Where Can I Service Liferaft in India? A Location-Based Guide

Service liferaft requirements are not just regulatory—they are essential for the safety of everyone on board. A properly serviced liferaft can be the difference between life and death at sea. 

Whether you're a shipowner, a captain, or a procurement officer, ensuring timely service liferaft checks across certified centers in India should be a top priority.

In this blog, we answer one of the most frequently searched queries—Where can I service liferaft in India? 

We’ll provide a region-wise breakdown, discuss how to choose the right service station, and share best practices for liferaft annual servicing in India.

Why Is It Important to Service Liferaft Annually?

Annual service liferaft checks are mandatory under SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and must be carried out by approved service stations. 

These checks ensure that the liferaft is functional, free from defects, and ready for deployment in emergencies. It also includes inspection of:

• Inflation system
  
  

• Emergency pack items
  
  

• Buoyancy chambers
  
  

• Hydrostatic release units
  
  

• Pressure relief valves
  
  

Neglecting to service liferaft can result in regulatory penalties and endanger lives during emergencies.

Where Can You Service Liferaft in India?

India has a vast coastline, and liferaft servicing facilities are available in major port cities. Here’s a location-based guide to help you find certified centers that can service liferaft efficiently:

Mumbai

Mumbai is one of India’s busiest maritime hubs. Several certified marine safety companies service liferaft here. 

These include ISO and SOLAS-compliant stations that offer both routine and emergency servicing. 

Facilities near the Mumbai Port Trust and Nhava Sheva (JNPT) are highly accessible for merchant vessels and commercial ships.

Chennai

Chennai is a strategic port for vessels navigating the Bay of Bengal. You’ll find multiple DG Shipping-approved facilities that service liferaft, immersion suits, and EPIRBs. 

Proximity to the Kamarajar and Chennai Port ensures minimal downtime for vessels requiring safety checks.

Kochi

In Kerala, Kochi has become a growing hub for marine activity. Companies here service liferaft for fishing vessels, cargo ships, and offshore oil platforms. 

Since it's a vital naval base, the standards of service are typically high and reliable. 

Goa

Though smaller than other ports, Goa has certified stations to service liferaft, primarily catering to coastal passenger ferries and tourism yachts. 

These centers are often preferred for small-scale servicing, offering a quick turnaround time. 

Visakhapatnam

This eastern port city is essential for commercial and defense fleets. Many companies service liferaft and provide full marine safety equipment support, often including replacement parts and documentation.

Kandla / Mundra (Gujarat)

Servicing stations in Gujarat cater to the heavy vessel traffic at Kandla and Mundra ports. These are well-equipped with modern infrastructure to service liferaft as per global maritime standards.

What to Look For in a Liferaft Servicing Station

Before you choose where to service liferaft, it’s essential to verify a few important credentials:

1. DG Shipping Approval
   Only choose a center that is approved by the Directorate General of Shipping in India.
   
   

2. OEM Authorization
   Verify if the station is authorized to service liferaft brands such as Viking, Zodiac, Lalizas, etc.
   
   

3. Experienced Technicians
   A trained and experienced team ensures accurate servicing and timely compliance.
   
   

4. Availability of Spares
   Ensure the center has stock of spare parts for emergency repairs or replacements.
   
   

5. Service Documentation
   After you service liferaft, proper certificates and checklists must be issued for auditing and compliance.
   
   

How Much Does It Cost to Service Liferaft?

The cost to service liferaft in India depends on:

• The type and size of liferaft (6-person, 10-person, etc.)
  
  

• Brand and model
  
  

• Type of emergency pack (SOLAS A or B)
  
  

• Age and previous service history
  
  

• Additional spare parts or replacements
  
  

Typically, prices range between ?8,000 to ?25,000 for standard SOLAS-approved models. However, urgent servicing and replacement of expired components may cost more.

How Often Do You Need to Service Liferaft?

While SOLAS mandates annual checks, many shipowners also follow a six-month visual inspection routine. However, only authorized centers can service liferaft and certify its readiness for use.

Additional servicing may be needed:

• After any accidental deployment
  
  

• If the liferaft is exposed to extreme weather
  
  

• Post-collision or onboard fire
  
  

Is Mobile or Onboard Liferaft Servicing Available in India?

Some companies in India provide onboard service liferaft checks—especially at busy ports. However, full servicing involving inflation and pressure tests must be done in certified facilities. 

If you are a shipowner seeking minimal disruption to operations, check for mobile servicing options during docking.

Documents You Must Have After Liferaft Servicing

Once you service liferaft, ensure you receive the following:

• Service Certificate
  
  

• Inspection Checklist
  
  

• Validity Sticker
  
  

• Updated Serial Numbers
  
  

• Invoice with itemized charges
  
  

This documentation is crucial during Port State Control (PSC) inspections or compliance audits.

Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Liferaft

While you will still need to service liferaft annually, these best practices can increase its overall life:

• Store in a cool, dry place
  
  

• Avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays or salt spray
  
  

• Secure the container firmly to avoid vibrations
  
  

• Regularly check the hydrostatic release unit (HRU)
  
  

• Keep records of all service dates and minor inspections
  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Service Liferaft

Even experienced ship operators can make errors. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Delaying servicing beyond the due date
  
  

• Choosing non-approved service stations
  
  

• Ignoring minor external damage
  
  

• Failing to replace expired emergency items
  
  

• Not updating service logs and documentation
  
  

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that when you do need to use the liferaft—it performs perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Servicing your liferaft annually is more than a regulatory checkbox—it's a lifesaving necessity. 

Whether you're based in Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, or anywhere along the Indian coast, ensure you only go to approved centers to service liferaft. 

Make a habit of scheduling timely inspections, choosing certified providers, and keeping detailed service records.

Need to service your liferaft?
Don't wait until the last minute. Find a certified center near your port and schedule a servicing today to ensure your vessel complies with SOLAS and other maritime safety regulations. Stay prepared. Stay safe.