The life raft is inflated with normal compressed air to check for leaks. Fluctuations in room temperature affect the pressure of the life rafts. In the end, it is checked whether the values are within the tolerance range.

If we detect any leaks, we repair them to restore the functionality of the life raft. After the service life of a life raft has ended, we naturally also take care of the replacement. Of course, you can order a new Winslow life raft from us at any time.

If the ripcord is pulled in an emergency, the cylinder of the gas bottle is activated, inflating the life raft with a CO2/N2 gas mixture. During the hydrostatic test, the gas bottle is inspected. These tests are mandatory in aviation for all gas bottles on board, such as those for oxygen or halon.

We inform our customers about current service bulletins from the manufacturers so that they can be taken into account during the next maintenance.

Function test and battery inspection

Depending on the certification region of the business jet, the required equipment of the SEP kit varies. The individual components of the SEP kit are checked for functionality and expiration dates and are replaced if necessary, including battery replacements. The SEP kit includes the following components: medications, food rations, water maker, flashlights + spare batteries, aerial flare, laser flare, air pump, first aid kit, whistle, repair kit, compass, knife, bucket, fishing kit.

After the overhaul, these components are grouped into logical categories and vacuum-sealed separately before being stored in the SEP kit. Food rations are provided according to country-specific regulations and are tested for expiration and functionality, just like flashlights and batteries. Additionally, the aerial flare (signal rocket) and the laser flare are inspected, ensuring their functionality until the next maintenance cycle. The laser flare is another example of Winslow’s innovation. As early as 2015, Winslow became the first manufacturer to equip its life rafts with laser flares as standard. The laser flare functions as a type of laser flashlight that creates a fan-shaped beam, making it easier to be seen at sea.

The water maker converts seawater into drinking water using reverse osmosis. During the overhaul, the produced drinking water is tested with a measuring device for electrical conductivity to ensure that the particle density (ppm = parts per million) does not exceed permissible limits, guaranteeing drinking water quality.

The fully sealable canopy and its zippers are inspected. The lights attached to the canopy, which are activated by water, are tested, as well as the light- and radar-reflective stickers on the life raft roof. These radar reflectors enhance the reflection of ship radar signals, making the life raft appear larger on radar screens than it actually is, significantly improving its visibility and detectability.

The automatically deploying sea anchor stabilizes the up-and-down movement of the life raft on waves. The ballast bags attached underneath the raft automatically fill with water, ensuring stability even in rough seas and preventing capsizing. These components are checked for potential defects. The air pump is inspected for airtightness, as it is used to inflate the life raft floor, while the rest of the raft, including the canopy, is inflated using the gas cylinder. The first aid kit, along with its standard components and medications, is checked for expiration and replaced if necessary.

The SEP kit also contains a repair kit for emergency patching of the life raft, as well as a compass and a whistle. The standard equipment of the SEP kit varies depending on the registration location of the business jet, which also affects the overhaul requirements.