If your vessel is equipped with inflatable...

Question 1 / 270705eccef9fbacbc34ba4d46909

Question 1 of 270705eccef9fbacbc34ba4d46909

If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?

Question 1 of 27070

If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?

🔍 Key Concepts

• SOLAS requirements for inflatable liferaft servicing • Difference between on‑board checks and formal servicing • Role of an approved service facility for lifesaving appliances

💭 Think About

• Think about what kind of work is actually needed on an inflatable liferaft (inflation tests, CO₂ or gas cylinder checks, repacking, replacement of dated items). Who is realistically qualified and authorized to do that work? • Consider what SOLAS and Coast Guard inspectors look for in the ship’s safety certificates and records regarding liferaft maintenance. • Ask yourself: which option would create a clear, auditable paper trail that regulators can easily verify for compliance?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether inflatable liferafts must be serviced at an approved facility or if a general shipyard is sufficient. • Consider whether a formal servicing interval (often annual or as specified) is required by regulation, or if informal crew checks alone would meet the standard. • Distinguish between routine crew inspections (visual condition, lashings, hydrostatic release) and certified maintenance/servicing (repacking, pressure tests, etc.).

Question 1 of 27070

If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?

They do not need any maintenance.

Have them serviced by the shipyard annually.

Have them sent ashore to an approved maintenance facility annually.

Have your crew check them annually.

Question 1 / 270705eccef9fbacbc34ba4d46909

Question 1 of 270705eccef9fbacbc34ba4d46909

If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?

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Question 1 of 27070

If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?