. Servicing After Deployment

In addition to the annual service, life rafts should also be serviced immediately after they have been deployed or used. 

Even if the life raft was deployed for a drill or test and not in an actual emergency, the components of the raft may have been subjected to stress that could impact their effectiveness in future deployments. 

Any life raft that has been deployed must be inspected for damage, and the inflation system and safety equipment must be checked, replaced, or repacked as necessary. In this case, servicing includes re-inflating the raft to full capacity, checking the integrity of the inflation systems, and replacing any damaged or worn parts.

3. Extra Servicing Based on Environmental Conditions

Life rafts exposed to extreme environmental conditions may require more frequent servicing. For example, vessels that operate in tropical, arctic, or highly corrosive environments (such as chemical tankers) may experience faster wear and tear on their life rafts. 

In such cases, it is recommended that life rafts be inspected more frequently than the standard annual service. 

This could mean scheduling an additional mid-term inspection, especially for vessels that operate under high-stress conditions where saltwater exposure, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures can affect the materials and components of the life raft.

Servicing in these conditions includes checking for signs of environmental damage, such as fabric deterioration, corrosion on metal components, and weakened seals or adhesives. 

Preventive maintenance helps ensure that the life raft remains reliable, even in harsh environments.

4. Manufacturer Recommendations

Life raft manufacturers often provide specific service intervals and maintenance guidelines based on the model and type of life raft. It is crucial to follow these recommendations to ensure the equipment’s longevity and reliability. 

Some life raft models may have special requirements, such as more frequent inspections of certain components or specific conditions for inflation and deflation tests.

By adhering to manufacturer guidelines, vessel owners can extend the life of their life-saving equipment and ensure compliance with both international regulations and the manufacturer’s warranty. 

Ignoring these recommendations could lead to premature wear, damage, or failure during an emergency.

5. SOLAS and Flag State Requirements

SOLAS and flag state regulations are clear on the importance of life raft servicing. Every life raft on a commercial vessel must be serviced annually at an authorized service station that meets the standards set by SOLAS. 

Flag states may also impose additional requirements depending on the type of vessel, its operating region, and the specific risks associated with its operation.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties, vessel detention, or even legal liability in the event of an accident. Regular servicing not only ensures that the life raft will function correctly in an emergency but also helps vessels remain compliant with international safety standards.

Life Raft Servicing Timeline Recommendations by Marinetech

At Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation, we follow industry best practices and SOLAS regulations to provide expert life raft servicing. 

Our team of certified technicians is trained to inspect, service, and certify life rafts, ensuring that they are in optimal working condition for any emergency situation.

1. Annual Inspections and Servicing

We recommend that all life rafts undergo a thorough inspection and service once every 12 months. This is the minimum requirement to ensure compliance with SOLAS and IMO regulations. Our annual servicing includes:

• A complete visual inspection of the life raft for damage, wear, or deterioration.

• Inflation testing to verify that the life raft can maintain buoyancy and structural integrity.

• Inspection and testing of inflation cylinders, valves, and other mechanical components.

• Replacement of any worn or damaged parts, including seals, hoses, and inflation systems.

• Inspection and restocking of survival equipment such as rations, water, and signaling devices.

2. Post-Deployment Servicing

After any deployment, whether for training or in a real emergency, we recommend immediate servicing. This ensures that the life raft is fully functional and ready for the next deployment. 

Our post-deployment services include:

• Checking for any signs of damage or stress that may have occurred during deployment.

• Testing inflation and deflation systems for proper functioning.

• Repacking the life raft and replacing any damaged or used survival equipment.

3. Mid-Term Inspections for Harsh Environments

For vessels operating in extreme environments, we recommend a mid-term inspection at the six-month mark. This additional inspection helps to ensure that environmental factors such as saltwater exposure, UV radiation, or chemical corrosion have not compromised the life raft’s integrity.

During these mid-term inspections, we focus on:

• Checking the fabric and seams for signs of weakening due to environmental exposure.

• Inspecting metal components for corrosion or rust.

• Testing the inflation system to ensure proper functionality.

• Reviewing the condition of survival equipment and replacing any items that may have been damaged by environmental factors.

4. Comprehensive Certification

After each servicing, Marinetech provides full certification to ensure your life rafts are compliant with SOLAS and flag state requirements. 

Our certification process involves a detailed inspection report and guarantees that your life raft meets all necessary safety standards.

For more information on life raft servicing timelines and to ensure your vessel is compliant with international safety regulations, visit https://marinetechss.com/services/life-raft-inspection-and-service. Marinetech is committed to helping you maintain the highest safety standards for your life-saving equipment.

Conclusion

Life raft servicing is an essential part of vessel safety, ensuring that life rafts are fully functional and ready to deploy in an emergency. 

Adhering to regular service intervals—whether annually, after deployment, or in extreme conditions—helps ensure that the life raft performs as required, providing safety and compliance with international regulations.

Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation offers expert life raft servicing, inspections, and certification to ensure your life-saving equipment is always in optimal condition. 

To learn more about our life raft services and schedule your next inspection, visit https://marinetechss.com/services/life-raft-inspection-and-service today. Your safety at sea is our top priority.