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FAQ

Below FAQ are some common concerns of our clients before make a purchase. If you have other questions, please send them to info@liferaftprofessionals.com.

Life Raft Questions

 “How quickly do life rafts ship?”

Ship times may vary. If in stock, life rafts typically ship in about 3-5 business days. If you need a life raft by a specific time and want to make sure it will arrive before that date, please email us at info@liferaftprofessionals.com.

 “How often do life rafts require service?”

Please review product pages very thoroughly. All Product pages will state how often service is required. Most recreational life rafts require recommended service every three years to maintain the manufacturer's warranty. The cost can vary, we recommend reaching out to a local service station to get an accurate quote.

All Commercial life rafts or USCG Approved life rafts require their initial service 2 years after purchase; Annual service intervals thereafter.

“How much does it cost to service a life raft? ”

The cost can vary, we recommend reaching out to a local service station to get an accurate quote.

“Where can I find the location for a Life Raft Service Station?”

Please "Click" the Brand of Life Raft you have below to find your closest Life Raft Service Station.

AVI Survival Products

Crewsaver

Lalizas Life-Saving

Ocean Safety

Revere Survival Inc.

Superior Life-Saving

Survitec Group

Viking Life-Saving Equipment

Life Raft Deployment Questions

 “How does a life raft auto inflate?”

To inflate a life raft that has a painter line coming out of its valise, follow these steps:

1. Do not attempt to take the life raft out of its container or valise. Instead, locate the line coming from your container or valise and secure it to your vessel, so that once the life raft is deployed, it won't drift away. This line, known as the "painter line," is also used to discharge the CO2 canister by pulling the line all the way out and giving it a light tug to discharge the canister.

2. Place the entire unit into the water and pull out the painter line, which should be about 10 meters long.

3. Once you have pulled all of the line from the container or valise, give it a firm and quick tug to activate the inflation mechanism. This will result in the life raft quickly inflating and filling with air.

Note: Some life rafts have automatic inflation mechanisms that will activate automatically when the painter line is pulled or when the raft comes into contact with water. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific life raft.

Note: Some life rafts have automatic inflation mechanisms that will activate automatically when the painter line is pulled or when the raft comes into contact with water. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific life raft.

“There are bands holding my life raft container together. Do I need to cut these before deploying the raft?”

No. Life rafts in a container that are held together by bands are designed to break or release automatically when the raft is inflated.

“There is a line coming out of the container/ valise that my life raft is stored in. What is this for? ”

This line is known as the "painter line" and it serves two important purposes. In case of an emergency, the painter line should be attached to a secure and stable point on the vessel before the life raft is deployed. This ensures that the life raft remains close to the vessel and can be easily accessed by the crew for boarding. Additionally, the painter line is also used to discharge the CO2 canister by pulling the line all the way out on the canister/ valise and giving it a light tug to discharge the cylinder. It's important to note that the proper use of the painter line may vary depending on the specific life raft model and manufacturer, so it's crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your specific life raft.

Plastimo Life Raft FAQ

What is the warranty on my Plastimo Life Raft?

Plastimo rafts are guaranteed for 18 years.

Reminder: The 18-year warranty only applies if your raft is serviced at the required intervals, and exclusively in our factory in Lorient or in a station approved by Plastimo.

What is the life span of a Plastimo Life Raft?

Contrary to popular belief, life rafts have no legal life limit... so no age limit of 15 years. It is the responsibility of each manufacturer to validate their rafts according to their quality and degree of reliability. With an 18-year warranty, Plastimo clearly demonstrates its confidence in the reliability and longevity of its rafts.

Can my Plastimo life raft be reused if accidently inflated?

Yes, if it is fixable. If, voluntarily (to fish out a man overboard for example) or involuntarily your raft is inflated, you can have it reconditioned in one of our stations.

Viking Life Raft FAQ

"If we are only two people in eg. an 8-person liferaft will it flip over?"

No. The ballast bags and sea anchor provide stability.

"How long will the liferaft last? How long can I survive?"

The liferaft will last a minimum of 30 days at sea. Survival of occupants depends on the amount of water, capability to fish or rations in the emergency pack

"Does the liferaft inflate automatically?"

The liferaft inflates within seconds once the 10m/30 ft red painter line is pulled and the CO2 in the cylinder is released into the air chambers

"Why do they only allow small spaceper person?"

SOLAS requirement is 4 sq ft/0.372 m2 per person in order to share body warmth for protection from hypothermia and to protect you from injury during heavy seas.

"Will the inflatable floor automatically inflate?"

The inflatable double floors must be manually inflated with bellows provided in the equipment bag. Inflatable floors do not automatically inflate because they do not have pressure relief valves installed as the release of CO2 adversely affects some people and the floors are under a different working pressure than the buoyancy tubes.

"How do I deploy the liferaft?"

• Fasten the painter line (red line coming out of the liferaft - approx. 30 ft/10 m long) to a strong point on the boat - preferably a cleat

• To ease throwing the liferaft overboard first pull out approx. 10 ft./3m of painter line

• No need to open valise or remove plastic strapping on container prior to deployment

• Liferafts are naturally buoyant and will not sink. Do not deploy the liferaft on deck

• Deploy liferaft to leeward. Use vessel to protect the liferaft from wind and waves. Unless the vessel is on fire, then launch to windward

• Pull liferaft toward the vessel with the painter line. Jump directly from vessel into liferaft (if possible). Try to stay dry

• Pull out painter line and stay attached to vessel unless sinking or on fire

• If you need to cut the painter line, there is a knife attached to the upper buoyancy tube right hand side of the canopy entrance

• Use signal flares only when help is in sight

• The manual included with the liferaft contains detailed step-by-step emergency instructions. Read prior to departing.

"Will the canopy automatically inflate?"

All VIKING liferaft canopies automatically inflate upon deployment.

"Where is the best place tomount a container?"

The liferaft must be accessible for deployment within 60 seconds. It is best to deck mount as close to the center of the boat as possible. If deck mounting it is best to install the liferaft behind the mast for protection from seas.

"What if I get a hole in the liferaft during a rescue situation?"

The liferaft contains 3 red leak stoppers which instantly plug a hole permitting you to re-inflate the liferaft via the inflation valves. In addition there is a repair kit containing patch materials, glue and scissors for repairing tears.

If the hole is in one of the buoyancy tubes remember all VIKING liferafts are built to the SOLAS standard requiring each tube supports the weight the liferaft is approved for. So even with one buoyancy tube deflated the liferaft will continue to support the occupants.

"What comes with the liferaft?"

The standard equipment is sea anchor, buoyant knife, rescue quoit and paddles and an emergency pack. All emergency packs include SOLAS parachute rockets, SOLAS hand flares, SOLAS flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, whistle, USCG/ SOLAS signalling mirror, anti-seasickness pills, bailer, sponges, survival instructions, table of lifesaving signals, bellows, leak stoppers. Additional equipment is included depending on local regulations or requirements.

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