In an emergency, life rafts can be deployed on either side and launched within a short timeframe. They are initially connected to the ship by evacuation slides through which the passengers can pass slowly and safely into the life raft without exposure to the elements.

Cosalt recently serviced the Marin Ark systems on the Baltic cruise ships 'Aida Vita' and 'Aida Aura'. Both vessels were equipped with four life rafts that could accommodate up to 430 people. In cases where there are more passengers on board, two additional life rafts, each capable of holding 109 people, are available on both ships.

The detailed inspection and servicing work was carried out at Cosalt's Hamburg branch. Initially the 6.2 ton modules were removed from the ships by crane before being inflated in the workshops, where every life raft underwent a hydrostatic test.

Six bottles, each containing 31.5 litres of carbon dioxide, are required to fill the robust slides made from special foil. Each 8.8m long by 6.8m wide by 3.1m high life rafts has enough room to accommodate 109 people comfortably over a surface area of 41m2.

Other maintenance tasks included changing the water and emergency rations, inspecting valves, and checking first aid boxes, emergency paddles and other accessories. In accordance with SOLAS regulations, maintenance of this type must be carried out yearly, while the systems must be tested in the context of a drill every six years.