The manufacturers of these liferafts – Nautiv Sicherheit für Wassersport GmbH and Zodiac International SA - have identified a possible defect concerning the valves on all liferafts made during this period that may lead to a complete failure of the functioning of the liferaft. 

The warning tells purchasers the matter needs urgent attention, so they must have the liferaft serviced before further use. 

An approved BFA service station will check the valves and if necessary replace them free of charge. Email addresses are provided for owners to source their nearest service station: for BFA liferafts, contact savmarineinfo@zodiac.com - for XM/BFA liferafts, contact sales@xm-yachting.co.uk XM can also be contacted by telephone at 0870 751 4666.

The notice added the rider that if the liferaft had been serviced since March 1, 2003 by an approved service station, the valves will have already been checked and the liferaft is safe.