Viking's Commercial-Grade Six-Person Life Raft Exemplifies Modern Lifesaving Technology

Due to the general advancement of technology in our society, boating has become a continually safer sport. Nowhere are recent advancements in marine lifesaving equipment more significantly demonstrated than in the design and construction of modern inflatable life rafts. Thus, today the safety-conscious yachtsman can be prepared to competently handle the most extreme emergency on the water, abandoning ship.

Among the most technologically sophisticated is a six-person life raft manufactured by internationally renowned Viking Life Saving Equipment, Inc. of Miami, Fla. It is one of a series of throw-overboard type life rafts ranging in capacity from four to 25 persons. Like all Viking life rafts, it meets or exceeds highly critical U.S.

Coast Guard and SOLAS 1983 Amendment III requirements for design, construction and performance.

Viking is one of the companies holding the most national authorities' approvals worldwide.

The key to Viking's traditional quality is the use of natural rubber. For example, the six-person raft's buoyancy tubes and floor are made of a nylon fabric coated on both sides with natural rubber. Natural rubber is one of the new materials capable of withstanding extremely low temperatures.

Not only does the finished material meet the highest specifications for strength, it is uniquely suitable for use in inordinately cold climates.

Natural rubber construction also allows the raft to withstand the drop in temperature caused by C02 inflation. Viking rafts can withstand many such inflations without damage to the material.

For added strength, the raft's components are glued together using state-of-the-art methods that insure unparalleled durability and long life.

Some Viking life rafts are still in service after 22 years.

A large-capacity water ballast system, when combined with big sea anchors, helps to prevent capsizing. All required emergency equipment is also standard.

Most cruise liners based in American ports make use of Viking life rafts. Viking also manufactures its own life raft containers. This allows maintaining the same quality control standards adhered to in the construction of Viking rafts.

The containers are easy to clean, are completely waterproof and designed to withstand great abuse, a key to their long life-span.

For more information and free literature from Viking, Circle 67 on Reader Service Card

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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.