How to Use a Liferaft: Deployment and Boarding Procedures

Abandoning ship to a liferaft is one of the most consequential decisions a sailor can make. The procedures for deploying and boarding a liferaft are not intuitive, and in the chaos of an emergency, hesitation or a missed step can be fatal. This guide explains the correct sequence—from securing the painter line to cutting it after boarding—and highlights the common mistakes that even experienced sailors make. It draws on manufacturer manuals and real-world lessons to provide an independent, practical reference for recreational sailors.

Main Explanation

What it is

Liferaft deployment and boarding procedures are the step-by-step actions required to launch an inflatable liferaft, bring it alongside the vessel, get crew aboard safely, and establish the raft as a survival platform. In this context, the term refers to a standardized seamanship skill, not a product tied to any single brand or school. Modern liferafts for recreational and small commercial vessels are typically packed in a rigid container or soft valise and are inflated by a compressed gas cylinder activated by pulling a painter line. The procedures are governed by international standards such as ISO 9650 and, for larger vessels, SOLAS, but the core sequence is similar across manufacturers. An independent reference means the guidance is not written to promote one manufacturer’s equipment; it focuses on the actions that apply to most liferafts, while reminding sailors to consult their specific raft’s manual.

Why it matters

When a crew steps into a liferaft, they have usually exhausted all other options. The decision to abandon ship is made under extreme stress, often in heavy weather, darkness, or fire. In these conditions, information overload and conflicting advice can cause dangerous delays. A clear, rehearsed procedure reduces cognitive load and helps crew act automatically. According to Great Circle Life Rafts’ user handbook, at least 8 metres of painter line must be pulled from the container before the inflation mechanism activates. Many sailors are startled by the violent inflation and the whistling of excess gas venting from relief valves—a normal process that can be mistaken for a leak. The 1979 Fastnet disaster, referenced in a YACHT article, showed how quickly a situation can deteriorate and how critical it is to know the liferaft’s operation before it is needed. Reliable, independent guidance helps sailors separate essential steps from noise.

How it works

A liferaft system consists of several components that work together. The container or valise protects the packed raft and is designed to be thrown or pushed overboard. A painter line, typically 15–30 metres long, is attached to the vessel and to the raft’s inflation mechanism. When the painter is pulled out to its full length (at least 8 metres), it triggers a compressed gas cylinder—usually CO2 or a CO2/nitrogen mix—that inflates the buoyancy tubes and canopy within seconds. Excess gas vents through pressure relief valves, producing a loud hiss. A sea anchor or drogue streams automatically on some models or must be manually deployed on boarding; it holds the raft head-to-wind and reduces capsize risk. Boarding is done via a ladder, ramp, or by pulling oneself over the tube. Once aboard, the crew should close the canopy, check for leaks, and inventory the equipment bag, which typically contains flares, water, rations, a bailer, and a repair kit, as listed in Ocean Safety’s owner’s manual.

How to do it

Consider a typical coastal passage where the vessel is taking on water and the decision to abandon ship has been made. The following sequence applies to most recreational liferafts:

1. Prepare before launch: Ensure all crew are wearing lifejackets. Grab the abandon-ship bag, EPIRB, handheld VHF, and any additional supplies. If time allows, don immersion suits in cold water.
2. Secure the painter line: Attach the end of the painter line to a strong point on the vessel—never to a person. This keeps the raft tethered during inflation and boarding.
3. Launch the container: Throw or push the liferaft container overboard on the leeward side, away from the vessel’s side and any rigging. Ensure the painter line runs freely.
4. Inflate the raft: Pull the painter line sharply and steadily until you feel resistance and hear the gas discharge. Continue pulling until at least 8 metres of line is out. The raft will inflate in 20–30 seconds.
5. Right the raft if necessary: If the raft inflates upside down, one person should climb onto the inverted floor, locate the righting strap on the underside, and pull it while leaning back to flip the raft upright.
6. Bring the raft alongside: Haul in the painter line to bring the raft to the boarding point. Keep the raft close but clear of sharp edges.
7. Board one at a time: Use the boarding ladder or ramp. Do not jump from height. If boarding from the water, kick hard and pull yourself over the tube. The first person aboard should help others.
8. Cut the painter and establish the raft: Once all crew are aboard, deploy the sea anchor if not already streamed, close the canopy, and cut the painter line only when ready to move away from the vessel. Check for injuries and begin survival routines.

When not to do it

A written guide—no matter how detailed—cannot replace hands-on training. Do not rely solely on this or any online reference when making the decision to abandon ship. Professional sea survival courses, such as those offered by national sailing federations and safety-at-sea programs, provide the physical practice needed to right an inverted raft, board from the water, and manage a raft in rough conditions. Also, do not deploy a liferaft unless the vessel is truly unsafe; staying with the boat is often the better option if it is still afloat and stable. A liferaft is not a substitute for a dinghy or a routine transfer platform. Finally, always consult the manufacturer’s manual for your specific raft model, as activation methods, painter lengths, and equipment contents vary.

Visual

The following step sequence summarizes the deployment and boarding process at a glance:

1. Don lifejackets and gather emergency gear.
2. Secure the painter line to a strong point on the vessel.
3. Throw the liferaft container overboard on the leeward side.
4. Pull the painter line sharply to activate inflation (at least 8 m).
5. Allow the raft to fully inflate; right it if inverted.
6. Haul the raft alongside and hold it steady.
7. Board one at a time using the ladder or ramp.
8. Deploy the sea anchor, close the canopy, and cut the painter when ready.

Common Mistakes

Not pulling enough painter line

Many sailors pull only a short length of painter and then wait for inflation that never comes. The inflation mechanism requires at least 8 metres of painter to be pulled from the container. Consequence: the raft remains packed, wasting critical time. Correct approach: pull the painter line out fully and sharply until you hear the gas discharge.

Jumping into the raft from the vessel

In panic, crew may jump from the deck into the raft. This can injure people already aboard, damage the buoyancy tubes, or capsize the raft. Consequence: additional casualties and a compromised raft. Correct approach: board one at a time using the ladder or ramp, or enter the water and climb aboard.

Cutting the painter line too early

Some crews cut the painter as soon as the raft is inflated, thinking they are free. This can let the raft drift away from the vessel before everyone is aboard, or into hazards. Consequence: crew left behind or raft lost. Correct approach: keep the painter attached until all crew are aboard and the raft is ready to move away.

Mistaking excess gas venting for a leak

During inflation, relief valves vent excess gas with a loud hissing sound. Sailors unfamiliar with this may think the raft is punctured and panic. Consequence: unnecessary distress and possible abandonment of a sound raft. Correct approach: know that this is normal; check for actual leaks only after inflation is complete.

Forgetting to deploy the sea anchor

The sea anchor or drogue is critical for stability. Without it, the raft can drift beam-on to waves and capsize. Consequence: increased capsize risk and seasickness. Correct approach: deploy the sea anchor immediately after boarding, or verify it has streamed automatically.

Not righting an inverted raft

If the raft inflates upside down, some crews assume it is unusable. In fact, most liferafts have a righting strap on the underside. Consequence: crew may attempt to board an inverted raft or give up. Correct approach: one person climbs onto the inverted floor, grabs the righting strap, and flips the raft upright using body weight and leverage.

Safety Note

Digital guides and online references—including this one—are supplements, not substitutes, for proper training and physical checks. Before any passage, ensure your liferaft has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule and that you have read the specific manual for your model. Take a certified sea survival course that includes hands-on practice with liferaft deployment, righting, and boarding. Always cross-check critical safety information with official sources: weather forecasts from national meteorological services, tide tables, and navigation data from hydrographic offices. Never rely on a phone or tablet as your only emergency reference; keep a waterproof printed checklist and the manufacturer’s quick-reference card in your grab bag. Follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and all local maritime regulations. In an emergency, human judgment, practiced skills, and calm leadership matter more than any document.