Who Is Responsible for Following Life Raft Launching Instructions Onboard?

When an emergency strikes at sea, time is critical and lives are on the line. One of the most vital aspects of marine safety is the proper use of lifesaving equipment, especially liferafts. 

However, even the best life-saving appliances are only effective when used correctly and at the right time. 

That’s why understanding life raft launching instructions and knowing who is responsible for executing them onboard is not just a matter of protocol—it’s a matter of survival.

This article will explore the roles and responsibilities related to life raft launching instructions, SOLAS regulations, training requirements, and the risks of neglecting these duties onboard vessels.

Why Life Raft Launching Instructions Matter

Life raft launching instructions are a standardized set of procedures and safety steps to ensure a liferaft is deployed safely, quickly, and effectively during an emergency. 

These instructions are typically provided by the manufacturer and are also guided by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) requirements.

If the life raft launching instructions are not followed properly, there is a high risk of:

• Delays in evacuation
  
  

• Equipment damage
  
  

• Crew injury
  
  

• Complete mission failure in abandoning ship
  
  

Therefore, the adherence to life raft launching instructions must be embedded in a vessel’s safety culture.

Who Holds the Responsibility?

Captain and Chief Officer

The master (captain) of the vessel holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the crew and passengers. That includes ensuring all lifesaving appliances are properly maintained, crews are well-trained, and life raft launching instructions are followed in case of abandonment.

The chief officer, typically the second-in-command, plays a critical operational role. They conduct regular lifeboat and liferaft drills and supervise the execution of these safety practices, ensuring all crew members understand the life raft launching instructions.

Assigned Life Raft Teams

Most commercial ships assign emergency duty teams for abandon-ship situations. These teams usually include:

• A liferaft commander or assigned deck officer
  
  

• A group of deck ratings or able seamen (ABs)
  
  

Each team is trained to follow the life raft launching instructions precisely, including:

• Checking hydrostatic release mechanisms
  
  

• Cutting lashings or securing ropes
  
  

• Ensuring inflation systems are working
  
  

• Assisting people into the raft safely
  
  

Safety Officer

On larger vessels, a designated Safety Officer (often part of the deck department) ensures that:

• The life raft launching instructions are displayed clearly in the muster stations
  
  

• Crews receive ongoing refresher training
  
  

• Records of inspections and servicing are up-to-date
  
  

SOLAS Requirements for Life Raft Launching

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) through SOLAS regulations mandates specific practices for liferaft deployment. 

SOLAS Chapter III outlines the obligations for training, drills, and equipment maintenance.

According to SOLAS:

• All crew must be trained in life raft launching instructions and operation
  
  

• Monthly and weekly checks of the launching equipment must be documented
  
  

• The equipment must be serviced annually by an approved provider
  
  

• Drills must be held every month, including actual deployment at least once every 3 months (if practicable)
  
  

Key Steps in Life Raft Launching Instructions

Every vessel may have different types of rafts—davit-launched or throw-overboard—but most life raft launching instructions generally follow these steps:

Basic Life Raft Launching Instructions (General Steps)

1. Assess the situation: Confirm abandon-ship order and choose a safe side of the vessel (leeward side).
   
   

2. Free the liferaft: Remove securing straps or manual lashings.
   
   

3. Check hydrostatic release: If not auto-released, manually release the canister.
   
   

4. Deploy the painter line: Hold the painter and throw the canister into the sea.
   
   

5. Inflate the raft: Pull the painter line sharply to trigger the CO2 inflation mechanism.
   
   

6. Secure the raft: Tie the painter line securely to a strong point onboard.
   
   

7. Board the raft: Use ladders or embarkation chutes, assisting weaker or injured passengers.
   
   

8. Cut the painter: Only after all persons are aboard, cut the painter to release the raft.
   
   

Following these life raft launching instructions ensures an orderly and efficient evacuation during an emergency.

Training and Familiarization

Regular training is crucial. According to international regulations and industry best practices, each crew member must:

• Understand the location and type of life raft they are assigned to
  
  

• Participate in mock drills simulating life raft launching instructions
  
  

• Know how to operate hydrostatic releases, painter lines, and emergency supplies inside the raft
  
  

Failure to conduct realistic drills often results in panic and confusion during real emergencies.

Tools Used in Life Raft Training

• Posters of life raft launching instructions placed near the raft stations
  
  

• E-learning videos for visual learning and reinforcement
  
  

• Onboard safety manuals detailing every step of life raft launching instructions
  
  

• Drill assessment forms to track crew readiness
  
  

These methods ensure that in high-stress scenarios, every individual acts with competence and speed.

Common Mistakes While Launching Life Rafts

Understanding life raft launching instructions is one thing; executing them correctly under pressure is another. Here are common errors:

• Improper inflation: Pulling the painter line too late or too early
  
  

• Failing to secure the raft: Not tying the painter line leads to drifting away
  
  

• Incorrect boarding: Jumping instead of climbing can capsize the raft
  
  

• Overloading: Ignoring raft capacity limits
  
  

• Skipping checks: Not ensuring the raft is fully functional before boarding
  
  

Proper training and familiarity with life raft launching instructions can reduce these mistakes.

Audits and Accountability

Maritime safety audits and port state inspections often check for:

• Availability of life raft launching instructions at muster stations
  
  

• Crew knowledge during surprise abandon-ship drills
  
  

• Servicing records and hydrostatic release expiry dates
  
  

Non-compliance may lead to fines, detention, or worse—loss of lives in an actual emergency.

How Shipowners Can Ensure Compliance

1. Post instructions clearly at every muster station.
   
   

2. Conduct internal audits monthly.
   
   

3. Enroll crew in approved STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) training.
   
   

4. Hire certified service providers for annual maintenance.
   
   

5. Reinforce awareness through posters, briefings, and roleplays.
   
   

Final Thoughts

So, who is responsible for following life raft launching instructions onboard? The answer isn’t one person—it’s a chain of command. 

From the captain to deck officers to each trained crew member, everyone has a role. 

But ultimately, the success of evacuation depends on how well these life raft launching instructions are learned, practiced, and executed.

Ships that prioritize drills, training, and clarity of responsibility don’t just comply with regulations—they save lives.