Liferaft Designs & Standards:

Aims:

  • —To understand the difference between liferafts
  • —To recognise differing liferaft designs
  • —To identify the standards
  • —To know how to choose a suitable liferaft

Liferaft Standards:

  • —ORC – Offshore racing congress
  • —ISAF – International Sailing Federation
  • —ISO 9650 – International Standards Organisation
  • —SOLAS (International Maritime Organisation)– Saving of Lives at Sea (International Maritime Safety Treaty)

When choosing a liferaft what considerations need to be made?

—Leisure?

  • Unless WL is over 45ft no specific requirement
  • WL over 45ft = SOLAS A

—Commercial?

  • Under 24m – SOLAS A, B or ISO 9650- dependant on Category
  • Over 24m – SOLAS A + 100% redundancy

—Racing?

  • ISAF (ISO 9650) regulations – dependant on Category

Other Considerations:

Cannister or Valise

  • Stowage options
  • Weight

Size: 

  • Number of people onboard
  • Weight

Boarding System

 

Stability -

  • Raft & Canopy Shape,
  • Loading,
  • Sea Anchor/s,
  • Water Ballast Bags

Material -

  • Quality
  • Break Strength
  • Joins & Stitching

Floor & Canopy -

  • Inflatable
  • Foil
  • Tested drop from height?

Optional Extras:

  • —Rainwater catchment system
  • —Lights – internal & external
  • —Observation/ventilation port
  • —Stowage – Valise or Cannister (HRU’s)
  • —Rescue support – radar reflector/reflective tape/raft colour
  • —Less more than 24hr pack option
  • —SOLAS A or B packs
  • —Grab bags