Livflåter

Liferafts, or livflåter, are self-inflating life-saving appliances used to preserve life at sea when abandoning ship becomes necessary. They are commonly inflatable, sometimes with rigid floors, and are designed to accommodate from a few to many people. They are deployed by hydrostatic release mechanisms or manual throw; once in the water they inflate, deploy a sea anchor, and allow occupants to board using a ramp or ladders.

Liferafts carry survival equipment including thermal insulation, potable water, rations, first aid supplies, signaling devices, and rescue lights. Some models include a canopy and reflective panels to improve visibility. Many liferafts also have locator beacons or emergency position-indicating beacons (EPIRBs) and additional signaling flares.

Regulatory framework: Under SOLAS standards, liferafts aboard ships must be maintained and serviced regularly by approved stations, repacked after use or at specified intervals, and clearly marked with capacity and safety information. They are designed to remain afloat in a range of sea conditions and are constructed to resist saltwater damage and exposure. Optional hydrostatic release units allow automatic deployment if the vessel sinks rapidly.

In use: In an emergency, crew deploys the liferaft from its canister, either automatically via the HRU or manually. In the water, survivors enter the raft using the entry ramp or ladder, seal the canopy, and follow standard boarding procedures while signaling for rescue.

History: Liferafts became widely adopted in the 20th century as a complement to lifeboats, improving survivability in maritime emergencies.

Limitations: Liferafts depend on rescue services for retrieval; device failure, weather, or improper packing can hinder effectiveness. Regular training and maintenance are essential.