What happens during a VIKING liferaft service?

Service August 2021 21

Documentation

  • Liferaft is received and registered

  • Logbook in the liferaft is completed (proof that the liferaft has been opened and tested)

  • Inspection is performed using the VIKING approved inspection checklist

  • Certificate of re-inspection is issued

  • Full documentation for service is archived according to regulations

  • Detailed invoice is issued

technician servicing liferaft

Service

  • Container is opened and the inflation system dismounted

  • Liferaft is removed from the container

  • Container shell is cleaned and fiberglass is repaired if needed

  • Container is relabeled

  • Liferaft is inspected inside and out

  • Emergency pack in checked and items replaced if expired according to regulations

  • Liferaft equipment is inspected and replaced if needed

  • Cylinder operating head, valve, knife and release wire is inspected

  • Inflations systems and high pressure hoses are inspected

  • CO2 cylinder is checked for correct content level

  • Liferaft is deflated, repacked in the container and prepared for dispatch

testing

Testing

  • Liferaft is inflated with compressed air and pressure tested including a 60 min. working pressure test of the lower buoyancy chamber, upper buoyancy chamber and arch chamber

  • If the liferaft is equipped with an inflatable floor, this is pressure tested for 60 min.

Liferaft is subjected to specific tests at various intervals according to international regulations.

  • Gas inflation stress test (GI) is conducted every 5 years using the liferaft’s own CO2 cylinder to inflate the liferaft

  • Necessary additional pressure test (NAP) at double the working pressure rate is conducted at 11 years end then annually thereafter

  • Floor seam test (FS) is performed to check the seams of the internal floor and is conducted at 10 years and then annually  

 

VIKING recommends regular servicing of your liferaft

This will extend the life expectancy of your liferaft - but most importantly it is your guarantee that the liferaft works perfectly in a situation where it can mean the difference between life and death.