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.

Liferaft Servicing Guide UK


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, leaks, expiry of inflation cylinders, and non-compliance with UK maritime law.

Why Liferaft Servicing Is Essential

A liferaft may sit unused for years, exposed to humidity, UV rays and temperature changes. Servicing ensures it will deploy properly when it matters most.

Key Reasons to Service a Liferaft

  • Ensures safe deployment in emergencies

  • Replaces expired flares, food & water rations

  • Tests inflation cylinders & pressure systems

  • Checks for leaks, damage, mould and fabric wear

  • Maintains compliance with MCA, SOLAS & insurance requirements

  • Extends the lifespan of the liferaft

Skipping service puts lives at risk and can void insurance claims.

What Happens During Liferaft Servicing?

A professional service station carries out a detailed multi-step inspection. This includes:

1. Complete Visual Inspection

Technicians examine the casing, canopy, lifelines, floor, and seams.

2. Inflation Test

The liferaft is fully inflated to check:

  • Pressure retention

  • Air leaks

  • Inflation rate

  • Cylinder integrity

3. Equipment Check & Replacement

The following items are tested and replaced if expired:

  • Flares

  • Water rations

  • Food packs

  • First aid contents

  • Thermal protective aids

  • Torches, sponges, paddles & bailers

4. Repacking & Certification

After inspection:

  • The liferaft is dried

  • Folded using approved packing methods

  • Sealed and documented

  • A new service certificate & next service date is attached

This certificate is essential for MCA, SOLAS and insurance compliance.

Signs Your Liferaft Needs Immediate Attention

Even if you’re not due for a scheduled service, get your liferaft inspected early if you notice:

  • Visible cracks or dents on the canister

  • Water ingress or mould

  • Missing hydrostatic release unit (HRU) tags

  • Rust on metal fittings

  • Incorrect inflation pressure

Early issue detection saves time, money and keeps you compliant.

Where Should You Service Your Liferaft?

Always choose an MCA-approved or SOLAS-certified service station. These facilities have:

  • Trained technicians

  • Genuine replacement parts

  • Pressure-testing equipment

  • Controlled environments for repacking

  • Official certification and compliance documentation

ADEC Marine and other approved UK service centres provide full servicing for all major liferaft brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I service a liferaft myself?

No. Liferaft servicing must be carried out by qualified, approved technicians with proper equipment.

2. What happens if I miss a service date?

Your liferaft may fail during deployment and you may lose insurance or MCA compliance.

3. How long does a liferaft service take?

Typically 1–3 days, depending on the model and condition.

4. How long does a liferaft last?

With proper servicing, most liferafts last 10–20 years.

5. Do commercial vessels have stricter rules?

Yes. Commercial and SOLAS vessels must service their liferafts every 12 months without exception.

Conclusion

Liferaft servicing isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital step in protecting lives at sea.
By servicing your liferaft annually (or as the manufacturer recommends), you ensure it deploys correctly, stays compliant with UK regulations and remains ready for any emergency.

If you need a compliant inspection, always choose an approved service station to keep your vessel safe and sea-ready.

Location: 4 Mason's Ave, Croydon CR0 9XS, UK

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