RFD Surviva 25 Person Davit Launch
RFD RFD Surviva 25 Person Davit Launch — Commercial marine davit-launched inflatable liferaft.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Hydrostatic release unit (HRU) reaching its expiry date without renewal
- Painter line or weak link deterioration
- Container seal/gasket degradation allowing water ingress
- Cradle or securing lashing corrosion making the raft difficult to release
- Inflation gas cylinder pressure loss between services
- Davit-launch attachment/bridle wear
Inspection checklist
- Check the service-due date and HRU expiry date marked on the unit
- Visually check the container for cracks, band corrosion and secure stowage
- Confirm the painter line is correctly secured to a strong point and not entangled
- Check the cradle release mechanism operates freely without excessive force
- Verify the davit-launch attachment/lifting bridle condition
- Confirm the raft's rated weight matches the davit's safe working load
- Check the hydrostatic release unit type and expiry, typically renewed every 2 years
Service intervals
| Annual service at an approved service station | every 12 months |
| Hydrostatic release unit renewal | typically every 2 years, per the date marked on the unit |
| Full raft condition/repack (fabric, valves, gas cylinder) | at each annual service, per SOLAS |
| Major overhaul (fabric pressure test etc.) | per the manufacturer's service bulletin, commonly every 5-10 years |
Typical wear limits
| HRU expiry | hard replace-by-date item per the date marked on the unit, not a measured wear limit - typically every 2 years |
| Container band/strap condition | no slack and no corrosion through the cross-section, per the manufacturer's securing arrangement |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Hydrostatic release unit of the correct type for the raft's weight class
- Painter line/weak link assembly
- Service-exchange inflation gas cylinder
- Container securing straps/bands
- Raft-specific fabric repair kit (carried inside the raft canister)
Safety
- The raft container must never be opened or serviced onboard - only an approved service station may do this
- The inflation cylinder is under pressure - do not tamper with it
- Crush/impact hazard during davit launch drills - trained crew only, area below kept clear
- An expired HRU can prevent automatic float-free release and is a critical safety item to verify at every inspection
Class survey
Life rafts are surveyed under SOLAS III requirements with annual service at an approved station and HRU expiry tracked separately. Class checks service certificates and container/cradle condition at LSA surveys.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Visual structural inspection of davit system for corrosion, misalignments, and deformations
Weekly functional testing of liferaft inflation systems and boarding ramps (non-destructive)
Monthly davit lowering system testing with empty raft to verify smooth deployment
Inspection of canopy integrity, retroreflective tape condition, and LED lighting function
12-month hydrostatic release unit (HRU) replacement regardless of condition
Annual thorough examination by flag-state-approved certified service provider
Pyrotechnic equipment inspection and replacement before expiry date
5-year comprehensive davit system overhaul, load testing, and recertification
Type-general inspection and maintenance points for this equipment category — not model-specific.
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