ISO 18079-2:2018

Overview - ISO 18079-2:2018 (Servicing of inflatable life rafts)

ISO 18079-2:2018 specifies requirements for servicing stations that inspect and maintain inflatable life rafts referenced by SOLAS III/20.8. Intended to be used alongside ISO 18079-1 and IMO Assembly resolution A.761(18), the standard gives procedural and documentation provisions for both SOLAS and non‑SOLAS inflatable life rafts. It focuses on inspection, test procedures, record keeping and criteria for condemnation to ensure life‑saving appliances remain safe and serviceable.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Servicing scope and reference documents: Works in conjunction with ISO 18079‑1 and relevant IMO resolutions (A.761(18), MSC.55(66), MSC.388(94)).
• Initial visual inspection: Pre‑test checks of container/valise, seals, labels, interior condition and folded raft per manufacturer’s servicing manual.
• Test procedures:
  • Gas Inflation (GI) test: Conducted at five‑year intervals. After inflation and stabilization, perform a 1‑hour pressure‑holding test; pressure drop must not exceed 5% of working pressure. Relief valves inspected for effectiveness.
  • Necessary Additional Pressure (NAP) test: Required yearly after the raft’s tenth service year (unless earlier servicing needed). Inflate to working pressure, block relief valves per manufacturer, then pressurize to the lesser of 2× working pressure or a pressure imposing at least 20% of minimum tensile load. Manufacturers provide NAP tables and calculation formulae.
  • Working Pressure (WP) test: Performed when GI/NAP are not required; includes 1‑hour pressure‑holding with ≤5% pressure loss.
  • Other tests: Floor inspection, floor seam (FS) test, gas cylinder leak testing (annexed procedures), davit‑launch overload checks and gas inflation system inspections.
• Documentation and records: Detailed service records, test data, deficiency records, and formal condemnation documentation where applicable. Annexes include a test schedule, FS test support guidelines, CO cylinder leak test procedure, and a condemnation form.

Applications - who uses ISO 18079-2

• Servicing stations seeking certification or demonstrating compliance with SOLAS servicing obligations
• Shipowners and managers responsible for annual life raft servicing and statutory compliance
• Manufacturers and OEM service technicians using the standard to develop servicing manuals and test tables
• Flag State authorities, classification societies and port/state control inspectors verifying safe condition of inflatable life‑saving appliances

Related standards

• ISO 18079-1:2018 - General provisions for servicing inflatable life‑saving appliances
• ISO 18079-4:2018 - Related guidance for marine evacuation systems (referenced for certain GI test equivalence)
• IMO Assembly resolution A.761(18) and subsequent MSC amendments

Keywords: ISO 18079-2, inflatable life rafts servicing, SOLAS III/20.8, gas inflation test, NAP test, working pressure test, servicing stations, life‑saving appliances.