The manufacturer has cooperated with the NMA in the investigation of liferafts with venturi valves.

The NMA imposed a requirement on the manufacturer to prove that the liferaft venturi valve was not affected by the cold and humid weather that is common in Norway.


Several liferafts have been inflated in this investigation. The tests have been conducted in cold chambers at -30 degrees Celsius. Both water and mist were added to the chamber before, and during, the inflation tests.


When mist was added, a small amount of ice accumulated on the venturi valve, but the function of the valve was not affected, and it did not have an adverse effect on the liferaft inflation.


The manufacturer has proved to the NMA that the operation of the venturi valve is not affected by the cold and humid weather that is common in Norway.


The manufacturer has agreed to monitor and continue to report to the NMA on harbour acceptance testing according to SOLAS requirements for liferafts with venturi valves, and on every deployment test and inflation on a Norwegian vessel for a period of three years.


During the investigation period the manufacturer observed that the venturi cap that is to be fitted on the venturi valve after inflation of the liferaft was subject to improvement, and they have taken appropriate action to improve the design of these caps.

The manufacturer will issue a service bulletin to ensure that the new venturi caps will be fitted on liferafts with venturi valves at the next service.