Life Raft Annual Servicing refers to the mandatory inspection, testing, and maintenance of a ship’s life rafts to ensure they are in perfect working condition in case of an emergency. This servicing is required under SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and must be performed at approved service stations by certified professionals.

Life rafts are critical safety equipment on ships, designed to provide emergency evacuation in case of distress or disaster. To ensure they function properly when needed, annual servicing is required as per international maritime regulations.

Importance of Life Raft Servicing

•  Ensures Readiness – Life rafts must be fully operational and deployable in emergencies.
•  Complies with Regulations – Mandated by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and IMO (International Maritime Organization).
•  Prevents Malfunction – Regular inspections help detect and fix defects before they become critical.
•  Extends Lifespan – Proper maintenance increases the longevity and reliability of life rafts.
•  Ensures Crew Safety – A well-maintained life raft can be the difference between survival and disaster at sea.

Inspection & Documentation

•  Checking Expiry Dates – Ensuring compliance with manufacturer and IMO requirements.
•  Visual Inspection – Examining for physical damage, wear, or leaks.
•  Service History Review – Maintaining proper documentation of past inspections and repairs.

Inflation & Pressure Testing

•  Inflation Test – The raft is inflated with compressed air to check for leaks or damage.
•  Pressure Testing – Ensures the air chambers maintain the correct pressure levels.
•  Valve & Seam Inspection – Checking for airtight sealing and functionality.

Equipment & Accessories Check

•  Life jackets & thermal protective aids.
•  Food rations & drinking water.
•  First-aid kits & emergency signals (flares, mirrors, whistles).
•  Flashlights, paddles, repair kits, and fishing gear.

Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) Testing

•  HRU Inspection – Ensuring automatic release in case of sinking.
•  Replacement of Expired HRUs – HRUs must be changed every two years as per IMO rules.

Repacking & Sealing

•  Folding & Repacking – The life raft is carefully folded and packed as per manufacturer specifications.
•  Sealed & Certified – The serviced life raft is vacuum-sealed and tagged with the next due date.

Regulatory Compliance & Standards

•  SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Compliance – Mandatory annual servicing under Chapter III.
•  IMO MSC.81(70) Regulations – Guidelines for life raft testing and maintenance.
•  MARPOL & Flag State Requirements – Life raft servicing must be conducted at approved service stations.

When Should Life Rafts Be Serviced?

•  Every 12 months – Mandatory annual inspection and certification.
•   After Deployment – If the life raft is used, it must be serviced before reuse.
•  If Damaged or Expired – Any physical damage or expired components require immediate servicing.

Why Choose Certified Life Raft Servicing?

•  Expert Technicians – Trained professionals ensure compliance with international standards.
•   Proper Documentation – Serviced life rafts receive official certification and inspection reports.
•  Reliable Emergency Readiness – Guarantees that the raft will deploy and function correctly when needed.
• Global Service Network – Certified service stations available in major ports worldwide.

Regular life raft servicing is not just a requirement—it’s a commitment to safety. Ensuring that all life-saving equipment is properly maintained can save lives during maritime emergencies.