In the situation of marine emergencies, using appropriate types of life rafts can rescue people’s lives. Whether on commercial boats, yachts, or recreational boats, only if making sure that the maintenance of lifeboats is well and the equipment is enough, It will significantly increase the chances for you to be survived on the seas.
What Are The 3 Types Of Life Rafts?
In maritime safety field, the usage of life raft for boats is crucial to protect people’s lives in marine emergencies. Among all kinds of life raft for boats, these three types are the most important ones to protect the safety. They are Commercial ones, Yachting ones, and Recreational ones (Offshore & Coastal).
Commercial life rafts: These are designed for use on commercial vessels like cargo ships, oil tankers, and passenger ferries. Commercial life saving raft are built to accommodate larger groups of people and are equipped with features to sustain occupants for extended periods until rescue.
Yachting life rafts: Tailored for recreational boating, yachting life saving rafts are commonly found on private yachts and sailboats. They are more compact and lightweight than commercial marine life raft, making them easier to store on smaller vessels. Yachting life rafts for boats are designed for quick deployment and are equipped with essential supplies for occupants until help arrives.
Recreational life rafts (Offshore & Coastal): Recreational life saving rafts come in two main categories – offshore and coastal. Offshore lifeboats are designed for deep waters and can withstand rough sea conditions for an extended period. They often have additional features like insulated floors and canopies. Coastal life rafts for boats, on the other hand, are meant for nearshore use in calmer waters with quicker access to rescue services.
Understanding USCG Approved Commercial life rafts
Commercial marine life rafts, certified under the regulations of bodies like the USCG or SOLAS, are a crucial component of safety equipment on commercial vessels. Compliance with these standards is essential for certain types of vessels such as commercial fishing vessels or large passenger carriers. The decision on whether a commercial life raft is necessary and the specific type required involves various considerations, a topic we will delve into in a separate discussion.
When purchasing a new USCG approved commercial life raft, it typically comes with a two-year inspection sticker indicating the initial packing date at the manufacturer. Subsequently, these rafts must undergo annual inspections once the initial two-year period elapses. Given the high maintenance requirements and costs associated with commercial ones, it is imperative to prioritize regular servicing, considering the significant liabilities involved in operating commercial vessels.
Types of USCG Approved Commercial life rafts
USCG/SOLAS ‘A’: These rafts are fully equipped with essential supplies like food and water rations, SOLAS grade flares, a first aid kit, and more. Featuring an insulated floor to combat hypothermia, they are sanctioned for vessels journeying unlimited distances from shore. The ‘A’ designation signifies the level of equipment packed within the raft.
USCG/SOLAS ‘B’: Similar to ‘A’ rafts but without food and water rations and half the flares. This omission results in weight savings and reduced servicing costs over time. Typically approved for voyages up to 50 miles offshore in cold waters.
USCG Coastal: These rafts, resembling SOLAS models but lacking an insulated floor, contain smaller equipment packs without rations, thermal aids, fishing gear, or flares. Typically sanctioned for journeys up to 20 miles from shore in colder waters.
USCG Approved IBA: Known as Inflatable Buoyant Apparatus, these rafts are the most basic commercial variants lacking canopies or insulated floors. Suited for vessels operating closer to shore, usually within 12 miles in cold waters, they mirror the equipment pack of a coastal raft.
ISO Approved Yachting life rafts Overview
While not sanctioned for use on commercial vessels in the U.S., ISO-approved life rafts hold significant importance in various contexts. Events such as sailboat races often necessitate participants to have an ISO-approved life raft on board.
Modern ISO rafts are commonly vacuum-packed inside the container, extending the service interval to once every three years, although specific situations or events may demand a more frequent inspection cycle.
ISO Approval Categories
ISO 9650-1: These rafts, intended for offshore use, come in sizes ranging from 4 to 12 person capacity. They are designed for extended voyages where adverse weather conditions like high winds and significant waves may be encountered, excluding extreme events such as hurricanes. These rafts are expected to be fully self-sufficient to handle serious emergencies without external assistance.
ISO 9650-2: Referred to as coastal rafts, these rafts are available in sizes from 4 to 10 person capacity. Designed for voyages in moderate conditions, including coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes, and rivers, they are characterized by a high level of self-sufficiency.
Equipment Pack Options
>24hr (Greater Than 24 Hour): Suited for voyages where rescue may not be imminent within one day, ideal for offshore trips in challenging conditions.
<24hr (Less Than 24 Hour): Designed for offshore trips close enough to civilization for potential rescue within 24 hours.
Coastal: Corresponding to the 9650-2 rafts, these packs contain minimal gear, suitable for travels near the shore within reach of assistance.
