Introduction
When abandoning ship, hypothermia is often as dangerous as drowning. Staying warm in a life raft is critical for survival, especially if rescue takes hours or days. Modern life rafts include built-in protections, but knowing how to use them effectively can make all the difference. In this guide, we explain strategies to retain body heat and highlight examples from Life Raft Professionals product collections.
How Life Rafts Help Protect Against the Cold
Insulated Floors
Many offshore and commercial rafts have double-layered insulated floors that reduce heat loss. For example, the Superior Offshore Stream Life Raft includes an insulated floor designed for colder conditions at sea.
Canopy and Weather Protection
The canopy shields survivors from wind, spray, and rain. Properly sealing it creates a warmer microclimate inside the raft. Models like the Ocean Safety Ocean Standard Liferaft include full canopy coverage for offshore use.
Water Ballast Pockets
These pockets fill with water and keep the raft stable. Stability reduces the chance of capsizing, which keeps survivors dry and prevents dangerous exposure to cold water.
Survival Strategies to Stay Warm
Huddle Together
Sharing body heat is one of the simplest but most effective survival tactics. Grouping together conserves warmth and morale.
Stay Dry
Wet clothing accelerates heat loss. Use bailers and sponges included in most raft packs to remove water from the floor. If possible, remove soaked garments and replace them with dry thermal layers from survival packs.
Use Thermal Protective Aids
Some SOLAS rafts come with survival blankets or thermal protective aids. These items help reduce heat loss from wind and evaporation. For example, commercial SOLAS-approved models like the Revere Low Profile USCG/SOLAS A Life Raft include thermal equipment in their survival packs.
Conserve Energy
Avoid unnecessary movement that wastes energy and produces sweat. Sit low, stay calm, and ration your strength.
Extra Equipment That Improves Warmth
While life rafts come with standard equipment packs, carrying additional gear can make survival more comfortable and safer:
- Thermal blankets or sleeping bags rated for marine use
- Dry bags for storing extra clothing
- Chemical heat packs
- Insulated gloves and head coverings
Many of these can be packed aboard your vessel in a grab bag to supplement the raft’s built-in equipment.
Importance of Servicing and Preparedness
Servicing ensures that insulated floors, canopies, and survival packs function as intended. Items like thermal aids and flares expire over time. Life Raft Professionals offers USCG-approved life float refurbishment, ensuring equipment is compliant and ready when needed.
Conclusion
Staying warm in a life raft is about using the raft’s built-in protections, adopting smart survival strategies, and preparing with the right gear. Whether you are a recreational sailor, offshore cruiser, or commercial operator, the goal is the same: conserve body heat and reduce exposure until rescue arrives. Explore the full Life Raft collection at Life Raft Professionals to find models built with thermal safety in mind.
FAQ
Do all life rafts have insulated floors
No, coastal rafts often lack insulated floors, while offshore and SOLAS rafts include them for added protection in colder waters.
Can you use regular blankets in a life raft
Regular blankets may help, but marine survival blankets or thermal protective aids are better since they resist moisture and wind.
How many people can huddle together in a raft
As many as the raft’s capacity allows. It is best to keep everyone together to maximize warmth and morale.
What survival gear helps with warmth
Thermal protective aids, blankets, insulated clothing, and chemical heat packs all improve warmth inside a raft.
Why is servicing important for thermal safety
Expired or damaged survival packs may lack effective thermal gear. Regular servicing ensures that blankets, canopies, and floors perform as designed.