When you're stranded out at sea, the only thing that could save you is a life raft.
But do life rafts expire?
If so, how often should they be replaced? The answer isn't as simple as it should seem.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not a life raft needs to be retired and replaced with a new one.
Understanding what goes into replacing life rafts is important to keeping safe on any kind of voyage. 
The Importance of Life Rafts
Life rafts are a key component of marine safety. They are designed to provide a secure and stable platform for individuals who must abandon ship during an emergency.
These inflatable vessels are meticulously engineered to withstand harsh ocean conditions, including strong winds and waves.
Life rafts play an essential role in increasing one's chances of rescue and reducing the risks associated with being stranded in open water.
When only seconds count, life rafts serve as a vital lifeline for the following:
- Passengers
- Sailors
- Offshore workers
- And others!
So, the question of, do life rafts expire? It is always in the back of everyone's minds.
The Lifespan of Life Rafts
Life rafts are essential safety equipment designed to offer a reliable means of escape in emergency situations at sea.
Typically asking, do life rafts expire? will help alert you to whether or not yours should be replaced
Many of these rafts are manufactured to last several years, with their durability mainly depending on the following:
- Quality of materials used
- Frequency of use
- Maintenance of the raft
Most life rafts come with an expected expiration date of around ten to 15 years.
After that, they should be replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.
It's important to remember that the lifespan of a life raft can be significantly affected by how well it is cared for and maintained.
Through regular inspections, servicing, and proper storage, your life raft will last a lot longer and ensure better safety. 
Checking the Condition of a Life Raft
When assessing a life raft's condition, it is crucial to carefully examine several critical aspects to ensure optimal functionality.
Inspect the exterior of your life raft for the following:
- Leaks
- Wear and tear
- Abrasions
Check the inflation mechanism to establish that it is in proper working order. Please take note of any expiration dates for parts or the life raft itself.
If your life raft is in need of replacement, check out AVI Liferaft Store. We carry everything from life rafts, rentals, safety gear, and more!
Whenever someone asks you, do life rafts expire? Send them our way and become educated on the quality of our products.
How to Maintain a Life Raft
The importance of maintaining a life raft cannot be overstated.
Proper maintenance significantly contributes to the overall safety and effectiveness of a life-saving tool during emergencies.
To ensure that your life raft remains in optimal working order for an extended time, routinely inspect and service it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Typically this entails periodically checking for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage, as well as verifying all operational components.
A life raft should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which may deteriorate the raft's material.
Sticking to these fundamental maintenance practices will prevent you from constantly having to ask yourself, do life rafts expire?
Safety Protocols for Life Rafts
Before setting out to sea, safety is of the utmost importance.
Understanding the necessary safety protocols to properly use a life raft is a critical part of emergency preparedness.
Prior to embarking, individuals should familiarize themselves with the following:
- Location
- Type of operation
- Deployment procedures of the available life raft on hand
Inspection of the life raft should take place before every journey as this ensures that it is in good condition and that all essential equipment and gear are safely stored inside.
Proper training in life raft safety is important for both the captain and crew. Educating oneself on these critical safety protocols will best equip mariners to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies.
So, do life rafts expire?
After reading this, you should have better knowledge of whether or not yours needs to be replaced and how to maintain it for preservation.
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