6.2.1 Onboard inspections of liferafts should
only be undertaken by qualified persons who have been adequately trained
and certificated by the liferaft manufacturer.
6.2.2 Onboard inspections of liferafts approved
for extended service intervals should include inspection and control
of the humidity around the liferaft and behind the protective barrier
and control of the gas cylinder. The certified service personnel should
have the required equipment and necessary tools to conclude the inspection.
6.2.3 Sufficient and accurate tools and measuring
equipment should be provided for the execution of the annual onboard
inspection as required by SOLAS regulation III/20.8.3.2 and should
include the following elements:
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.1 means capable of evaluating the humidity around
the liferaft and behind its protective barrier;
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.2 means capable of detecting possible leakages
of inflation gas from the gas cylinder; and
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.3 if relevant, provisions for the replacement
of expired items in the liferaft’s equipment in conjunction
with the onboard inspection.
6.2.4 If the periodic onboard inspection reveals
a loss of inflation gas, the liferaft should undergo a full service
immediately. If excess humidity is present, the liferaft should be
serviced and repacked within three months of the date of the onboard
inspection.