How Often Should You Service a Liferaft? Complete Safety Guide
A liferaft is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment on any vessel. Whether you sail for leisure or operate a commercial boat, a well-maintained liferaft can make the difference between life and death during an emergency. But how often should you service a liferaft , and what does proper servicing actually involve? This quick guide explains everything you need to know to stay compliant, safe and prepared at sea. How Often Should a Liferaft Be Serviced? In general, liferafts should be serviced every 12 months at an approved service station. This annual inspection is required for: SOLAS liferafts Commercial vessels Boats operating under MCA regulations Some leisure liferafts allow servicing every 2–3 years , depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. General Rule: ✔ Service every 1 year (commercial/SOLAS) ✔ Service every 1–3 years (leisure) ✔ Always follow your manufacturer’s schedule Failing to service a liferaft on time can lead to malfunction,...