For shipowners, a liferaft is only as reliable as its last inspection. Even the most advanced safety equipment can fail if it’s not maintained correctly. That’s why regular servicing of Lalizas inflatable liferafts is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a critical element of fleet safety management.
As the official worldwide representative of Lalizas, Gaelix Marine Service offers full support to keep your liferafts compliant, certified, and ready to perform in an emergency.
Why Servicing Liferafts is Non-Negotiable
International conventions, including SOLAS and IMO regulations, mandate that all commercial vessels maintain their liferafts in perfect working condition. Beyond legal compliance, proper servicing:
- Ensures reliable inflation in real emergency conditions
- Extends the lifespan of your equipment
- Prevents costly last-minute failures during inspections
- Reduces liability in case of incidents
A well-maintained Lalizas liferaft is an asset you can count on when it matters most.
The Recommended Service Intervals
Lalizas requires that all its SOLAS liferafts undergo:
- Annual servicing at an authorized station
- Comprehensive testing every 5 years, including pressure tests and full deployment
- Replacement of expired items (flares, food rations, water supplies, batteries)
Failing to follow these intervals risks both non-compliance and operational safety.
What Does Servicing Include?
During a professional service, certified technicians:
- Inspect the outer container for integrity and proper sealing
- Test inflation systems for leaks and rapid deployment
- Replace emergency pack components (rations, flares, first aid)
- Check structural integrity of canopy, flooring, and buoyancy chambers
- Verify packaging for correct repacking and labeling
These procedures ensure that the liferaft works exactly as intended during an emergency.
Global Support for Commercial Fleets
For shipping companies, managing multiple vessels can complicate servicing schedules. That’s where Lalizas’ worldwide network and our services at Gaelix Marine Service come in.
We offer:
- Centralized fleet maintenance programs
- Scheduled inspections to minimize downtime
- Replacement liferafts during service to keep vessels operational
- Complete compliance documentation for audits and inspections
With global coverage, your vessels remain compliant wherever they sail.
Best Practices for Shipowners
- To ensure uninterrupted readiness:
- Keep a servicing calendar for every liferaft in your fleet
- Train crew to conduct visual checks between inspections
- Store liferafts according to manufacturer guidelines (away from excessive heat or chemicals)
- Use only authorized service centers to avoid warranty loss and compliance issues
Proactive management saves time and prevents operational risks.
Why Partner with Gaelix Marine Service?
As the official Lalizas representative worldwide, we provide more than just equipment:
- Certified annual and 5-year inspections
- Full supply chain for spare parts and emergency packs
- Technical advice for optimal fleet configuration
- Local support combined with global expertise
We help shipowners avoid unexpected costs and operational delays, while keeping crews safe.
Conclusion
Servicing Lalizas liferafts is not an option — it’s an essential part of running a safe and compliant fleet. Regular inspections, timely maintenance, and trusted service partners make all the difference between a liferaft that’s ready and one that’s not.
Trust Gaelix Marine Service to keep your fleet inspection-ready and your crew protected in every sea condition.
