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Switlik liferafts: identification and service guide

A practical guide to Switlik raft model and serial identification, product-specific service intervals and the information to send before workshop intake.

Switlik liferafts include product families with different intended uses and maintenance documents. A compressed-air raft built for a yacht, aviation application, man-overboard role or search-and-rescue operation cannot be accepted or scheduled from the brand name alone. The complete part number and serial number are the starting point.

The Safety Pelican services Switlik equipment within its current authorised scope in Sint Maarten. Confirmation happens before intake so the team can check the exact product, technical data, parts position and requested timeline rather than discovering a mismatch after the vessel has removed the unit.

Sources checked August 2, 2026

Record the complete part number, not a guessed family name.

Photograph the packed raft, its label and any adjacent installation or service label in natural light. Capture the full part number, serial number, capacity, approval or TSO information, manufacture date and previous service date where shown. Switlik specifically directs owners with interval questions to provide the complete raft part number and serial number, which is a useful indication of how product-specific the answer is.

Include the packing form and installation: valise, hard container, aviation installation, deck stowage or other arrangement. Do not open or partially deploy the raft to improve identification. If the external marking is damaged, send every legible fragment plus the previous service record so the station can seek manufacturer confirmation.

  • Complete part number
  • Serial number
  • Capacity and approval marking
  • Packing and installation form
  • Previous service record

Treat the recommended interval as a product-specific fact.

Switlik's current FAQ says its newer compressed-air CPR, OPR, relevant FAA TSO variants, MRP-10 and SAR-6 rafts are sold with a five-year recommended service interval. That statement does not make five years a universal interval for every older Switlik raft, every installation or every governing authority. The part number, product manual, service history and applicable requirement remain decisive.

An interval is also not permission to ignore the packed unit between services. Inspect the exterior and installation at the vessel's normal checks: accessibility, securing, physical damage, contamination and legibility. Any impact, accidental operation, evidence of water ingress or uncertainty about the seal should be referred for assessment without waiting for the calendar date.

  • Model-specific recommendation
  • Authority or operator requirement
  • Exterior condition between services
  • Installation and access
  • Early assessment after damage or interference

Match the raft to the correct maintenance manual and station scope.

Switlik publishes an index of component maintenance manuals because service data follows the article and configuration. The station must identify the applicable instructions before work starts and confirm that the current authorisation, tooling and parts support cover the unit. Similar branding does not make a raft, flotation device and man-overboard module the same service job.

When the station accepts a raft, the service record should remain traceable to its serial number and the work performed. Ask what documents will be returned and whether any manufacturer consultation, replacement part or limitation could affect timing. For aviation or commercially regulated equipment, include the operator's required release or record format at the beginning of the conversation.

  • Applicable maintenance manual
  • Station authorisation by product
  • Required tools and parts
  • Operator record requirement
  • Serial-specific release documents

Send a complete pre-arrival package.

Provide the vessel or aircraft context, operating authority, exact location, required return date and clear photographs before arranging delivery. Add the previous certificate, known deployment history and any discrepancy between the installed unit and inventory. If the raft is part of a larger emergency plan, state whether temporary cover or coordination with other equipment is needed while it is ashore.

At return, compare the part number and serial number on the documentation to the unit, check the new service information and inspect the packed condition before installation. Store the record where the next responsible person can find it. A good service handover preserves product identity from vessel to workshop and back again.

  • Operating context
  • Label and installation photographs
  • Previous certificate
  • Known damage or deployment
  • Required return date

Official sources

Check the current authority text.

Requirements can change and may depend on the vessel, flag, class and operation. Use these links to verify the current source.

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