Life raft service intervals and standards

Coastal and offshore life rafts require annual or biennial service at a manufacturer-authorized station, depending on raft type and jurisdiction. SOLAS-certified rafts: annual service is the norm. ISO 9650 leisure rafts (Type I/II/III): every 3 years for the first two services, then annual after 10 years or per manufacturer. Service includes: inflating the raft to check for leaks, checking the CO2 canister weight (loss of 5 percent or more = replace), inspecting the sea anchor, replacing all consumables at expiration (flares, water pouches, first-aid supplies, batteries in the water-activated light), and repacking. Cost: US$300-1000 depending on raft size and jurisdiction. If your raft is more than one service cycle overdue, DO NOT assume it will work, CO2 canisters can leak, packing tension can fail, and the fabric can develop pin leaks that only show under inflation. Storage: bracket-mounted rafts should be securely lashed but instantly releasable. Valise (soft-pack) rafts should live in a dedicated locker, not buried under gear. Check the hydrostatic release annually on any raft with one.