A liferaft is an inflatable survival craft, stowed compactly in a hard canister or valise until deployed, at which point it automatically inflates and is ready for occupants.
Liferaft vs Lifeboat
- Liferaft — inflatable, compact stowage, automatic inflation on deployment, simpler and lighter, but generally less structurally robust and with fewer onboard capabilities (no engine) than a lifeboat
- Lifeboat — rigid, davit-launched or free-fall, carries its own engine and more extensive supplies, but requires more stowage space and more complex launching machinery
Vessel type and SOLAS requirements determine the specific mix of lifeboats and liferafts a ship must carry.
Deployment
Liferafts are typically thrown or lowered into the water, where a painter line triggers automatic inflation via a gas cylinder. Many are also fitted with a hydrostatic release unit, allowing automatic float-free deployment if the vessel sinks before the raft can be manually launched.
What’s Inside
Standard liferaft equipment packs include emergency rations, water, signaling devices (flares, SART if equipped), first aid supplies, and basic survival equipment, sized appropriately to the raft’s rated capacity.
Servicing Requirements
Liferafts require regular servicing at approved shore stations (typically annually) — inflation testing, equipment pack inspection and replacement of expired items, and repacking — a mandatory maintenance requirement, not optional.
Exam Relevance
Liferaft deployment, equipment, and servicing requirements are core Safety topics in deck and engine officer competency exams.