Life-raft

A survival craft designed to provide emergency flotation, shelter and support after people abandon a vessel.

Most small-vessel life-rafts are inflatable and packed in a valise or rigid container; commercial ships may carry approved inflatable or rigid types. Capacity, canopy, ballast, boarding arrangements, equipment pack, operating temperature and approval standard vary with intended service.

A life-raft should be correctly sized, secured and arranged for rapid deployment without preventing float-free operation where fitted. Its painter, hydrostatic release, service date and container require inspection, and abandoning a vessel is normally a last resort because entering the raft exposes survivors to additional hazards.