Knowing how to safely launch and survive in a liferaft is essential for any sailor. Whether due to a sinking vessel, fire, or another emergency, understanding proper procedures can save lives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to liferaft use and survival.

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⚑ 1. Understand It’s a Last Resort

Leaving your vessel to get into a liferaft is generally the last option—usually, you “step up” into the raft as your boat sinks beneath you. Exceptions are emergencies like fire or if you must transfer to the liferaft for safety.

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🏉 2. Be Prepared for the Weight

Liferafts, especially ones for six people, are heavy and bulky. Handling and launching one often requires two or three people, especially in rough seas.

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🛠 3. Secure the Liferaft to Your Boat

Before launching, ensure the liferaft is firmly attached (usually to a cleat) so it doesn’t drift away or sink after inflation.

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🚀 4. Inflation Process

Liferafts come packed in a fibreglass or fabric (valise) case. Inflation happens automatically when you pull the painter line tight, triggering a gas cartridge that inflates the raft.

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📤 5. Prepare an Emergency Grab Bag

Before evacuation, gather essential survival items such as:

• Drinking water and food (tinned with a tin opener)

• Extra clothing and cushions (for insulation)

• Personal items (passports, logbook, wallets, phones)

• VHF radio, charts, flares

• Sea sickness tablets and medication

• Navigation tools (handheld GPS, sextant)

• Other useful gear (dinghy, paddles, TPAs)

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👥 6. Brief the Crew and Muster

Gather all crew at a pre-agreed muster point. Drink plenty of water and take sea sickness tablets before leaving the boat. After evacuation, water rationing will likely be necessary, so hydrate beforehand.

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⚓ 7. Launch Position and Boarding

Typically, launch the liferaft from the leeward aft quarter (downwind and towards the back of the boat). The strongest and heaviest crew member should enter the raft first to stabilize it and assist others boarding safely.

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🚶 8. After Boarding

Once all are aboard, cut away the painter line (which keeps the raft attached to the boat) to allow the raft to drift free. Deploy the drogue (a sea anchor) to slow drifting and improve stability.

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🚔 9. Survival Priorities

• Protect yourselves from sun, wind, and cold

• Ration water carefully to keep everyone hydrated

• Keep spirits high—morale is crucial!

• Monitor your position, drift, and chances of being spotted by rescuers