LIFERAFTS

What is a liferaft?

A liferaft is a type of gas inflation life saving appliance used in cases of emergency evacuation from a vessel at sea.

Categories

Generally liferafts are divided into SOLAS, which are used in commercial ships, and to those that are used in recreational vessels. The latter are also divided into two subcategories depending on the intended use:

• IN-SHORE: The liferafts of this category are intended for use in inland waters. Lalizas in-shore liferaft is CRUISER. 
• OFFSHORE: In this category the liferafts are intended for use away from shore or for racing purposes. Lalizas offshore liferaft is ATLANTIC.

In both subcategories, liferafts are available in various sizes from 4 to 10 people (Atlantic) or 12 (Cruiser).

Characteristics

A liferaft has two independent buoyancy chambers, plain, or thermo-insulated floor (depending on the category), a canopy, a compressed CO2 gas cylinder, water and the standard equipment. Each buoyancy chamber on its own is able to give the necessary buoyancy and support the weight stated. All liferafts are packaged in vacuum, and come either in a valise or a rigid canister in order to withstand the weather conditions while stored.

The difference between CRUISER and ATLANTIC lies on:

• the floor: Cruiser has plain floor, while the Atlantic has thermo insulated floor;
• retro reflective tapes: The Atlantic has more square centimeters than Cruiser does;
• the number of stabilizers: Atlantic has 4 stabilizers while the Cruiser has only 2.

Materials

Liferafts are constructed from durable PVC. The buoyancy chambers are inflated with CO2, which is provided by a gas cylinder found underneath the liferaft.

Guarantee

All Lalizas liferafts have a twelve (12) year guarantee, as long as the predetermined service takes place in a Lalizas authorized liferaft station. More specifically Cruiser and Atlantic liferafts must be serviced once every 3 years. However if they need to be EEP approved, then they need to be serviced every year.

Keep always in mind:

Liferafts are effective as long as:

1. you send or bring regularly your liferaft at a LALIZAS authorised Station to be serviced.
2. no extra weight is placed on the liferaft apart from the one stated.
3. The liferaft is not covered with objects that are difficult to be removed in case of emergency evacuation.
4. The liferaft is positioned properly and easily accessible.
5. You follow the instruction manual when at need.

Liferafts are necessary on board a vessel, as in emergency cases it will prove priceless.