Choosing Your Liferaft

ISO 9650 standard

ISO 9650 is the international standard implemented in March 2005, to set up formal specifications on liferafts for use on board recreational boats. This standard clearly states the performance level and technical specifications of the liferaft and materials used in its construction. It applies to all recreational boats under 24 metres (78 ft). However, this standard is not compulsory yet in all countries.

ISO 9650 standard defines 2 types of rafts according to the navigation type :
Offshore navigation : type I liferafts (ISO 9650-1)
Liferafts designed for long voyages or cruises when gusts of wind can be expected, together with exceptional wave height (excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes).

ISO 9650-1 liferafts are classified in 2 groups (A and B) to reflect the temperature conditions in the sailing area:
· Group A : liferafts designed to inflate in an environment temperature of -15°C to +65°C ; they feature an insulating double floor.
· Group B : liferafts designed to inflate in an environment temperature of 0°C to +65°C ; they feature a single floor.
Liferafts are equipped with 2 types of survival kits, depending on how long the victim is likely to spend in his raft waiting to be rescued:
Emergency kit : rescue forces expected after 24 hours.
Standard kit : rescue forces expected within 24 hours.

Coastal navigation : type II liferafts (ISO 9650-2)

Liferafts designed for sailing in areas where moderate conditions are expected, such as coastal waters, bays, estuaries, rivers and lakes. ISO 9650-2 liferafts are designed to inflate in an environment temperature of 0°C to +65°C and they feature a single floor. They come with a standard survival kit.

Plastimo Liferafts Provide the Highest Safety Standards

In a canister or in a valise?

Canister

We recommend that you choose a canister rather than a bag : the liferaft is better protected, and can be secured on board nicely and safely with the addition of a specially designed cradle. Canisters are equipped with 2 or 4 handles (depending on model), for a better grip and carrying facility ; they also make throwing into the water much easier. In case the liferaft would be stored on its side, do make sure that the firing lanyard is upwards. We remind you, however, that a Liferaft should ideally be lying flat, with instructions on the topside. Even though a canister raft is better protected than a raft in a bag…
its rigidity does not allow you to use it as a stool or a seat ! Take good care of it : instead of thinking of it as a big clumsy box, do remember that this box contains concentrated technology which could save your life at any time.

Valise

The valise is manufactured from highly resistant coated fabric, impervious to UV-rays. A valise-packed liferaft requires some relative protection : you will select its location on the boat accordingly, i.e. avoid the skirt for example. Indicated dimensions of liferafts in valises may vary by ± 10 %, due to the lack of rigidity of the valise. Be nice to your liferaft -think of how precious it could turn to be-, especially if it is packed in a valise : do not drag it, do not tread or sit on it.