Liferaft FAQ
Your Questions Answered
What size liferaft do I need?
Your liferaft must carry everyone on board — so count your maximum crew and passengers and choose accordingly. We stock ISO recreational rafts in 4, 6, and 8 person sizes. If you’re ever unsure, call us — it’s a quick conversation and we’ll make sure you get the right size.
What's the difference between an offshore (CAT1 = >24Hr) liferaft and an inshore/coastal (<24Hr) liferaft?
What's in the CAT1 grab bag?
The grab bag that comes with our CAT1 offshore raft contains:
• First aid kit
• Second waterproof torch
• 2 thermal blankets
• 1 litre of drinking water per person
• Food rations — 500g / 10,000kJ per person
The raft itself also includes hand flares, parachute flares, paddles, bailer, whistle, repair kit, fishing kit, seasickness tablets, water rations, and more. Full pack contents available on request.
Canister or valise — which should I choose?
Both pack the same raft and the same emergency equipment. The difference is how they’re stored on board.
• Fibreglass canister: Hard protective shell, mounts on deck in a bracket. Best protection from the elements. Our most popular option — about 90% of our sales. Recommended for offshore passages.
• Valise bag: Soft carry bag, stores below deck in a locker. More flexible for boats with limited deck space. Same raft, same pack.
Both are priced the same. If you have a dedicated deck bracket, go canister. If storage is tight below decks, valise works well.
How often does my liferaft need to be serviced?
ISO recreational liferafts (the type used by most yacht owners) must be serviced every 3 years. SOLAS commercial rafts must be serviced annually. If you’re based in or visiting Fiji, local law requires all liferafts to be serviced every year regardless of type.
When should I replace my liferaft instead of servicing it?
We recommend replacing your ISO liferaft after 10 years. Here’s why: after 10 years, the mandatory service interval drops from 3-yearly to annual under maritime regulations. At that point, the ongoing cost of yearly servicing makes replacement the more economical option — and you get a brand new raft with a fresh 10-year life.
If your raft is approaching 10 years old, contact us before your next service. We can often arrange a straight swap into new stock.
Where can I get my liferaft serviced?
Liferafts South Pacific operates the largest liferaft service network in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Our service stations can service all major brands — not just HAF.
New Zealand stations: Auckland, Tauranga, Nelson. Pacific stations: Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, PNG, and Australia (Brisbane, Fremantle). We also send contractors annually to Tonga and the Cook Islands.
See our full Service Network page for contact details at each station.
Can you service my existing raft even if it's not a HAF brand?
Yes. Our service stations service most major liferaft brands including Viking, Survitec, RFD, Zodiac, and others. Contact us or your nearest service station to arrange.
Do I need a liferaft to sail to the Pacific Islands?
Yes. If you’re sailing offshore — leaving New Zealand for the Pacific Islands, Australia, or any international destination — you are required to carry a CAT1(>24Hr) offshore liferaft. This is a Maritime New Zealand requirement for vessels on international passages.
What liferaft do I need for the Pacific Islands season?
You need a CAT1 ISO offshore liferaft — the >24hr pack version with grab bag. This is our top-selling product and what the majority of yacht owners departing NZ for Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, or Tahiti carry. We stock these year-round and have service stations throughout the Pacific Islands so you can get your raft serviced wherever your voyage takes you.
Most yachts leave New Zealand for the Pacific between February and June. We recommend ordering well ahead of this window — contact us from November onwards to ensure we have your size in stock.
Can I get my liferaft serviced in Fiji / Vanuatu / Samoa / Tahiti?
Yes — this is one of LSP’s key advantages. We have authorised service stations in Fiji (Suva), Vanuatu (Port Vila), Samoa (Apia), Solomon Islands (Honiara), Tahiti (Papeete), and PNG (Rabaul). You can leave New Zealand with your raft and have it serviced in the Pacific without shipping it home.
How do I buy a liferaft from you?
Most customers contact us by phone or email. We find a quick conversation is the best way to make sure you get exactly the right raft for your boat and your voyage. Call us on +64 9 275 4680 or email mark@liferaftssouthpacific.co.nz — we’ll sort out the details and get your order processed fast.
You can also purchase directly through our website, but calling or emailing is often quicker and we can answer any questions on the spot.
Can I buy a liferaft tax-free if I'm visiting New Zealand?
Yes. If your vessel is on a Temporary Import Entry (TIE) agreement with the New Zealand government, you can purchase a liferaft GST-free. This applies to international yachts visiting New Zealand that will be departing NZ with the equipment on board. Contact us to arrange a TIE invoice.
Do you ship liferafts to the Pacific Islands?
Yes — we supply liferafts throughout the Pacific Islands. Liferafts are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods, which makes shipping complex and expensive in small quantities. As the main distribution hub for liferafts in the South Pacific, we carry significant stock in Auckland and can supply island operators, distributors, and ship owners efficiently. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
What brands do you sell?
We sell two brands of ISO recreational liferaft: HAF (our main brand, exclusive to LSP in NZ, Australia, and the Pacific Islands) and SeaAir. We also sell HAF SOLAS A & B commercial liferafts and open reversible rafts for ferries and rescue boats. For accessories — flares, EPIRBs, PLBs, lifejackets, immersion suits — we stock a range of quality brands.
Are your liferafts MNZ approved?
Yes. HAF liferafts are approved by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) and certified to ISO 9650-1 standard. Our Solas liferafts also hold DNV-GL(MED) certification. Our HAF ISO rafts are also MNZ approved for use as SOLAS B rafts on commercial vessels — meaning the same raft serves both recreational and small commercial applications.