Liferaft Servicing Requirements: A Complete SOLAS Compliance Checklist

Understanding Liferaft Servicing Requirements for Maritime Safety

Liferaft servicing requirements are critical to ensuring compliance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and enhancing safety onboard ships and offshore platforms. 

Liferafts are essential life-saving appliances that require regular inspection, maintenance, and re-certification to remain effective in emergency situations. 

According to international maritime laws and IMO conventions, liferafts must undergo periodic servicing at approved facilities to guarantee their readiness and performance.

Vessel owners, safety officers, and ship managers must remain updated on liferaft servicing requirements to avoid non-compliance penalties and ensure crew safety. 

In this detailed guide, we break down the SOLAS-mandated liferaft servicing requirements and provide a step-by-step compliance checklist for operators in India.

What Are the SOLAS Mandates on Liferaft Servicing Requirements?

Key Requirements as per SOLAS Guidelines:

• Liferafts must be serviced at least once every 12 months at a service station approved by the liferaft manufacturer and national maritime authority.
  
  

• If the vessel operates in harsh weather or remote regions, shorter service intervals may be necessary.
  
  

• Each liferaft should have a visible and tamper-proof servicing label indicating the last and next due inspection date.
  
  

• Servicing must include inspection, inflation tests, leak detection, pressure retention tests, and the replacement of expired survival items.
  
  

• The Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) attached to liferafts must also be checked and replaced as per manufacturer guidelines.
  
  

• Emergency equipment inside the liferaft—like flares, water rations, thermal protective aids, and signaling devices—should be revalidated.
  
  

• All inspections must be recorded with a certificate of compliance, and reports must be retained for regulatory audits.
  
  

Approved service stations must follow the IMO MSC/Circ.1328 standard for thorough and standardized inspection procedures.

Liferaft Servicing Workflow at an Approved Station

Step-by-Step Procedure Followed During Servicing:

1. Initial Visual Inspection
   
   

• Outer container checked for cracks, dents, or UV damage.
  
  

• Verification of manufacturer seal, batch number, and service history.
  
  

2. Opening and Inflation
   
   

• Liferaft is carefully unpacked and inflated in a controlled environment.
  
  

• Leak tests are performed to ensure airtight integrity.
  
  

3. Survival Equipment Check
   
   

• All items in the survival kit are checked for expiry, corrosion, or damage.
  
  

• Expired or missing items are replaced with SOLAS-compliant alternatives.
  
  

4. Functional Tests
   
   

• Pressure tests to detect any minor leaks.
  
  

• Buoyancy, seam strength, and canopy attachment inspections are conducted.
  
  

5. Deflation, Packing, and Re-Sealing
   
   

• The liferaft is cleaned, dried, and repacked according to OEM specifications.
  
  

• Re-sealed with a fresh certification tag and servicing documentation.
  
  

Each service process must be logged digitally and physically to track the history and for quick reference during inspections.

Liferaft Servicing Requirements for Different Vessel Categories

SOLAS Rules Vary Depending on Vessel Type:

• Cargo Vessels: Must have liferafts with sufficient capacity for all crew; annual servicing is mandatory.
  
  

• Passenger Ships: Liferafts are to be serviced in more frequent intervals due to high risk and passenger capacity.
  
  

• Offshore Oil Rigs and Platforms: Require specialized liferafts such as open-reversible types; high emphasis on flame resistance and long-duration survival equipment.
  
  

• Fishing Boats and Inland Vessels: Subject to national maritime safety standards; even non-SOLAS craft are encouraged to follow international best practices.
  
  

Approved servicing must reflect vessel type, area of operation, and exposure risk to ensure total compliance.

Benefits of Complying with Liferaft Servicing Requirements

Safety and Compliance Advantages:

• Regulatory Compliance: Avoid hefty fines and detention by port state control.
  
  

• Crew Confidence: Properly serviced liferafts boost morale and trust in safety systems.
  
  

• Enhanced Survivability: Ensures all survival tools and flotation mechanisms work under real emergency conditions.
  
  

• Lower Risk of Failure: Routine servicing reduces the probability of deployment failure during critical events.
  
  

• Audit Readiness: Easy access to inspection logs and certificates supports external audits and insurer reviews.
  
  

Proactively meeting servicing requirements safeguards life, property, and reputation on the high seas.

Why Marinetech is a Trusted Partner for Liferaft Servicing in India

Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation stands out for its expertise in liferaft servicing requirements and full-scale SOLAS compliance. 

Here’s what makes them a reliable choice:

• SOLAS-Certified Facilities: Fully approved stations adhering to IMO and manufacturer standards.
  
  

• Wide Brand Coverage: Authorized to inspect and repack liferafts from all major OEMs.
  
  

• Digital Reporting: Provides detailed inspection reports, digital service logs, and compliance certificates.
  
  

• Strategic Port Proximity: Service centers located near Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, and other major ports for quick turnaround.
  
  

• Trained Personnel: Highly skilled technicians regularly updated on latest safety protocols.
  
  

• Additional Support: Offers crew training on liferaft deployment and emergency use.
  
  

• Emergency Response: Fast-track servicing available for vessels with short layovers.
  
  

Choosing Marinetech ensures you not only meet liferaft servicing requirements but also optimize fleet readiness with world-class support.

Final Words: Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Understanding and fulfilling your liferaft servicing requirements isn’t just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a vital part of your maritime safety commitment. 

As the maritime environment grows increasingly regulated, it is essential for operators, safety officers, and fleet managers to partner with certified servicing providers like Marinetech.

By ensuring timely inspections, proper documentation, and SOLAS-aligned procedures, you protect your crew, vessels, and business integrity. 

Prioritize safety today by booking your next inspection with the experts.

Visit https://marinetechss.com/services/life-raft-inspection-and-service to learn more and schedule your SOLAS-compliant liferaft servicing.