How to Launch a Yacht Life Raft
Step-by-step abandonment procedure. The life raft is your last resort — deploy it only when staying with the vessel is no longer safe.
STAY WITH THE BOAT IF POSSIBLE
A life raft is a survival device of last resort. Never abandon ship prematurely — only deploy when the vessel is sinking, on fire beyond control, or otherwise uninhabitable. Step up into the raft; do not jump.
Launch & Boarding Steps
Send Distress & Call Crew
Issue a Mayday on VHF Channel 16, activate EPIRB and/or PLB, and alert all crew with three short blasts on the horn or the cry "Abandon ship!" Ensure everyone dons lifejackets and survival suits.
Prepare the Canister
Move the life raft canister or valise from its stowage to the launch point. Confirm the painter line is securely tied to a strong point on the vessel — never to a weak rail or stanchion.
Check the Painter & Inflate
Unclip the sea anchor, open the container, and ensure the painter is clear of knots. Throw or lower the raft to leeward into the water. Give a sharp, hard pull on the painter to trigger the CO₂ inflation cylinder.
Verify Inflation
The raft should fully inflate within 30 seconds. If it fails to inflate, pull the painter harder — if still no inflation, use the emergency hand pump located inside the raft (only after boarding).
Stabilise the Raft
Tension the painter to hold the raft alongside to leeward. Pull the sea anchor drogue (located in the pocket) and stream it from the raft to reduce drift. Keep the raft away from barnacles or sharp fittings that may puncture it.
Board the Raft Safely
Do not jump into the raft — board feet-first from a low point, ideally a boarding ladder or rope. Avoid stepping on the inflated buoyancy tubes. Send the most capable crew member first to stabilise the raft.
Transfer Survival Gear
Grab the ditch bag (containing EPIRB, flares, VHF, water, medical kit, and documents). Pass any extra water, food, thermal blankets, or warm clothing before cutting the painter.
Cut the Painter Last
Only when all crew are aboard and gear is transferred, cut the painter with the safety knife located inside the raft pocket. Do not use the painter as a tow line after abandoning — the connection could part and cause injury.
Get Clear of the Vessel
Paddle away using the paddles stored in the raft pockets. Beware of a sinking vessel creating suction — distance yourself by at least half a boat length. Also beware of rigging or lines that could foul the raft.
Check Crew & Activate Beacons
Account for all crew. Treat injuries and hypothermia immediately — use thermal blankets. Check that the EPIRB is activated and secured to the raft. Prepare flares for visual signalling.
Bail Out & Cover Up
Use the bailer and sponge to remove water from the raft floor. Deploy the canopy cover to protect against sun, wind, and spray. Maintain morale and rotate crew duties to keep everyone active.
Signal for Rescue
Fire red parachute flares when an aircraft or vessel is in sight. Use a smoke flare during daylight and a handheld red at night. Keep the VHF on Channel 16 and respond to any search craft.