Life raft secured incorrectly on cradle
- Safety Flash
- Published on 27 March 2023
- Generated on 20 October 2025
- IMCA SF 08/23
- 1 minute read
During an onshore visit to a vessel, a life raft was observed to be attached/connected incorrectly to the life raft cradle.
What happened?
The life raft painter rope was connected to the cradle instead of to the weak link on the Hydrostatic Release Unit.
Correct life raft securing arrangement
Incorrect connection point in red; correct connection in green
What went wrong?
It was installed incorrectly and there was no post-installation check carried out.
What inspection there had been, had been a visual check of condition with no check of whether the life raft was or was not correctly installed and secured.
Actions taken
Post-installation checks and life-raft weekly inspections added to planned maintenance system.
Related safety flashes
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IMCA SF 11/21
16 April 2021
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IMCA SF 16/19
5 July 2019
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IMCA SF 21/18
17 September 2018
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