Mustang Survival 78132 Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) for Liferafts

The Mustang Survival 78132 Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) is a critical marine safety device designed to automatically release a liferaft from its mounting bracket in the event of a vessel sinking. As an essential component of any compliant float-free arrangement, the HRU ensures the liferaft is freed and able to reach the water's surface even when manual deployment is no longer possible.

The HRU operates on hydrostatic water pressure: when submerged to a depth of approximately 1.5 to 4 meters, the unit activates and severs or releases the lashing that secures the liferaft to its cradle or deck mounting. The liferaft then floats free to the surface, where the painter line triggers automatic inflation. This entirely passive, pressure-activated mechanism requires no crew intervention—making it a vital last-resort safety measure during rapid vessel sinkage.

Key Features:

• Automatic pressure-activated release — operates without any crew intervention
• Activates at a water depth of approximately 1.5 to 4 meters (hydrostatic pressure)
• Designed for use with inflatable liferaft float-free stowage arrangements
• Compact, corrosion-resistant construction suited for harsh marine environments
• Replacement interval per manufacturer and regulatory guidelines (typically every 2 years)
• Mustang Survival brand — trusted by commercial mariners, coast guard, and recreational boaters

The Mustang Survival 78132 HRU is an important part of any vessel's life-saving appliance (LSA) system, helping meet SOLAS and USCG requirements for float-free liferaft deployment. Always inspect and replace the HRU per the schedule outlined in your vessel's safety documentation and the manufacturer's instructions.