Lifeboat and rescue boat readiness isn’t optional—it’s the difference between compliance on paper and real-world survival capability. Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying provides thorough lifeboat inspection services focused on condition, outfitting, launch/recovery arrangements, documentation, and practical readiness.
 

We deliver a clear inspection report with photos, deficiency notes, and a prioritized action list you can hand directly to your crew, yard, or service vendor.
 

Service Area: Chicago, Lake Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Great Lakes ports (other locations by request).
 

What We Inspect
 

Our lifeboat inspections are designed to confirm the boat, launching arrangements, and required equipment are present, serviceable, and maintained to a professional standard.
 

Inspection scope can include:
 

Lifeboat Structure and Condition: Hull, canopy, seating, buoyancy, drainage, chafe points, watertight integrity indicators

Release and Hook Arrangements: Visual condition, engagement/disengagement function checks as permitted, labeling, obvious wear/corrosion, safe stowage of controls

Davit and Launching Arrangements: Visible sheaves, falls, winch condition, limit switches where accessible, fairleads, corrosion, pins, safety guards, lubrication points

On-Load and Off-Load Components: Visual inspection for condition, security, markings, and obvious deformation

Painter and Sea Painter Setup: Correct lead, attachment integrity, stowage, and readiness
Engine and Propulsion (if fitted): Starting arrangement, fuel condition indicators, visible leaks, control function checks, battery condition indicators

Steering and Controls: Helm response, cables/links as accessible, throttle/shift function checks
Required Equipment Inventory: Food/water rations where applicable, first aid kit, signals, buoyant apparatus, sea anchor, paddles, bailer, flashlight, tools, thermal protection aids, survival gear, manuals

Markings and Placards: Capacity plate, operating instructions, warnings, retroreflective tape condition

Stowage and Securing: Gripes, lashings, cradle condition, chocking, protection from abrasion and UV exposure

Crew Readiness Factors: Practical findings that affect rapid deployment—blocked access, missing tools, poor stowage practices, unclear labeling, expired items
 

Note: Final scope varies by vessel type, equipment, access, and whether testing/drills are permitted during attendance.
 

Who This Is For
 

Passenger vessel operators and small commercial operators
Charter vessels and workboats with rescue boat requirements
Marinas, yacht clubs, and fleet managers
Owners preparing for insurance, compliance reviews, or seasonal commissioning
Shipyards and management companies needing third-party documentation

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Deliverables You Get

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Inspection Report: Photo-supported findings with a clear deficiency list
Equipment Inventory Summary: What’s aboard, what’s missing, what’s expired
Prioritized Action Plan: Safety-critical items first, then maintenance and best-practice items
Documentation Notes: What records you should maintain (service tags, expiration dates, manuals, logs)

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Why Great River & Lakes Marine Surveying

Fast scheduling and professional documentation
Practical, operator-focused reporting (not vague “looks okay” language)
Clear next steps your crew can execute
Independent third-party viewpoint that reduces risk and improves readiness

Pricing

We typically quote lifeboat inspections by vessel and scope (number of boats, access, location, and whether davit arrangements are included).
Call 1-800-921-2628 or request a quote online and we’ll respond with a fixed scope and price.

FAQs

How often should lifeboats be inspected?
Inspection frequency depends on vessel class, operating profile, and regulatory requirements. We can align scope to your operations and the standard you’re working under.

Do you perform load testing or certified servicing?
We provide inspection, documentation, and deficiency reporting. If certified service, release-gear servicing, or load testing is required, we can coordinate findings so your service vendor can execute efficiently.

Can you inspect both lifeboats and rescue boats?
Yes. We inspect lifeboats, rescue boats, and associated launching arrangements as accessible.

Do you travel outside Chicago?
Yes. We cover Great Lakes ports and travel by request.

What do you need from us before the inspection?
Boat make/model (if known), number of boats, vessel location, access plan, and any available equipment lists or service records.

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