RFD Survival Liferaft Line Gains Davit-Launch Approval

—Literature Available RFD Ltd. of Surrey, England, has now gained U.K. Department of Transport approval for the davit-launched version of its new Surviva liferaft (shown below). The approval was granted after the raft had performed successfully in a series of strength tests carried out by DoT surveyors.

Designated Surviva DL, the new line is available in 12-, 16-, 20-, and 25-person capacities.

The principle of the davit-launch system is that the liferaft is inflated and boarded at deck level, and then lowered into the water with its full survivor complement on board. The system is particularly advantageous on vessels with high freeboard, where the alternative would be for survivors to jump into the raft from considerable heights, or to decend ladders. In either case, the possibility of a fall, which could cause injury, and of immersion in the water, with its associated risk of hypothermia, is greatly increased.

The RFD Surviva liferaft range introduced earlier this year is said to be the only liferaft specifically designed to meet the higher standards of performance and construction laid down in the 1983 SOLAS Amendments.

Built from a recently developed material that is more hard-wearing than any previously used in liferaft construction, the Surviva line incorporates a number of significant safety features.

These include newly designed water pockets and sea anchor for improved stability; a lower-profile canopy, which gives better performance in strong winds and enhances stability still further; and a new light, powered by a dry cell battery, that has greater visibility and a longer life.

The Surviva DL will be backed by RFD's strong commitment to after-sales product support.

The company has built a network of more than 230 service stations situated in major ports throughout the world. These are gearing up to meet the servicing requirements of the company's entire product line, including mandatory inspections.

For additional information and free literature on RFD liferafts, Circle 40 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 47, Nov 1984

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.