Safety equipment on board is often one of those items that owners buy once – when purchasing or registering the vessel – and then do not think about again for years. The fire extinguisher is mounted in the cabin, life jackets are stored in a locker, and distress flares are pushed deep into a storage compartment. The problem is that safety equipment is not something you can simply “buy once and forget”. It has a limited service life, requires regular inspections and servicing, and its components – such as cartridges, batteries and chemicals – deteriorate over time, particularly in the humid marine environment. When you need the equipment most, it may turn out that it no longer works properly.
Fire extinguishers: service life and mandatory inspections
A fire extinguisher on board is no exception to the rules that also apply to extinguishers on land. It has a limited service life and requires regular inspections by an authorised service provider, usually once a year. Humidity, temperature fluctuations and vibrations on board can further accelerate the deterioration of seals and the extinguishing powder inside the extinguisher.
When checking a fire extinguisher, pay attention to:
- the pressure gauge – it should be in the green zone, not the red zone;
- the date of the next service inspection on the manufacturer’s label;
- the condition of the casing, hose and handle – there should be no cracks, corrosion or damage;
- how the extinguisher is secured on board so that it does not move when the vessel is pitching or rolling.
Distress flares: expiry dates and proper disposal
Distress flares and other pyrotechnic signalling devices generally have a validity period of around three years from the date of manufacture, which is printed on the packaging. After this date, the manufacturer no longer guarantees reliable operation. In an emergency, this can make the difference between being seen and remaining unnoticed.
It is equally important not to dispose of expired flares with household waste or attempt to dispose of them yourself. They are pyrotechnic products that should be handed over to an authorised collection point or a service provider that can ensure their safe disposal. When replacing old flares:
- check the date of manufacture on all signalling devices on board, including flares, smoke signals and hand flares;
- store new flares in waterproof and easily accessible packaging;
- take expired signalling devices to an authorised collection point and never burn them yourself.
Inflatable life jackets: servicing the CO₂ cylinder and automatic inflator
Inflatable life jackets are comfortable and popular, but the mechanism that makes them compact also means they require regular servicing – preferably at least once a year or after every activation. Servicing should check:
- the weight and condition of the CO₂ cylinder (an empty or corroded cylinder will not inflate the life jacket);
- the operation of the automatic inflation mechanism (hydrostatic or tablet-operated);
- the condition of the manual inflation tube and the airtightness of the bladder;
- the condition of the straps, buckles and whistle.
After every activation, the life jacket should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water, dried and reassembled with a new CO₂ cylinder. Only then is it ready for use again.
Life rafts: certification inspections
A life raft is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on larger vessels, but it is also one of the easiest for owners to forget, as it remains packed in its container or bag until the moment it is needed.
Manufacturers and maritime regulations require regular certification inspections by an authorised service provider, generally every one to three years, depending on the type of raft and the manufacturer’s instructions.
During an inspection, the service provider opens the packaging, tests the raft’s seals and inflation, checks the contents of the survival kit, including water, food and signalling devices, and replaces components that have reached their expiry date.
Without a valid certificate, a life raft is effectively little more than a heavy bag on board.
Common mistakes made by boat owners
- Expiry dates are not recorded in a calendar, so the owner simply forgets about them.
- Equipment is stored in damp, poorly ventilated lockers, which accelerates corrosion of metal components.
- Minor damage, such as cracks in a fire extinguisher hose or worn life-jacket straps, is overlooked because the equipment still appears to work.
- Servicing is booked only shortly before departure, when there is no longer enough time for a thorough inspection or for ordering replacement parts if necessary.
Why regular servicing matters
Regular inspections and servicing are not merely a formality required by regulations – they are the only way to know whether your safety equipment will actually work in a real emergency.
Many insurance companies also check the validity of safety equipment inspections and servicing following a claim. Neglecting expiry dates can therefore create a financial risk as well as a safety risk.
The advantages of an authorised service provider
An authorised marine service provider knows the exact service intervals specified by each manufacturer, uses original replacement parts such as cylinders, inflation mechanisms and extinguishing powders, and issues official confirmation that the service has been completed.
This provides greater peace of mind on every voyage and ensures that the relevant documentation is in order should you ever need it.
Trends and the future
An increasing number of safety equipment manufacturers are introducing smart labels and QR codes that can automatically notify owners through a mobile application when a service date or expiry date is approaching.
Such solutions are likely to become standard in the coming years, as they significantly reduce the risk of an owner simply forgetting to have equipment inspected.
Safety equipment should always be inspected
Safety equipment can only fulfil its purpose if it is regularly inspected, serviced and within its validity period. A few minutes spent checking the dates on your fire extinguisher, flares, life jackets and life raft can make the difference to the safety of the crew in a critical situation.
At Marina Portorož, we can help make sure you do not overlook these checks. Our specialists carry out comprehensive inspections and servicing of all safety equipment on your vessel – from fire extinguishers and signalling devices to life jackets and life rafts – and ensure that everything is serviced on time and remains within the applicable validity periods.
Book an appointment for a safety equipment inspection today at +386 5 676 12 24 or at servis@marinap.si.
