Life-Saving and Fire-Fighting Equipment on Board: What Ship Managers Should Keep in Check
Life jackets, lifebuoys, liferafts, extinguishers and gas detectors: the safety equipment every vessel relies on — and why regular inspection and resupply matter.
Safety equipment is the one category of ship stores that everyone hopes never to use — and that must always be ready. Flag states and port state control inspectors check it closely, and missing or expired items can delay a vessel.
The main groups of safety equipment
- Personal life-saving appliances — life jackets, immersion suits and lights.
- Lifebuoys and lines — with self-igniting lights and smoke signals where required.
- Liferafts and rescue boats — including their equipment packs.
- Fire-fighting equipment — portable extinguishers, fire suits, breathing apparatus and hoses.
- Gas detection — portable detectors for enclosed space entry.
- Navigation and signalling — navigation lights, pyrotechnics and searchlights.
Inspection and servicing
Most life-saving and fire-fighting equipment must be inspected and serviced at fixed intervals set by international conventions and the flag state. Liferafts, for example, are serviced at approved service stations. Keeping a clear record of expiry dates helps plan replacements before an inspection, not after.
Practical tips for ship managers
- Maintain an inventory with expiry and service dates for every item.
- Order replacements one port call ahead of the expiry date.
- Combine safety items with routine store orders to save on delivery.
- Ask for certificates and documentation with every delivery.
How Viking Group helps
We supply security and safety products — life rafts, life jackets, life buoys, breathing kits, survival equipment accessories, navigation lights, fire extinguishers, gas detectors, fire suits and diving suits — and arrange inspection of life jackets, boats, rafts and fire-fighting equipment while you are in port.
See the full list on our Ship Chandlery page.