New Life Float Apparatus must comply and “ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water” and “non-rigid” as shown (Zodiac SOLAS above, Viking SOLAS top)
Phase-Out of Life Floats and Rigid Buoyant Apparatus
On July 1, 2015 the USCG notified manufacturers of Life Floats and Rigid Buoyant Apparatuses that their products would no longer be approved for carriage effective February 26, 2016.
To support our clients with this requirement, Burner Fire Control has put together a dedicated team within its Offshore Safety Division to aid in equipment procurement, deployment, service, and maintenance. Leveraging Burner Fire Control’s current capabilities as an approved service supplier with DNV and ABS to perform Surveys, Inspections and Maintenance Services Offshore in fire and safety, the company will provide unmatched service in this area.
The USCG Life Float Phase Out referencing letter from USCG cites RIN 1625-AC19 stating:
“The Coast Guard is proposing to implement 46 USC 3104 which prohibits the approval of survival craft unless that craft “ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water” and allows craft currently in service that do not meet this standard to remain in service as approved survival craft only until 26 February 2016. This rulemaking is necessary in order to amend the CFR for the replacement of existing survival craft that do not meet the statutory requirements in 46 USC 3104.”
Full contents of official ‘USCG Life Float Phase Out’ letter located here
For compliance, Regulated vessels are required to upgrade to Inflatable Buoyant Apparatuses.
Burner Fire Control is an approved supplier, repair, and service provider for the following compliant “Throw Over” raft packages:
- Zodiac SOLAS A-Pack USCG
- Zodiac SOLAS B-Pack USCG
- Ocean Master SOLAS A-Pack USCG
- Viking SOLAS A-Pack USCG
- Viking SOLAS A-Pack USCG
Please contact us for ordering, installation, and service information.