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Introduction to AUSMAR and Life Raft Inspections

Overview of Life Raft Importance

• Juan Fargas, General Director of AUSMAR, introduces the series focused on life raft inspections, emphasizing their critical role in emergencies.

• Inspections are not only regulatory requirements but also essential for ensuring that materials (rubber, plastics) inside the raft are in optimal condition for use during emergencies.

Inspection Process

• The life raft is removed from its vacuum-sealed container, which protects it from moisture and environmental damage over time.

• Safety measures are taken by disconnecting the firing head to prevent accidental deployment while preparing the raft for inspection.

Ensuring Flexibility and Integrity

Inflation and Pressure Checks

• The team inflates the life raft to restore flexibility after prolonged storage; this prevents material degradation when deployed.

• A pressure check is conducted on the CO2 bottle to ensure it contains the correct gas and maintains original pressure levels.

Safety Mechanisms

• Verification of the firing head's integrity ensures it has not been tampered with or accidentally activated.

• Overpressure valves are tested during inflation to confirm they function correctly, preventing potential floatation device explosions.

Emergency Equipment Review

Contents of the Life Raft

• The external light system is checked for functionality as part of safety equipment verification.

• All emergency supplies within the raft are reviewed: thermal blankets, signaling devices (smoke signals), fishing kits, repair kits, etc., ensuring they meet safety standards.

Compliance and Documentation

• Expiry dates on all emergency items are noted; compliance checks will be documented in a certification log once confirmed valid.

Final Checks Before Packing

Structural Integrity Assessment

• The team inspects all securing straps and access ramps for proper attachment and condition before repacking.

Preparation for Storage

• After confirming all systems function correctly (inflation tests, battery checks), air is released from the vacuum bag to prepare for compact storage.

• Electrical systems are connected so that lights activate automatically upon inflation of the raft.

Conclusion of Inspection Process

Compacting for Storage