Surviving the Skies and Seas: A Guide to Aviation and Marine Life Rafts

Aviation and maritime environments can be very unpredictable as you most likely already know. Being prepared is essential to survival when there is an emergency. Whether you're a pilot on a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft or a sailor travelling across oceans, having a reliable life raft is essential. 

Do you need an  aviation life raft or  marine liferaft, check them out here. 

The Lifesaving Necessity of Aviation and Marine Life Rafts

Emergencies in aviation and maritime environments can happen without warning. Whether you're a pilot flying over the Pacific or on a commercial vessel battling a severe storm, having a life raft on hand is crucial. These moments remind us just how essential life rafts are for anyone who navigates the skies or seas.

Why You Need a Life Raft

• The main reason for owning or renting a life raft is simple: survival. When you're faced with an emergency, a life raft provides shelter from the elements and keeps you floating until help arrives. It’s a tool that gives you a real chance at being rescued.
• They are also required by many aviation and maritime safety regulations. Ultimately, having a life raft can give you the confidence to focus on the job at hand, knowing that in an emergency, you have a way to stay safe and alive while awaiting rescue.

Who Needs a Life Raft? 

Life rafts are essential for various groups:

• Aviation Pilots: Especially those flying over large bodies of water where immediate landing options are not available. Certain types of rafts will be best for certain aircraft and it's important to know the differences. For example helicopter rotor wing pilots will want smaller packed, lighter weight life rafts. 
• Commercial Vessels: Ships and boats transporting goods or passengers need life rafts to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. 
• Military Personnel: Engaged in operations over or near water bodies, life rafts can be critical for these types missions. 
• Survivalists: Those engaging in extreme outdoor activities often find life rafts valuable in their safety gear.

A real life aviation life raft story: 

In 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320, took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport with 155 passengers and crew on board. Just a few minutes into the flight, the plane struck a flock of geese, causing both engines to lose power. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles quickly assessed the situation and realized they wouldn't be able to return to LaGuardia or reach another airport safely. The only option was a water landing in the Hudson River.

Captain Sullenberger skillfully glided the plane down into the river, managing to keep it intact as it touched the water—a feat that would later become known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." The life rafts were critical in preventing further hypothermia and shock as they provided immediate flotation and stability for those who couldn’t stand on the submerged wings. 

The rafts offered a stable platform for passengers to huddle together, providing a brief refuge from the freezing waters. In those critical minutes before rescue boats arrived, the life rafts served as vital equipment to keep people out of the water, preventing further injuries or fatalities.

A marine time emergency life raft story:

A more recent maritime disaster where life rafts were crucial occurred during the sinking of the cruise ship MV Sewol in South Korea on April 16, 2014. The ferry was carrying 476 passengers, most of them high school students on a field trip, when it began to list and eventually capsized near Jindo Island. Tragically, the crew delayed the evacuation, and many passengers were told to stay in their cabins. As the ship tilted and began to sink, rescuers who arrived on the scene were able to deploy life rafts from helicopters and rescue boats.

I know these stories may sound obvious of how life rafts are critical in aviation and marine, but I think they are helpful to see how they were used and why they are so important to have the right kind of certified life raft.  

What types of Life Rafts are out there?

At the Life Raft Store, you can either buy or rent life rafts from all major brands that are used in aviation and marine. 

For example:

Winslow Life Rafts: Winslow life rafts are known for their exceptional quality and reliability. Available in sizes ranging from 4 person to 15-man rafts, they are suitable for various scenarios. Winslow rafts require servicing every three years to ensure they remain in optimal condition. 

Switlik Life Rafts: Switlik life rafts are another excellent choice, offering durability and comfort. They come in multiple sizes, accommodating different numbers of occupants. These rafts require servicing every five years, making them a convenient option for long-term use. 

Eastern Aero Marine Life Rafts: Eastern Aero Marine life rafts provide the unique benefit of indefinite use as long as they pass periodic maintenance inspections. This feature makes them an economical choice for those looking for long-lasting reliability.

Size Options 

Life Raft Store offers life rafts in various sizes:

• 4 person to 6 person liferafts: Ideal for small groups or individual use. 
• 12-Man Rafts: Suitable for mid-sized groups, offering ample space and comfort. 
• 15-Man Rafts: Perfect for larger groups or commercial operations.

While aviation and marine life rafts serve the same fundamental purpose—saving lives—they are designed differently to cater to their specific environments.

Aviation Life Rafts

Aviation life rafts are compact and lightweight, designed to be deployed quickly in the event of an emergency landing on water. They often come with accessories like canopy covers to protect occupants from the sun, wind, and rain. These rafts are built to withstand the unique conditions encountered during an aviation emergency.

Read more about  life raft deployment in our article published here

Marine Life Rafts 

On the other hand, marine life rafts are designed for durability and stability in rough sea conditions as well as low temperature water. They are typically larger and also come equipped with ballast systems to prevent capsizing.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your life raft functions appropriately during an emergency. Different brands have varying maintenance schedules.  

Winslow Life Rafts: Require servicing every three years. Regular checks ensure the raft remains airtight and all components function correctly. 

Switlik Life Rafts: Need servicing every five years. This includes checking for wear and tear and ensuring the survival kit is complete and up-to-date. 

Eastern Aero Marine Life Rafts: Require periodic inspections to remain operational indefinitely. These inspections verify the raft's integrity and its components' functionality.

Our Life Raft Story:

Why Choose Life Raft Store? 

#1, we are all about customer service. Buying a life raft comes with a lot of questions and you can call us anytime for answers. We offer both purchase and rental options and we cater to different needs and budgets, ensuring everyone can access high-quality life rafts.

Check out our website and call us at 321-821-4724 to have all you questions answered and your life raft shipped out to you right away.