A life raft is one of the most important pieces of marine safety equipment. But like all safety gear, it has a limited validity period. Knowing how long your life raft is considered reliable—and when it needs servicing or replacement—ensures compliance with regulations and improves survival chances in an emergency. At Life Raft Professionals, we provide coastal, offshore, and SOLAS-approved rafts that meet strict safety standards and come with clear servicing requirements.
Average Validity Period of a Life Raft
Most modern life rafts remain valid for 12 to 15 years, depending on the manufacturer and the level of maintenance they receive. Some commercial-grade SOLAS rafts can last even longer, but only if they are inspected and serviced regularly. Without proper servicing, a raft’s certification—and therefore its validity—can expire much sooner.
Why Servicing Determines Validity
The true validity of a life raft is tied directly to servicing. Manufacturers and regulatory authorities require inspections at specific intervals. If these inspections are skipped, the raft is considered invalid, even if it appears physically intact.
Typical Service Intervals
- Coastal rafts: every 2–3 years depending on the manufacturer
- Offshore rafts: every 1–3 years depending on usage
- SOLAS-approved rafts: annual servicing at authorized facilities
During service, technicians test inflation systems, inspect buoyancy chambers, replace expired survival pack items, and ensure compliance with USCG or SOLAS standards.
Coastal, Offshore, and SOLAS Validity Periods
Different types of rafts have different validity timelines:
- Coastal rafts: Usually last 10–12 years with proper servicing. Designed for nearshore emergencies.
- Offshore rafts: Can last 12–15 years or more with regular inspections. Built for longer rescues in harsher waters.
- SOLAS commercial rafts: Often exceed 15 years when maintained annually. Required for commercial vessels and tested to the highest standards.
When to Replace a Life Raft
Even with proper servicing, all rafts eventually reach the end of their validity. You may need to replace a raft if:
- The manufacturer’s maximum service life has been reached
- It fails multiple inspection tests
- Its certification has lapsed due to missed servicing
Examples From Our Store
Coastal Life Rafts
Our coastal rafts are lightweight and designed for recreational use, offering reliability within their 10–12 year validity period.
SOLAS-Approved Commercial Rafts
We stock SOLAS-certified rafts from brands like Viking, Revere, and Survitec, which undergo annual inspections to maintain validity and compliance with international maritime law.
FAQ
What is the typical validity period of a life raft?
Most life rafts are valid for 12–15 years, depending on design, usage, and servicing.
Does servicing extend a life raft’s validity?
Yes. Regular inspections and servicing are required to maintain certification and ensure the raft remains valid.
Can I use a raft beyond its validity period?
No. Once a raft has expired or missed servicing, it is no longer certified and may not function safely in an emergency.
Do coastal rafts last as long as SOLAS rafts?
Generally, no. Coastal rafts have shorter lifespans than SOLAS commercial rafts, which are built for heavier use and stricter regulations.
How do I know when my raft expires?
Check the manufacturer’s documentation, service record, or inspection tags. Authorized service stations also provide certification stickers after each inspection.
Conclusion
The validity period of a life raft typically ranges from 12 to 15 years, but only if it is properly maintained and inspected. Coastal rafts have shorter lifespans, while SOLAS rafts can last longer thanks to their robust construction and annual certification. At Life Raft Professionals, we offer certified rafts across all categories and connect you with the servicing required to keep them valid for their entire lifespan.