LIFERAFT

• Shall be capable of withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions.
• Shall operate satisfactorily when dropped into the water from a height of 18m.
• Shall be capable of withstanding repeated jumps from a height of at least 5m.
• Shall have fittings to enable it to be towed at a speed of 3 knots.
• Shall have a canopy to protect the occupant from exposure.
• Shall be provided with means to mount a SART at a height of at least 1m above the sea.
• Shall be fitted with painter of not less than 10 m.
• The total mass of the liferaft with a container and its equipment shall not become more than 180 kg.

• 100% capacity, if easily transferable
• 100% capacity on each side, if not easily transferable
• 100% capacity on each side, if free-fall lifeboat with 100% capacity

• For ships less than 85 m (no lifeboat):  (a) 100% capacity on each side, if easily transferable   (b) 150% capacity on each side, if not easily transferable (A rescue boat that may also be used as a LIfeboat may be used for fulfilling this 150% criteria)

• Additionally, one at the FWD if the length of AFT Lifeboat from FWD is more than 100m capacity not less than 6 persons. (a)100% on each side in cargo ships. (b)50% on each side in passenger ships.

Liferaft serviced at an interval of not exceeding 12 months.

(i) Weekly checks:

Check that the following markings are done on the liferaft container:

• Name of the vessel
• Maker’s name or trademark
• Serial number
• Name of approving authority
• Number of persons it is permitted to carry
• SOLAS
• The type of emergency pack enclosed
• Date when last serviced
• Length of painter
• Maximum permitted height of stowage above the waterline
• Launching instructions

The following also to be checked:

• Check the HRU connection and the lashing arrangement
• Check that the painter is connected to the weak link of the HRU
• Check that the emergency light on the ship side near the fwd life raft is working
• Check that the railing doors and the chains near the life rafts are not frozen. Grease if necessary.

(ii) Monthly checks:

Carry out the following in addition to the weekly routine:

• Clean with fresh water
• Try out the Hydrostatic release unit (if applicable)
• Greasing of senhouse slip.

(iii) Annually checks

• Servicing of liferaft ashore
• Servicing of Hydrostatic release units (if applicable)

• Turn the liferaft until the gas bottle comes downward & faces the wind
• Stand onto the CO2 bottle and grab the righting strap
• Put your feet on the gas bottle, lean back, and pull the righting strap using your weight

• Make a fast painter to a strong point
• Release the lashing
• Check for any obstruction in the water
• Throw the liferaft into the water
• Pull the painter with a jerk, it will puncture the gas bottle & liferaft will inflate
• Board the liferaft by embarkation ladder or by jumping onto it

Markings on a liferaft

1. Maker’s name
2. Serial number
3. Name of approving authority
4. Date of Manufacturer
5. Name and place of last service
6. Capacity & Minimum char height 

Markings on a liferaft container

1. Maker’s name
2. Serial number
3. Name of approving authority
4. Capacity
5. SOLAS Pack
6. Length of painter
7. Maximum height of stowage
8. Launching instruction
9. Date of Last service

• Shall withstand lateral impact against ship side at a velocity of not less than 3.5 m/sec
• Shall withstand a drop from a height of not less than 3m without damage
• Shall be provided with the means of bringing alongside the embarkation deck

SOLAS PACK-A is the level of equipment in the life raft required for

• All vessels except passenger vessels engaged in domestic or international voyages.
• Passenger vessels engaged in long international voyage

SOLAS PACK-B is the level of equipment in the life raft required for

• Passenger vessels engaged in short international voyages or domestic voyages.

SOLAS PACK C for vessels not engaged in international voyages

2.2±0.4 KN