SOLAS-B Inflatable Life Raft
medium
14 models total
A SOLAS-B life raft carries the lighter equipment pack permitted for cargo ships under certain trading areas, and buyers who confuse it with SOLAS-A specification end up with rations and safety equipment that fall short of what the higher class demands.
Read more — SOLAS-B Inflatable Life Raft explained ▾
What SOLAS-B specification means
A life raft's SOLAS-A or SOLAS-B rating refers to the equipment pack sealed inside it, not the raft's canopy or buoyancy chamber design, which can be identical between the two. SOLAS-A packs are required where a rescue may realistically take longer to arrive, carrying more food, water, flares and medical supplies. SOLAS-B packs carry a reduced set, permitted on cargo ships operating in trading areas and under flag state provisions where a shorter time to rescue is the reasonable expectation. Fitting a SOLAS-B raft where the voyage pattern actually requires SOLAS-A leaves survivors under-supplied for the realistic wait.
Main components
Buoyancy chambers and canopy
Two independent inflatable tubes, either capable of supporting the full rated capacity alone, topped by an insulated double-skin canopy that inflates with the raft and provides shelter and thermal protection.
Painter line and hydrostatic release unit
The painter both triggers inflation when pulled taut and, on a raft stowed for float-free launch, connects through a hydrostatic release unit that lets the raft break free and inflate automatically if the ship sinks before it can be launched manually.
Equipment pack
Sealed separately inside the raft: rations, drinking water or a desalting kit, seasickness tablets, first aid kit, hand flares and rocket parachute flares, a sea anchor, bailer, paddles, a repair kit for the buoyancy tubes, and a torch. The exact list and quantities differ between the SOLAS-A and SOLAS-B pack specifications.
Automatic inflation system
A CO2 or nitrogen gas bottle triggered by the painter line pull, inflating both buoyancy chambers and the canopy in well under a minute even in cold conditions.
Selection points
Capacity must match or exceed the ship's maximum complement, with a container size and weight that fits the davit or float-free stowage available. Trading area and voyage length determine whether SOLAS-B is actually permitted for the ship, which is a flag state and class decision, not a cost choice made independently.
Regulations and class
SOLAS Ch. III sets the carriage requirement and equipment pack specification, with servicing intervals, annual for most rafts, carried out only at an approved service station, which repacks the raft, tests the inflation system and replaces expired pyrotechnics and rations. Hydrostatic release units carry their own separate expiry and replacement interval under class rules.
Typical faults
- Service overdue: a raft carried past its annual service date is effectively unclassed and may not inflate correctly
- Hydrostatic release unit expired, so the float-free function fails even though the raft container looks fine
- Wrong pack specification fitted for the trading area, discovered only at flag or port state inspection
- Painter line led incorrectly or not secured to a strongpoint, so the raft drifts away from the ship uninflated
What to look for in a supplier
- Approved service station network covering the ship's actual ports of call
- Correct pack specification confirmed against the flag state and trading area, not assumed
- Container weight and dimensions matched to the existing davit or cradle
- Clear documentation trail for hydrostatic release unit expiry alongside the raft's own service date
Check the hydrostatic release unit expiry separately from the raft's own service sticker: the two run on different clocks, and crews routinely catch one while missing the other.
2 manufacturers · 14 models
Survitec / RFD Beaufort
7
Beaufort SOLAS-B 4P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
4
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 6P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
6
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 8P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
8
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 10P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
10
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 12P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
12
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 16P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
16
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Beaufort SOLAS-B 20P
unverified
Capacity (persons)
20
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
VIKING Life-Saving
7
Viking SOLAS-B 4P Container
Capacity (persons)
4
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 6P Container
Capacity (persons)
6
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 8P Container
Capacity (persons)
8
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 10P Container
Capacity (persons)
10
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 12P Container
Capacity (persons)
12
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 16P Container
Capacity (persons)
16
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.
Viking SOLAS-B 20P Container
Capacity (persons)
20
Pack type
container
Solas b approved
ja
Technical Specifications
- Kapazitätsbereich
- 4 bis 35 Personen (DK+ & DKF+ Serien)
- Behältertypen
- Rund, Quadratisch, Low-Profile (Fiberglas)
- Funktionstemperatur
- -30°C bis +65°C (Standard); -50°C für Polar-Versionen
- Inflation
- Automatic via painter line or CO2 cylinder; inflation within 1 minute (throw-overboard)
- Notfall-packungen
- SOLAS A (Standard) or SOLAS B
- Behälter-Material
- Starrer Fiberglas-Container mit Schaumstoff-Polsterung
- Stabilität
- Two independent buoyancy chambers; remains stable even with one deflated chamber
Product Lines
- DK+ Throw-overboard (4-35 Personen)
- DKF+ Davit-launched (12-35 Personen)
- S30 Extended Service Interval (all capacities)
- RescYou Recreational Series (Yachting)
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Area: Jährliches Service-Intervall (SOLAS)Check: Inspector checks for service label date (not older than 12 months); Standard SOLAS requires complete inspection, inflation test, cylinder control, equipment inventory (pyrotechnics, water, rations)
- Area: HRU (Hydrostatic Release Unit) - replacement maximum every 24 monthsCheck: Inspector verifies HRU expiration date independent of raft service date; PSC checks both dates separately; must be compatible with raft model; use Hammar H20 or similar certified models
- Area: Painter line and weak-link systemCheck: Inspector checks: Painter permanently connected to ship; weak-link correctly attached to HRU; weak-link breaking strength 1.6-2.0 kN; red color and 30 ft (approx. 10 m) length for throw-overboard; fastening must withstand hoisting force and break under raft weight during ship sinking
- Area: Container integrity and lashing strapsCheck: Inspector controls: Container for cracks, deformations, water damage; lashing straps tight and undamaged; cradle securely fastened; container stored horizontally stable; seals intact
- Area: Davit-System Prüfung (nur DKF+-Modelle)Check: Inspector checks: Davit connected with cables/ropes; raft attachment straps intact; lateral impact test: raft must withstand impact 3.5 m/s against ship hull; water immersion test from 3 m height without loss of function; document launching procedure
- Area: S30 Extended Service Interval - Jährliche Bordsinspektion (30-Monate-Option)Check: Inspector (crew) performs 3-step onboard inspection: test panel for environment in aluminum pouch; visual inspection container; no electrical equipment required; complete service every 30 months at certified Viking station (instead of 12 months standard); no interval extensions possible for S30
Type-universal inspection/service points for Life Rafts (Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Mega-Fleet 2026-06). Per-model specs not auto-populated.