Liferaft Servicing

Trusted Liferaft Servicing in the UK

In an emergency at sea, your liferaft is your last line of defence. Regular liferaft servicing isn’t just a recommendation, it’s essential for safety, compliance, and peace of mind. At Suffolk Marine Safety, we offer professional liferaft service and life raft recertification, helping you stay prepared, wherever the tide takes you.

Liferaft servicing solutions that include:

Unpacking
Inflating
Testing
Inspecting
Re-packing the liferaft

Please note that any parts, consumables (such as flares), cylinder testing and any labour required for repairs are not included in the quoted price.

You can talk to our specialist team to enquire about the final cost of service.

With vast expertise in the industry, we work hard to meet the high standards you expect from us.

Why Liferaft Servicing Matters

Safety First

Liferafts naturally degrade over time due to environmental exposure and material ageing. Regular servicing ensures your raft inflates as it should and contains the correct, in-date safety equipment—vital in a real emergency.

Compliance and Insurance

In the UK, liferaft servicing isn’t just recommended, it’s often required by maritime regulations and insurance policies. Both private boat owners and commercial shipping operators must have documented proof of regular servicing to stay compliant. Keeping your liferaft service records up to date not only ensures compliance with maritime regulations but also helps maintain the validity of your insurance should you ever need to make a claim.”

Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

Skipping scheduled liferaft servicing might save a little in the short term, but it can lead to much higher costs down the line. Small issues left unchecked often turn into expensive repairs or even force you to replace the liferaft unexpectedly. Regular servicing is far more cost-effective in the long run; it extends your liferaft’s lifespan and ensures it’s reliable when you need it most, helping you avoid nasty surprises at critical moments.

Signs Your Liferaft Needs Servicing

Sign	What it Means
Cracked or faded outer casing	Damage for UV rays, salt, or long-term exposure – a sign your raft needs review
Corroded metal parts	Internal moisture or ageing can weaken essential components
Expired service sticker	Your liferaft is overdue for its scheduled professional service
Out-of-date emergency supplies	Items like flares, rations, or first aid kits may no longer be safe or legal
Visibile wear and tear	Dents, broken seals, or unusual odours from the container signal degradation
Manufacturer’s servicing schedule	Even without visibile issues, regular servicing is required to maintain compliance

Liferaft Servicing FAQs

How often do Liferafts need to be serviced?

This depends on the Liferaft manufacturer and type- See below service intervals by brand

Ocean Safety

Regatta: Service every 3 years up to 15 years; Condemn (CND) at 20 years.

Standard ORC: Service every 3 years up to 12 years, then annually; CND at 15 years.

Ocean ISO: Service every 3 years up to 18 years, then annually; CND at 20 years.

Zodiac

Service every 3 years up to 18 years, then annually; CND at 20 years (for models built after 2007).

Plastimo

Cruiser & ISO/ISAF: Service every 3 years; no maximum lifespan.

Seasafe

KHY: Service every 3 years; no maximum lifespan.

PL: Service every 3 years; no maximum lifespan (estimated at 15 years).

SOLAS: Annual service required.

Avon Ocean ISAF

Service every 3 years up to 15 years, then annually; CND at 20 years.

Lalizas

Service every 3 years up to 10 years, then annually; no maximum lifespan.

Waypoint

Service every 3 years up to 15 years, then annually.

Seago

Service every 3 years up to 12 years, then annually; CND at 15 years.

Do I need to book my Liferaft in to be serviced?

No appointment necessary- simply drop your liferaft into our showroom at:
Unit 108, Claydon Business Park, Great Blakenham, Ipswich, IP6 0NL
and our experienced team will take care of the servicing for you.

We also offer a nationwide collection and delivery service for your convenience.
Please contact us by phone or email for pricing and arrangements.

How much does it cost to get a liferaft serviced?

Servicing costs vary depending on the liferaft’s size and make. We’re happy to provide a quote, just get in touch with us.

Can you arrange collection

What is the current turnaround time for servicing?

We recommend servicing your liferaft ahead of the peak sailing season to avoid delays.

During peak season, our standard turnaround time is approximately 4–5 weeks.
Outside of peak periods, turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks.

Get in touch with the Suffolk Marine Safety team to arrange a service or inspection

Why Choose Suffolk Marine Safety?

Over 40 years of experience in marine safety

Friendly, transparent service with no hidden fees

Approved liferaft service station

Options for lifejacket service

Competitive and clear pricing

Reliable Liferaft Hire Periods to Suit Your Needs

We understand that different vessels have varying operational requirements, which is why our liferaft hire periods are adaptable. Choose from short-term or extended rental options, ensuring you always have a certified and fully serviced liferaft on board when required. Our hire service provides peace of mind, with regular maintenance included to keep your equipment in top condition.

Explore Our Marine Hire Options

Liferaft Manufacturers/Brands We Service

Manufacturer	Model/Standard
AVON	Coastline and Ocean ISO ISAF
Bombard	ISO & ISO Type 2
Lalizas	Leisure, Racing, ISO/ISAF, SOLAS
Ocean Safety	Charter II, Charter KHY, Ocean ISO, Regatta ISO, SOLAS, Standard, Ultralite
Plastimo	All Plastimo Rafts, including Coastal ISO Type 2, Cruiser, ISO/ISAF, Offshore
Waypoint	Coastal, Commercial ISO, Offshore
Zodiac	Coaster ISO, Eversafe, ISO Open Sea, Zoom
XM	We can service XM depending on raft age

Shop our range of liferaft manufacturers

Collection Locations

For added convenience, we offer designated collection points for liferaft servicing and hire across the UK. You can arrange for your liferaft or safety equipment to be picked up from a nearby partner location (such as a local marina), so you don’t have to travel far. After servicing, we’ll deliver your equipment back to you or have it ready for pick-up at the drop-off point. Our network of collection locations makes the whole process easy and hassle-free, wherever you are.

Find Your Nearest Collection & Delivery Point

Suffolk Marine Safety additionally supply a collect and delivery service to various marinas and chandlery’s.

Below is a list of services that can be accessed from these locations, use the map to the right, to find your nearest Suffolk Marine Safety Collection and Drop Off Point

Liferafts and lifejackets to be serviced or hired can be collected from and delivered to any of the BLUE collection points.
Various Delivery Charges apply*
Only collection of Lifejackets to be serviced is available from the collection points in GREY.
*Various Collection Charges Apply
Purchases*, Equipment for Servicing and Hire Items can be collected or delivered to any of the ORANGE collection points.
*Purchases excludes Pyro Purchases. Various Charges Apply.

Liferafts and lifejackets to be serviced or hired can be collected from and delivered to Kildale Marina, Hull. Various delivery charges applies.

Call us if you need advice on servicing your liferaft

Have questions or need to book a liferaft service? Our friendly, knowledgeable team at Suffolk Marine Safety is here to help. Get in touch today to discuss your liferaft servicing or marine safety equipment hire needs. We’re committed to keeping you safe on the water, and we’ll make sure you receive expert, trustworthy advice every step of the way.

( 01473 833010 or ( 023 8001 7575

We are open weekdays 8:30 – 5:30

Excluding Bank Holidays

Liferaft Servicing throughout the UK, book online today