Where to get liferaft inspected, how much?

[Bene505]

It's time for my liferaft's periodic inspection. Does anyone know of a good place to have this done in the Long Island area? This is one of those things where I'd rather get a referral than choose a place out of the phone book, so to speak. (I searched on sailnet and didn't find anything on this topic.)

Also, any idea how much it will cost approximately? It's a 6-man life raft in a hard canister that sits on the deck just behind the mast. I haven't written down the manufacturer's name, but I did unsnap it to see how heavy it is. It must weigh 70 or 80 pounds.

[bubb2]

I used these people. They are slow but about the only one I know of in our area that can re-certify a life raft.

Life Raft and Survival Equipment

[sailingdog]

I'd second LRSE for the recert.

[erps]

Just curious. Who is it that requires the recertification? Insurance company, race committee, C.G.?

[Bene505]

Originally Posted by erps

Just curious. Who is it that requires the recertification? Insurance company, race committee, C.G.?

Not sure. I saw a date on it and it is past. So I figured that like fire extinguishers and other things, I needed it looked at. That, and I really want it to work when I need it.

Plus I don't know ANYTHING about it other than you pull on a cord after affixing it to a cleat. (There's a great thread here on Sailnet that described it to an author. Search on "liferaft inspection".) I'd like to be there when they open it up to inspect it, or whatever they do, to 1) know how it works, 2) get a better sense of how it works and 3) know what to expect when operating it. Maybe I'll even add a pack of waterproof playing cards to the contents.

[bubb2]

Originally Posted by erps

Just curious. Who is it that requires the recertification? Insurance company, race committee, C.G.?

USCG, there is a label on life rafts of date of manufacture and what year they need to re-certified. When they are re certified you get a new label attached to the life raft showing it's compliance. This being said it only applies to commercial vessels. However it is a very good idea for recreational boats also, look at like preventive maintenance.

[CalebD]

Ray,
I would think all 3 would require the life raft to be re-certified. It is more than likely that this item made Bene505's insurance survey 'to-do' list. If Bene505 decides to do the Around LI Regatta (ALIR) then the RC will require it. If he is ever boarded/inspected by the CG they will be interested in this as well. I am not sure if the CG will fine you or just give you some time to remedy the situation as I have never been boarded.
I am also curious.

[erps]

Well, I can't quite tell without further research, but it looks like if you carry a piece of safety equipment on your boat, whether it's required or not, the C.G. has guidelines on how it is to be maintained.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_20...6cfr28.140.pdf

[bubb2]

erps, the cfr is for Commercial vessels. There is no USCG requirement for life rafts, EPIRB, Radar, Gumby suits, on recreational boats.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_20...6cfr28.120.pdf

[JimHawkins]

Originally Posted by Bene505

Maybe I'll even add a pack of waterproof playing cards to the contents.

After being trapped at a ski area for 3 days by an avalanche I added a survival pack to my car, including some reading material. The howling winds and hungry wolves of the Russian steppe in Pasternak's Dr Zhivago seemed to match the ambiance I'd expect waiting for rescue on a lonely highway. So for a liferaft, perhaps you'd want to add a copy of Bligh's journal. Anyone have another recommendation?