Latest Survitec liferaft proves popular

First introduced in March this year, the SurvitecZodiac product has been dubbed a practical and cost-effective means of escape for personnel on offshore vessels and platforms. Available in two sizes weighing either 84 or 63kg (Solas A or B pack), the liferaft can accommodate up to eight people and is stored in a durable GRP container.

Survitec says careful design was applied to the detail of the launching procedure to make inflation, loading and deployment of the new liferaft as quick as possible – trials have shown the raft can be made ready, boarded by eight people and lowered 36m to sea level in just four minutes.

On the water, sea anchors are automatically deployed beneath the raft to reduce drift, enhance stability and ensure that survivors stay together to increase the speed of rescue.

The new davit-launched liferaft is said to have also introduced a range of benefits for naval architects looking to optimise space on a vessel. The cylindrical container for the A Pack liferaft is 1,275mm long, while the B Pack is just 1,160mm.

In addition, convenient routine servicing is another benefit, compared to lifeboats. Liferafts can be dispatched for servicing individually or in small numbers which ensures a substantial percentage of the vessel’s escape facility remains available at all times.