liferaft

A liferaft is an emergency flotation device designed to preserve life after abandoning ship or aircraft in open water.

Modern liferafts are usually inflatable and self-righting, with a separate floor and canopy to protect occupants from the elements.

They are buoyant envelopes formed by tubes around a floor, with a canopy, sea anchor, and a manual or automatic inflation system; optional hydrostatic release mechanisms enable automatic deployment when submerged; survival gear is stored in accompanying packs.

The common type is inflatable; free-fall liferafts are deployed from a container on ships or aircraft, while davit-launched models are released by crane.

On SOLAS-regulated vessels, liferafts must meet minimum capacity, equipment, and labeling requirements, and be serviced or repacked at approved stations at regular intervals.

Crew members are trained in abandonment procedures, boarding, signaling, and routine maintenance, including periodic inspections and replacement of expired items in the survival kit.