Life raft secured incorrectly on cradle

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 27 March 2023
  • Generated on 2 July 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

Correct life raft securing arrangement

Incorrect connection point in  red and correct one in green

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.

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