Viking Type 100 DKS S30, 101-person self-righting SOLAS A or SOLAS B inflatable liferaft approved for extended service intervals in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/20.8.3.

Common issues

• Painter line chafe or incorrect attachment at the hydrostatic release unit (HRU)
• HRU expiry lapsing unnoticed if not tracked against its own due date, separate from the raft's service date
• Inflation gas cylinder pressure loss found only at the approved service station
• Canopy fabric UV degradation or chafe from prolonged deck stowage exposure
• Container or cradle corrosion, especially at exposed weather-deck stowage positions
• Retro-reflective tape and water-activated light/battery reaching expiry unnoticed
• Boarding ladder or righting strap wear on the self-righting arrangement
• Container/valise seal failure allowing water ingress before deployment

Inspection checklist

• Confirm the annual/periodic service due date and that the service is done at an approved Viking station
• Check the hydrostatic release unit expiry date and correct fitting/orientation
• Inspect the painter line attachment, lashings, and cradle/stowage arrangement
• Check the external condition of the container - no cracking, corrosion, or damaged seals
• Verify weight and date markings on the container match the ship's LSA register
• If claiming the extended service interval under SOLAS III/20.8.3, confirm the vessel holds the specific written approval for that scheme
• Inspect the quick-release/manual release gear at the cradle
• Verify the float-free arrangement and the correct-rated HRU weak link is fitted
• Confirm the launching arc is unobstructed
• Cross-check the raft's stated capacity against the current lifesaving appliance plan and manning

Service intervals

Typical wear limits

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

• Hydrostatic release unit - like-for-like replacement with the correct weak-link rating
• Painter line and rope-to-raft attachment fittings
• Water-activated or battery light unit
• Cradle/container lashing straps

Safety

• The inflation gas cylinder is pressurised and sealed inside the container - never attempt to open or service it onboard
• Incorrect HRU installation can cause premature release or failure to float free - a serious life-safety risk
• Never stow a liferaft container where the launching arc is obstructed
• The painter line must run clear to avoid entanglement with the vessel during float-free or deployment
• Only trained personnel at an approved service station should open, repack, or service the raft

Class survey

Note: this record is filed under 'Freefall Lifeboat' but the actual product is a SOLAS-approved inflatable liferaft (davit-launched/throw-over type), not a freefall lifeboat - the content above addresses the liferaft. Class/flag state survey checks that the service certificate is current and the HRU expiry has not passed; where the extended service interval under SOLAS III/20.8.3 is claimed, survey checks the vessel holds the specific approval letter for that scheme and that the raft has not exceeded the approved condition-based limits.