Life Rafts 101
When, Why, and How Competent Boaters Use Them
A life raft is one of the most serious pieces of safety equipment on a boat – and also one of the most misunderstood.
Competent boaters don’t treat life rafts as an accessory or a “just in case” item. They understand when a life raft is appropriate,how it works, and what features actually matter when conditions have already gone very wrong.
This guide breaks down the essentials of life rafts in plain language – what they are, how they’re used, and how to think about choosing the right one for your type of boating.
▶️ Watch: Life Rafts Explained – Structure, Deployment, and Features
This video walks through a real life raft, explains how they deploy, and clarifies the differences between coastal and offshore life rafts – with a strong emphasis on seamanship and decision-making.
Partner Shout-Out: This video was made possible with help from our friends at LRSE. If you’re looking for a life raft, check them out at https://www.lrse.com. Good gear supports good seamanship.
The First Rule of Life Rafts: Stay With the Boat
There’s a long-standing rule at sea: Never step down into a life raft.
Meaning, don’t abandon a vessel that is still providing flotation, visibility, and survival advantages. A life raft is a last resort, used only when the boat is either sinking rapidly or on fire. Many people have been found safely inside life rafts – while their boat was still floating nearby.
Your vessel, even when damaged, is:
🗸 Easier to see
🗸 Easier to find on radar
🗸 More stable than a raft
Competence means knowing when not to deploy just as much as knowing how. Competent boaters:
- Stay with the vessel whenever possible
- Understand how their life raft deploys
- Choose features based on exposure and rescue timelines
This mindset saves lives.
Life Raft Anatomy: What Most Life Rafts Have in Common
While brands and models vary, most modern life rafts share a similar core design:
Coastal vs Offshore Life Rafts: What’s the Difference?
Life rafts aren’t one-size-fits-all – the right raft depends on where you boat and how long you may need to wait for help.
Coastal Life Rafts:
🗸 Typically single-tube platforms
🗸 May or may not have a canopy
Designed For
- Smaller vessels
- Near-shore or coastal waters
- Shorter rescue timelines
Offshore Life Rafts:
🗸 Two-tube construction for redundancy
🗸 Fully enclosed canopy
🗸 Assume rescue may take time – and are built accordingly.
Designed For
- Offshore passages
- Extended exposure
- Harsher environments
How Life Rafts Deploy: Painter Lines, Canisters, and Valises
Life rafts inflate using a CO₂ cylinder, triggered by the painter line. Canister life rafts can be deployed manually, and some are equipped to release automatically if the boat sinks.
Valise (Soft-Bag) Life Rafts:
🗸 Stored below deck or in a locker
🗸 Must be dry & accessible
Canister Life Rafts:
🗸 Stored on deck in a cradle
🗸 May include a hydrostatic release
Critical seamanship reminder
Regardless of type, accessibility matters. A life raft buried under gear is not a usable life raft.
Capsize, Stability, and Righting a Life Raft
Life rafts are designed to be stable – but capsize is still possible, especially in heavy seas.
To address this:
🗸 Ballast pockets fill with water underneath the raft
🗸 Righting straps or handles allow occupants to flip the raft upright if needed
This is another reason offshore life rafts emphasize canopies, stronger structure, and independent buoyancy chambers.
What’s Inside: Life Raft Equipment Packs
There are many equipment pack configurations – and deciding what matters most depends on where and how you boat.
Most life rafts include a basic equipment pack with items such as:
🗸 Bailers and sponges
🗸 Leak stoppers
🗸 Paddles
More advanced packs may also include:
🗸 Drinking water
🗸 Emergency food
🗸 Flares and signaling devices
Service Life, Maintenance, and Longevity
A well-built life raft can last 12–20 years, depending on:
- Manufacturer
- Materials
- Storage conditions
Most recreational life rafts require servicing every three years, though this varies by brand. Regular service ensures:
- Inflation systems work
- Seals remain intact
- Equipment packs are current
Important Note: A life raft is only reliable if it’s properly maintained.
Choosing a Life Raft: Features First, Brand Second
Different manufacturers emphasize different priorities. For example, Winslow is known for lightweight, high-end options, while brands like Viking, Revere, and Superior are often chosen for durability and long service life.
The “best” life raft is the one that:
🗸 Matches your boating environment
🗸 Is properly sized for your crew
🗸 And, most importantly, is accessible and serviced as required
Coastal vs Offshore Life Rafts – At a Glance
A Quick Decision Guide for Coastal and Offshore Boaters
A life raft is not a substitute for seamanship. It’s a contingency for when seamanship is no longer enough.
The NauticEd Perspective: Life Rafts and Competence
At NauticEd, we teach that competence is built from knowledge, practical skills, and experience – and the right equipment supports all three. Continue developing your safety and weather knowledge through NauticEd’s competence-based education – where decisions are grounded in reality, not fear or checklists. Create an account with us today and enjoy :
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