Livflottar

Livflottar are inflatable life rafts designed to keep people afloat and provide shelter during abandoning ship situations at sea. They are a core part of maritime lifesaving equipment and are regulated under international standards such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea).

Most livflottar are self-inflating and self-righting, with a protective canopy, multiple air compartments, and a sea anchor for stability. They come in a range of capacities, from small rafts for a few occupants to larger systems that can accommodate many people. Some ships carry several liferafts to ensure coverage for all passengers and crew. Deployment can be automatic through hydrostatic release units or manual by crew members.

Deployment and use involve releasing the raft from its stowage, allowing it to inflate on contact with water, and then boarding through the entry. Once aboard, passengers use the painter line to secure the raft to the vessel and access the survival kit inside. Standard equipment typically includes drinking water, rations, a signaling device such as a whistle and dye marker, basic first aid items, a repair kit, and sometimes a beacon or emergency signaling device for rescue.

Standards and maintenance: Liferafts are required on most passenger ships and many cargo vessels under SOLAS, with additional performance standards provided by ISO 9650. Liferafts require regular servicing, inflation checks, and repacking at approved service stations, as well as periodic crew training on launching, boarding, and survival procedures. After any use, they must be inspected, serviced, and replenished to ensure readiness for future emergencies.

In Swedish usage, livflottar denotes life rafts and is part of maritime safety terminology used on ships, offshore installations, and rescue operations.