What is the service life of the 6 person coastal life raft?

• A. 10 years
• B. 20 years
• C. 15 years
• D. 25 years

Answer: (B)

The service life is the period during which a life raft is approved to remain in service before it must be replaced or re-certified. For a six‑person coastal life raft, this standard period is twenty years from the date of manufacture. Coastal rafts are built to endure near‑shore conditions for a longer span, and the twenty-year rating reflects the certification limits set by manufacturers and authorities. During that time, the raft must be maintained through regular inspections and repacking to stay safe; after twenty years, it should be replaced regardless of appearance or seemingly good condition because material and component integrity can fall outside approved limits.