Liferafts
A liferaft is an essential piece of survival equipment designed to keep you afloat and protected in the event of an emergency or vessel evacuation.
Coastal liferafts are compact and lightweight, ideal for short-distance or nearshore cruising where rescue is expected within a few hours. They provide basic protection, easy deployment, and stability in moderate conditions.
Offshore liferafts, on the other hand, are built for longer voyages and rougher seas. They feature double-insulated floors, reinforced canopies, ballast pockets, and extended supplies for better protection and comfort during prolonged survival situations.
Stay safe at sea with liferafts from Plastimo, Lalizas and Hero, trusted brands in marine safety. Whether for coastal sailing or offshore passages, our liferafts meet international safety standards and deliver reliability when it matters most.
LALIZAS ISO RACING Liferaft, <24hAs low as €1,681.90
LALIZAS COASTAL COMPACT Liferaft, without canopy, 2prsSpecial Price €786.50 Regular Price €847.00
Leisure Raft Lalizas 6 persons without CanopySpecial Price €1,210.00 Regular Price €1,224.52
Leisure Raft Lalizas 4 persons with CanopySpecial Price €1,028.50 Regular Price €1,076.90
Leisure Raft Lalizas 6 persons with CanopySpecial Price €1,270.50 Regular Price €1,327.37
Why is a liferaft important?
A liferaft is one of the most important safety items on board, designed to provide a safe, insulated and visible refuge if a vessel must be abandoned due to fire, flooding or sinking from severe structural damage. It significantly increases survival chances while awaiting rescue.
It protects occupants from:
- Hypothermia
- Waves and spray
- Wind exposure
- Fatigue
Modern liferafts are compact, automatically inflatable and equipped with essential survival equipment to help protect crew and passengers until rescue arrives.
What types of liferafts are available?
- Coastal liferafts: Designed for nearshore or coastal waters where rescue times are typically shorter. They provide essential protection and survival gear for short-term emergencies.
- Offshore liferafts: Built for offshore and open-sea use where rescue may take longer. They often include more extensive survival equipment, better insulation, and stronger construction for rougher seas
What certifications do liferafts have?
Liferafts may meet different standards depending on use.
For recreational boating, liferafts are commonly certified under ISO 9650, which is the international standard for leisure craft liferafts.
There are two main ISO 9650 types:
- ISO 9650-1: Offshore liferafts, designed for more severe conditions and longer rescue times
- ISO 9650-2: Coastal liferafts, intended for nearshore waters with faster expected rescue
ISO-certified liferafts are tested for inflation reliability, stability, visibility and survival equipment.
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) is an international maritime safety convention that sets strict requirements for commercial vessels.
SOLAS-approved liferafts:
- Meet higher durability and performance standards
- Include more extensive survival equipment
- Are designed for professional and offshore commercial use
They are generally required on commercial vessels and are sometimes chosen by offshore private boaters seeking the highest safety level.
What is included in a liferaft?
Typical equipment may include:
- Canopy for protection
- Ballast bags for stability
- Emergency rations and water
- First aid kit
- Signalling equipment
The exact contents depend on the raft type and pack (coastal or offshore).
Do liferafts require servicing?
Yes. Liferafts must be serviced periodically (often every 1–3 years) at an approved service station to ensure readiness and safety compliance.
How do I choose the right liferaft?
Consider:
- Cruising area (coastal vs offshore)
- Number of people on board (2 to 12 people)
- Storage space
- Certification requirements
- Expected rescue times
- Choosing the right raft depends on your boating style and safety expectations.