Liferafts are crucial for saving lives at sea. They offer a safe space for crewmembers and passengers during an emergency. For this reason, all vessel owners in the UK are required to understand how to service their liferaft. Having your equipment serviced regularly means it is prepared for sudden situations if needed. It can also help you comply with national safety regulations.
Many vessel owners in the UK employ marine safety specialists to carry out checks on a liferaft. These specialists are trained in servicing liferafts, work under strict standards, and are equipped to carry out approved processes using approved tools. This means that your liferaft has been verified to be reliable, making life easier for you.
Why Liferaft Servicing Matters
Liferafts only protect individuals when they are working perfectly. However, saltwater, moisture, heat and long-term storage can damage various parts of the liferaft. Valves may leak. Cylinders may not hold pressure. Ropes may become frayed. Even a small defect may cause failure in an emergency.
That is why regular servicing is so important. It allows experts to open up the liferaft, check everything and repair any hidden defects. This process keeps you compliant with UK Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations. It also gives vessel owners peace of mind when they are on the water.
How Often You Need Servicing
Typically, liferafts must receive a full service every twelve months. However, the intervals of servicing may vary based on the manufacturer. For instance, some rafts will only require their first service after three years, and annually thereafter. Always make sure to refer to your model’s guidelines. In addition, be aware of the regulations of the UK to avoid any fines.
Step by Step Liferaft Servicing Process
Servicing your liferaft goes through a very straightforward process. Each step is followed to ensure that your unit is safe, and ready for use at all times.
1. Inspection on Arrival
The service centre will start with an inspection of the container from the liferaft that you have brought in. They will look for cracks, dents, or visible damage – this quick check will give them an idea of how the liferaft has been kept. Also, it will show any physical problems before they open the unit.
2. Opening the Container
Next, technicians proceed to open the container in a controlled environment, following the specific procedures as indicated by the liferaft manufacturer. This step avoids accidental inflation and preserves the condition of the raft for later inspection.
3. Inflation and Leak Testing
Then, they inflate the raft using an external air source. This allows experts to test for any leaks, tears, or weakness in the seams. They also monitor the pressure over time; even minor pressure variation or drops indicate there’s a leak.
4. Checking All Safety Parts
After that, they inspect every part of the liferaft. This includes:
- Buoyancy tubes
- Valves
- Ropes
- Emergency lights
- Canopy
- Boarding ladders
They also check survival equipment packed inside the raft. Items like flares, food rations, torches, and first-aid kits must be replaced before they expire.
5. Repacking with Precision
Once everything passes inspection, the technicians repack the raft. This is a delicate step. Each fold must match the original design. If not done correctly, the raft may not deploy during an
Conclusion
Liferaft servicing is not just a rule. It is a life-saving process. When experts maintain your equipment, you sail with confidence. You know that your raft will work when you need it most. As a UK vessel owner, staying updated with servicing schedules is part of safe and responsible sailing.
This complete guide helps you understand the process clearly. With regular servicing, your liferaft remains dependable and ready for any emergency at sea.
