Many of us carry one, very few have had to use it. At this time of year, up comes the usual question of whether to have it serviced or shall we leave it for another year? After all it's well protected, it was packed by experts, and you've heard that getting them back in the container or valise is pretty complicated. Have you ever had it out? Probably not. Most of us would not skip getting our car brakes serviced and yet this last resort in a disaster at sea has a question hanging over it.
The servicing of liferafts has a certain mystique and an even more certain high cost. Did you know that not all service stations test the CO2 inflation system but merely weigh the bottle and check the liferaft for leaks? Perhaps you think you could do this yourself? Do you have an owner's manual?
Ask yourself this; If I service it myself am I likely to be more confident and familiar with their use? I suggest the answer is yes. But don't forget that approved servicing certification won't be available if you do. The really self-sufficient and technically able will be capable of doing the job successfully, but we offer no guarantee and the choice and responsibility must be yours.
A simplified approach is as follows:
- Before you take it out of its container make a note of its orientation. A good idea would be to take photographs. Note and record the folded sequence as you open it. Include the position of all control lines.
- Find the manual inflation port and use a suitable pump to inflate to the specified PSI. When inflated leave for 24 hours to check for leaks.
- Check for any sign of damage or deterioration in seams or the fabric.
- Weigh the CO2 cylinder and compare it with the tare weight shown on the cylinder, you will then need to subtract the weight of an empty cylinder to establish how much CO2 it contains.
- Check the inflation head carefully for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Check the survival pack and replace any defective items. Check the dates on flares. If you want to add extra survival items, remember you are going to repack to fit the same space.
- You will now have to deflate the air chambers in order to re-pack successfully. There are vacuum cleaners and dinghy pumps with a suck option.
- Refold in the reverse order that you unfolded. Your photographs will come in handy here. Pay special attention to the lanyards and that they run freely to the operating head.
- Make a record of the service date with details of replacement equipment.
You will have saved some money but the biggest benefit will be the knowledge you have gained. If the worst happens your anxiety will not be made worse by having no idea how the thing works.
We repeat that deciding to service your liferaft is your responsibility. You should not do so if you are in any doubt as to your competence. If you are not completely confident, then take your liferaft to a commercial service station. Better safe than sorry.
