![]() ![]() The overriding rule is to mount valise rafts in dry locations, such as a cockpit locker, while a canister can be mounted on an exposed deck. ![]() Regardless, the canisters are not perfectly waterproof and will probably have drain holes in the bottom to allow condensation and other water to escape. The canisters may be sealed between the halves, or may have a shoebox-style lid that sheds water. The other option is a canister, which will come in a plastic or fiberglass two-piece shell. While a valise-packed life raft is generally somewhat lighter and less expensive, it does not provide as much impact protection, UV protection, or water intrusion protection. A valise for the raft is made of coated fabric and fits over the raft like a tight duffle bag. There are two types of life raft containers that you can choose between. Cruising sailors may not operate under such specific rules, and therefore may be able to use an existing raft regardless of its category until the useful life of the raft has been reached and it can no longer be repacked. Coast Guard.ĭepending on the type of racing you are doing, you may have to buy or rent a raft that meets a very specific standard. Other standards include: IOS 9650, ISAF, SOLAS and U.S. Many life rafts were made to the older Offshore Racing Council or ORC standard based on a list of requirements for offshore racing found in the Offshore Racing Council requirements book, which has been replaced by the ISAF Special Regulations. There are several standards, old and new, which can define life rafts. Some oceanic races may require SOLAS approved rafts. These rafts may have a strong feature list, but it rapidly becomes a matter of how much one wants to spend and how much weight one can deal with compared to the incremental advantages. SOLAS or Coast Guard approved rafts are similar to ocean category rafts but have much more equipment and may have insulated canopies for colder climates. Capacities vary from four persons to twelve. In general, when a racing sailboat selects a raft for those races that require one, the raft will be in this category. Offshore or ocean rafts have either a single large buoyancy tube or two stacked tubes, a large self-erecting canopy frequently with two arch supports, improved ballast systems, more gear in the equipment pack, a provision for keeping a watch with the canopy closed, and an insulated floor. These can be quite small when in their containers, yet provide protection for two to six persons when inflated. In recent years, very small life rafts intended for small offshore fishing boats have been developed. In general, rescue platforms would more than likely be found in aircraft or commercial applications.Ĭoastal or near shore rafts generally have a single buoyancy tube, a manually or self-erecting canopy, modest ballast systems, frequently using “Icelandic” ballast bags, and raft essentials in the equipment pack. They have virtually no gear, and may have little if any ballast system. Rescue platforms are flat disks intended to keep survivors out of the water for short periods of time and increase their survival time by reducing hypothermia. The categories are frequently described as the following. The descriptive categories are loosely defined: one manufacturer may offer a raft in a lower category with some features from a higher category. Life rafts are classified in two ways: descriptive categories and international standards. In virtually all cases, a floating boat is a better choice than a life raft, so the decision to abandon ship must be made with great care after weighing the options. They provide a modest amount of shelter, equipment, hypothermia protection and a larger target for rescuers. Life rafts are designed to keep the crew of a vessel alive for a short period of time after the vessel becomes uninhabitable due to fire or sinking. ![]() ADD PVC TUBES FOR BUOYANCY AND STABILITY TO ALUMINUM BOAT SERIESHere’s the first part in a two part series on life rafts: Nationally known safety-at-sea expert Chuck Hawley gives us a comprehensive guide on life rafts, their equipment and care… ![]()
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