SOLAS Guidelines on Liferaft Capacity: Are You Compliant?

Liferaft Capacity: What It Means and Why It Matters

Liferaft capacity is one of the most critical parameters in maritime safety and survival. It refers to the number of persons that a liferaft can safely accommodate in an emergency at sea. 

As per international standards, specifically the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, every seafaring vessel is mandated to maintain sufficient liferaft capacity for all persons onboard, ensuring full and immediate evacuation capabilities.

The correct assessment of liferaft capacity is not just about compliance. It's about ensuring that crew members and passengers have a reliable, functional escape mechanism that meets safety standards and operates effectively under duress. 

A failure to equip a ship with appropriate liferaft capacity can result in catastrophic losses during maritime disasters.

How SOLAS Regulates Liferaft Capacity

The SOLAS Convention, governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets out specific regulations on liferaft capacity. These rules apply to various types of vessels including cargo ships, passenger ships, oil tankers, and offshore platforms.

Here are the key regulatory highlights:

• Minimum Requirements: SOLAS requires that liferafts be provided to accommodate 125% of the total number of persons onboard, allowing for redundancy in case one liferaft fails to deploy.
  
  

• Accessibility: Liferafts must be distributed in such a way that they are easily accessible from different muster stations.
  
  

• Approval and Certification: All liferafts must be type-approved by a recognized authority and carry valid certification.
  
  

• Periodic Inspection: Liferafts must be regularly serviced and inspected by authorized service stations to ensure their capacity and deployment mechanisms are functional.
  
  

• Location-Based Allocation: Depending on ship size and structure, liferaft distribution must ensure safe and timely evacuation regardless of which side of the vessel is compromised.
  
  

These regulations exist to ensure that the liferaft capacity provided on a vessel isn't just theoretical but practical and operational during emergencies.

Types of Liferafts and Their Capacity

Liferafts come in various configurations, and their liferaft capacity depends on multiple factors including size, design, and intended use. Let’s explore the most common types:

1. Throw-Overboard Liferafts

These are stored in containers and manually thrown overboard in emergencies. They automatically inflate when in contact with water.

• Capacity Range: Typically from 6 to 25 persons
  
  

• Commonly Used On: Cargo ships, fishing vessels, and smaller commercial boats
  
  

2. Davit-Launched Liferafts

These liferafts are launched using davits (crane-like devices) and allow for boarding before being lowered into the water.

• Capacity Range: Up to 150 persons depending on vessel size
  
  

• Commonly Used On: Passenger ships and large commercial vessels
  
  

3. Self-Righting Liferafts

These are specially designed to automatically right themselves if they capsize in the water.

• Capacity Range: Generally 10 to 25 persons
  
  

• Commonly Used On: Offshore platforms, military vessels, and high-speed crafts
  
  

4. Open Reversible Liferafts

Simpler in design, these liferafts are used for short distances or near-coastal operations.

• Capacity Range: 4 to 10 persons
  
  

• Commonly Used On: Coastal ferries and inland transport vessels
  
  

Regardless of type, liferaft capacity must always align with vessel-specific needs and be validated against international safety standards.

Factors Influencing Liferaft Capacity Selection

Choosing the correct liferaft capacity involves more than just counting heads. It requires technical planning, logistical foresight, and regulatory understanding. Here are some of the top influencing factors:

1. Total Number of Persons Onboard

This includes crew, passengers, and any non-crew personnel regularly present on the vessel.

2. Redundancy Planning

Vessels are required to carry additional liferafts beyond the total occupancy to mitigate the risk of failure during deployment.

3. Vessel Type and Operation Zone

Ships operating in SOLAS-regulated waters, open seas, or polar regions require different liferaft capacity and specifications than those operating in domestic or inland routes.

4. Available Space and Mounting Options

The physical space available on deck and the vessel's structural layout influence the number and type of liferafts that can be mounted.

5. Launching Mechanism

Davit-launched liferafts often have higher capacities but require more robust mounting and crew training for proper operation.

6. Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

Liferaft systems with higher capacity generally require more rigorous and frequent inspections, so operational budgets and port stay duration may influence selection.

Why Marinetech Liferafts Meet Global Capacity Standards

Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation offers a full range of SOLAS-approved liferafts with various liferaft capacity configurations. Each unit is built to provide maximum reliability, efficient deployment, and long-term durability.

Key Features:

• SOLAS and IMO Certification
  
  

• Capacities from 6 to 150 Persons
  
  

• Options for Throw-Over, Davit-Launched, and Self-Righting Models
  
  

• Enhanced Safety Features: Inflatable boarding ramps, rainwater catchments, reflective tapes, and insulated flooring
  
  

• Customizable Add-Ons: Emergency food, water rations, EPIRBs, sea anchors, paddles, and more
  
  

At Marinetech, all liferafts undergo rigorous testing and come with full documentation for compliance with Class and Flag State requirements.

Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant and Safe with the Right Liferaft Capacity

Understanding liferaft capacity is not merely a technical formality—it's a lifesaving necessity. Whether you’re outfitting a commercial cargo vessel, a passenger ship, or an offshore platform, ensuring that your liferafts meet SOLAS guidelines is non-negotiable.

Choosing the right capacity involves careful consideration of your vessel’s design, passenger load, operational routes, and emergency preparedness. It’s not just about checking boxes on a safety audit—it’s about giving every person onboard a real shot at survival.

To explore Marinetech’s full range of SOLAS-compliant liferafts and accessories, visit: https://marinetechss.com/supplies/life-raft-and-its-accessories

Ensure your vessel is equipped with the right liferaft capacity—because every life counts.