B747-400
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; MEL; Procedure; Staffing
The aircraft Boeing 747-400 Freighter; Aircraft X; is equipped with two life rafts. I noticed that one life raft was missing and informed the Captain who contacted the Maintenance Department. In addition the aircraft logbook was showing the following MEL XX / FLOTATION EQUIPMENT (Crew and Passenger) (Life Vests) removed one raft for use on Aircraft Y; expires: Date. After we received confirmation from the Maintenance Department; that it is legal to operate the aircraft with just a single life raft; we conducted the flight from to ZZZ to ZZZZ crossing the Pacific. Meanwhile and after reviewing all applicable regulations; I found out; that this was in violation of 14 CFR 121.339(a)(2); which requires; that there are enough life rafts to accommodate all occupants of the airplane in the event of a loss of one raft of the largest capacity. The Maintenance Department further confirmed; that the second life raft was removed at the maintenance station; because it was needed on another aircraft. Furthermore the MEL is incorrect and about operating the aircraft without the required number of life vests; but not about the required number of life rafts. I also contacted the Director of Operations by email and informed him about the violation.
Relief Pilot reported that one life raft was removed for use on another aircraft and an MEL was applied that violated the FARs.