Top Questions Shipowners Ask About Liferaft Annual Servicing

Why Liferaft Annual Servicing Is a Regulatory and Safety Necessity

Liferaft annual servicing is a mandatory procedure required by international maritime authorities to ensure that life-saving equipment on ships is functional, reliable, and compliant with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations. 

The first question shipowners typically ask is: Why is annual servicing necessary? The answer lies in the fact that liferafts are rarely used but must work perfectly in emergencies. 

Over time, environmental conditions, handling, and storage may affect the condition of the raft. 

Hence, liferaft annual servicing ensures that every component of the raft—from inflation systems to food rations—meets the safety standards set by IMO and the Directorate General of Shipping.

In India, the annual servicing must be carried out by authorized service providers with manufacturer approvals and classification society recognition. 

Providers like Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation, for instance, offer full-scale inspections and repacking of liferafts, ensuring shipowners remain compliant and crew members stay safe.

Common Questions Shipowners Have About Liferaft Annual Servicing

Here are the most frequently asked questions shipowners raise before scheduling a service:

1. What does liferaft annual servicing include?

• Complete unpacking and inflation testing
  
  

• Checking for air leaks, valve integrity, and fabric wear
  
  

• Inspection and replacement of expired survival kit items (rations, water, flares)
  
  

• Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) testing or replacement
  
  

• Repacking as per manufacturer’s guidelines
  
  

• Issuing inspection certificates for compliance documentation
  
  

2. Who is authorized to perform the servicing?

Only service stations approved by the liferaft manufacturer and classification societies such as DNV, ABS, or IRClass can perform compliant servicing. 

They must also be certified by SOLAS and registered with the Directorate General of Shipping.

3. How long does the servicing take?

The standard turnaround time ranges from 2 to 5 days depending on the condition of the raft and the service provider’s infrastructure. 

Emergency or express servicing may be available at an additional cost.

4. What happens if a raft fails inspection?

In case of failure, the service provider either repairs the issue using OEM parts or recommends replacement. A failed inspection report is issued to the shipowner.

5. How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on the raft type (davit-launched, throw-over, open reversible) and its capacity. Itemized pricing typically includes inspection, spare parts, labor, documentation, and repacking.

6. Is there a grace period for expired certificates?

No. Liferafts with expired servicing certificates are considered non-compliant and pose legal as well as safety risks. Insurers may also reject claims in case of emergencies involving such rafts.

7. Do service stations provide pick-up and drop-off?

Many approved stations, including Marinetech, offer doorstep pick-up and delivery of liferafts, particularly in port cities like Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.

How to Prepare for Liferaft Annual Servicing

Documentation Required

• Previous inspection certificate
  
  

• Manufacturer details and raft serial number
  
  

• Type of raft and its capacity
  
  

• Deployment history, if any
  
  

Tips for Shipowners

• Mark servicing dates clearly on safety calendars
  
  

• Assign responsibility to the Safety Officer onboard
  
  

• Retain digital copies of servicing records for audits
  
  

• Schedule servicing during routine docking to save time
  
  

Annual servicing is a great time to check other safety equipment like EPIRBs, SARTs, and immersion suits to keep your ship audit-ready and reduce maintenance downtime.

Importance of Choosing an Approved Service Station

Liferaft annual servicing is only as good as the station that performs it. Here's why choosing the right partner matters:

• Compliance Assurance: Only approved service stations meet SOLAS and IMO norms.
  
  

• Access to OEM Parts: Authorized providers use genuine parts that do not void manufacturer warranties.
  
  

• Expert Technicians: Staff is trained and certified to handle different liferaft models.
  
  

• Traceable Documentation: All logs, certificates, and servicing reports are properly documented and filed.
  
  

• Facilities: Top-tier stations have inflation tanks, leak detection systems, and temperature-controlled repacking rooms.
  
  

Working with leaders like Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation ensures your ship is never at risk due to equipment failure or compliance issues.

What Shipowners Should Ask When Choosing a Service Partner

Questions You Must Ask:

• Are you SOLAS and OEM-approved for liferaft servicing?
  
  

• Can you service all types and capacities of rafts?
  
  

• What’s your turnaround time?
  
  

• Can you offer emergency inspection and documentation?
  
  

• Do you have infrastructure near major Indian ports?
  
  

• How do you ensure the reliability of replaced parts?
  
  

Getting clear answers helps avoid costly delays and non-compliance penalties.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

The importance of liferaft annual servicing goes beyond meeting maritime regulations—it ensures the safety and readiness of your crew in critical situations. 

By understanding the servicing process, asking the right questions, and partnering with certified providers, shipowners can avoid risk, save costs, and stay compliant.

Book your next liferaft annual servicing with Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation, India’s trusted partner for SOLAS-approved inspections and support. 

Visit https://marinetechss.com/services/life-raft-inspection-and-service today to schedule your inspection and ensure your vessel’s safety at sea.