Sistemas y guías
Liferaft servicing and stowage on cruising yachts
Liferaft repack intervals, hydrostatic release checks, and offshore stowage for Nordic passage crews.
Overview
An ISO liferaft is safety equipment — not storage locker. Servicing intervals (typically 1–3 years) and hydrostatic release (HRU) expiry are survey items on offshore-capable cruisers.
Service checklist
| Item | Interval |
|---|---|
| Factory repack | Per manufacturer sticker — do not skip |
| HRU capsule | Replace before expiry even if raft repacked |
| Stowage | Canister upright, accessible, not buried under sails |
| Painter line | Secured to strong deck fitting — weak link only at HRU |
Deployment awareness
- Train crew — cut lashings, throw over leeward if time allows
- Inflate — pull cord firmly; secondary inflation if primary fails
- Board — from windward side of raft if possible
See anchor and ground tackle for related safety planning.