An Unsettling Reveal: Regular Maintenance of Life Rafts Routinely Overlooked
The endless allure of the sea, with its peaceful waves and the sweet scent of salt in the air, often overshadows the intrinsic dangers present. Among the endless checklist of safety precautions, one pivotal aspect is often left unchecked - life raft maintenance. Regular maintenance of life rafts is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity. The sea, a beautiful but harsh mistress, has no patience for negligence, and the punishment for such inattention can be swift and merciless. The unsettling findings, revealing frequent neglect of life raft maintenance, have stirred a ripple of concern within the maritime community. The lax attitude towards such a potentially life-saving component is not just disturbing; it’s downright dangerous. The sea ignores human presumption; she continues her dance irrespective of the vessels sailing upon her. Thus, it is vital for seafarers, whether on sailing-boats, yachts, or motorboats, to ensure every safety measure is adhered to, not just for themselves but for the life that throbs beneath the ocean’s surface. The durable inflatable life rafts, designed to be the lifeline in aquatic disasters, can only perform well with regular check-ups and maintenance. Neglecting such can lead to dangerous consequences. It’s high time the maritime world, mariners, and enthusiasts held onto their resolve of safety, tightening the grip on the often ignored aspect of life raft maintenance.
- •CHIRP report: Life raft maintenance ignored superyachtnews.com10-04-2025