LIFEBOAT RATIONS & EMERGENCY DRINKING WATER: STAYING PREPARED FOR SAFETY COMPLIANCE

Introduction
Lifeboat rations and emergency drinking water are critical survival provisions carried onboard every vessel as part of mandatory safety equipment. In emergency abandonment situations, these supplies help sustain crew and passengers until rescue operations are completed. Strict maritime regulations govern their quantity, packaging, storage, and shelf life to ensure readiness at all times.

Solanki Ship Care supports vessels across Indian ports by supplying certified and compliant lifeboat rations and emergency drinking water that meet international safety standards. With inspection-focused planning and reliable logistics, we help ship owners maintain full safety compliance and avoid costly deficiencies.

1. MANDATORY LIFEBOAT RATION REQUIREMENTS
Compliance with International Maritime Regulations

Under the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and SOLAS guidelines, every lifeboat and liferaft must carry approved food rations and potable water sufficient for the number of persons it is certified to carry.

Key mandatory requirements include:

• Minimum caloric value per person as specified under SOLAS
• Approved emergency drinking water pouches or sealed containers
• Individually packed, ready-to-eat survival rations
• Non-thirst-provoking food composition
• Clearly marked manufacturing and expiry dates
• Tamper-proof, moisture-resistant packaging

Emergency rations must be compact, lightweight, and capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations. Compliance is verified during safety inspections, flag state checks, and port state control examinations.

2. STORAGE CONDITIONS AND SHELF LIFE
Maintaining Integrity in Marine Environments

Lifeboat rations and emergency drinking water are stored inside lifeboats or survival crafts, often exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Proper storage is essential to preserve quality and safety.

Important storage considerations:

• Temperature-resistant packaging (typically -30°C to +65°C tolerance)
• Airtight and waterproof sealing
• Protection from direct sunlight
• Secure placement to prevent physical damage
• Regular monitoring of expiry dates

Most approved lifeboat rations have a shelf life of up to 5 years, while emergency drinking water typically ranges from 3 to 5 years depending on manufacturer certification. Failure to monitor shelf life can result in inspection remarks or detention.

3. INSPECTION PREPAREDNESS
Avoiding Deficiencies During PSC and Flag Inspections

Port State Control (PSC) inspections frequently examine survival craft provisions. Expired rations or insufficient water quantities are common deficiencies recorded during vessel inspections.

To remain inspection-ready:

• Conduct routine monthly safety equipment checks
• Maintain updated inventory lists for lifeboats
• Verify manufacturing and expiry dates
• Keep supplier certificates onboard
• Replace expiring provisions in advance

Proper documentation and proactive replacement planning significantly reduce the risk of detention or non-compliance observations.

4. AVOIDING EXPIRY-RELATED DEFICIENCIES
Proactive Safety Management

Expiry-related deficiencies can disrupt vessel schedules and result in financial penalties. Since lifeboat provisions are often overlooked until inspection time, a structured monitoring system is essential.

Best practices include:

• Maintaining a dedicated safety equipment register
• Scheduling replacement 3–6 months before expiry
• Coordinating supply during port calls
• Ordering certified provisions only
• Verifying compliance labels and approvals

A preventive approach ensures vessels remain continuously compliant with SOLAS survival equipment regulations.

5. HOW SOLANKI SHIP CARE SUPPLIES COMPLIANT EMERGENCY PROVISIONS
Reliable Survival Supply Solutions Across Indian Ports

Solanki Ship Care provides certified lifeboat rations and emergency drinking water to vessels calling at major and minor Indian ports. Our team understands the urgency and regulatory importance of survival equipment compliance.

Our service strengths include:

• Supply of SOLAS-approved lifeboat rations
• Certified emergency drinking water pouches
• Long shelf-life provisions from approved manufacturers
• Immediate replacement for expiring stock
• Anchorage and berth delivery coordination
• Complete documentation and certification support
• Timely supply aligned with vessel schedules

With strong coordination, quality verification, and inspection-focused planning, Solanki Ship Care ensures vessels remain fully prepared for emergency situations and regulatory checks.

Conclusion
Ensuring Safety Readiness Through Compliant Lifeboat Provisions

Lifeboat rations and emergency drinking water are more than regulatory requirements  they are life-saving essentials. Proper storage, shelf-life monitoring, and timely replacement are crucial for maintaining vessel safety compliance.

Through certified products, proactive supply planning, and efficient port delivery services, Solanki Ship Care continues to support vessels with dependable emergency provision solutions across Indian ports.

With a commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence, we remain dedicated to strengthening maritime preparedness and protecting lives at sea.