Viking Type 8 DK+, 8-person capacity SOLAS A or SOLAS B inflatable liferaft.
Viking Type 8 DK+, 8-person capacity SOLAS A or SOLAS B inflatable liferaft.. INFLATABLE LIFERAFT (SOLAS).
Inspector Detail
▸
Common issues
- Hydrostatic release unit (HRU) reaching its expiry/service-life limit unnoticed
- Painter line chafe or incorrect securing to the weak link/cradle
- Cradle or lashing corrosion restricting float-free operation
- Canister/valise seal deterioration allowing water ingress
- Service due date exceeded without the raft being sent to an approved service station
Inspection checklist
- Visual check of canister/valise for damage, corrosion of banding, and cracking
- Confirm HRU service/expiry date is current
- Confirm periodic service due date and last approved service station stamp/certificate
- Check cradle, chocks and lashings for corrosion and correct float-free arrangement
- Verify the painter line is correctly secured with weak link intact, not seized to a fixed point incorrectly
- Confirm location markings, SOLAS servicing sticker and retro-reflective tape are present and legible
- Check stowage allows unobstructed launching per the vessel's arrangement plan
Service intervals
| Periodic service (annual, at approved service station) | annually, unless a longer interval is explicitly permitted under an approved flag/manufacturer scheme |
| Hydrostatic release unit replacement/service | per HRU manufacturer expiry, commonly every 2 years |
| Raft replacement (end of design service life) | per manufacturer type approval, commonly in the order of 12-17 years depending on raft type and survey condition - confirm against the specific certificate |
Critical spares
- Hydrostatic release unit of the correct approved type for this liferaft model
- Weak link / painter line assembly
- Servicing kit items (gas cylinder, CO2 charge) supplied and fitted only by the approved liferaft service station
Safety
- CO2 inflation system under pressure - do not tamper with the canister outside of approved servicing or actual emergency use
- Incorrect painter/weak-link rigging can prevent float-free release in an emergency or drag the raft down with a sinking vessel
- Never obstruct the float-free arrangement or launching area with stowed gear
Class survey
Liferafts are SOLAS LSA items. Class/flag surveys check the servicing certificate and due date, HRU expiry, correct stowage/float-free arrangement, and that the raft's SOLAS pack (A or B) and capacity match the vessel's safety equipment certificate. On-board crew checks are limited to visual/external condition - internal condition is only assessed at the approved service station.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
🤖 Ask about this model
One free question — answered like a marine engineer. No account needed.
Suppliers & Spare Parts
Direct links to manufacturer, datasheet, spare-parts portal and dealers — request access below.
📄 Request sourcing links & documentsCases, daily reports, timesheets and AI troubleshooting in the OceanSphere Marine app — free for 14 days.
Start free trial →Find manufacturers, repair shops and spare-part dealers in the Maritime Network — our global company directory.
Maritime Network →