Lifeboats are rigid survival craft carried on large commercial vessels, tankers, and cruise liners. They provide long-term protection in emergencies and are designed to evacuate large numbers of passengers at once. While inflatable liferafts are standard for recreational and smaller vessels, lifeboats are required by international maritime law for larger ships. There are three main types of lifeboats: open, closed, and free-fall lifeboats.
1. Open Lifeboats
Open lifeboats are the simplest design. They do not have a roof or enclosed canopy and are powered by oars, sails, or small engines. Historically common, open lifeboats are now rare, as international regulations favor enclosed models for safety reasons.
Key Features of Open Lifeboats
- No canopy or enclosed cover
- Basic flotation and seating design
- Manual or small engine propulsion
Although still seen in some older vessels, most modern ships no longer rely on open lifeboats because they offer little protection from weather or fire hazards.
2. Closed Lifeboats
Closed lifeboats are now the most widely used type of lifeboat. Fully enclosed with rigid canopies, they protect occupants from weather, seawater, and fire. They are watertight, self-righting, and often powered by an onboard engine, making them highly reliable for emergencies at sea.
Key Features of Closed Lifeboats
- Rigid canopy for weather and fire protection
- Self-righting capability if overturned
- Seats with safety harnesses for passengers
- Onboard engine for mobility
Closed lifeboats are the standard today, as they provide maximum protection and survivability in severe conditions.
3. Free-Fall Lifeboats
Free-fall lifeboats are enclosed lifeboats mounted on inclined ramps. In an emergency, they are launched by free-falling directly into the water. This system allows for rapid evacuation and minimizes the risks of fire or explosions near the vessel. Free-fall lifeboats are common on tankers, offshore oil platforms, and industrial ships.
Key Features of Free-Fall Lifeboats
- Mounted on ramps for quick launch
- Fully enclosed design with rigid canopy
- Impact-resistant and self-righting
- Engine-driven for maneuverability
Lifeboats vs. Liferafts
While lifeboats are rigid and permanently fixed to ships, liferafts are inflatable, lightweight, and compact. Liferafts are ideal for recreational vessels, fishing boats, and offshore sailing, where space and weight are limited. Our liferaft collection includes coastal, offshore, and SOLAS-approved commercial models that provide reliable emergency survival gear for a wide range of boaters.
FAQ
What are the three types of lifeboats?
The three main types are open lifeboats, closed lifeboats, and free-fall lifeboats.
Are open lifeboats still used?
They are largely obsolete. Most modern vessels use enclosed lifeboats for safety reasons.
Which lifeboat type is most common today?
Closed lifeboats are the most common because they provide full protection, self-righting ability, and engine propulsion.
Why are free-fall lifeboats used?
Free-fall lifeboats allow for very rapid evacuation and are designed for ships carrying hazardous cargo like tankers and offshore platforms.
Do recreational boats carry lifeboats?
No. Recreational and small vessels rely on liferafts instead, which are more compact and easier to deploy.
Conclusion
The three types of lifeboats—open, closed, and free-fall—serve different roles depending on the vessel and safety requirements. While lifeboats are essential for large commercial ships, most private and recreational vessels depend on inflatable liferafts for emergency survival. At Life Raft Professionals, we provide certified liferafts to ensure safety whether you are sailing nearshore, offshore, or operating under SOLAS regulations.