Life boats are essential for saving lives in maritime emergencies, providing safe evacuation in case of a vessel sinking or other disasters. Life boats come in various types, each designed for specific uses, conditions, and crew capacities. Below is an overview of the different types of life boats:

 

Types of Lifeboats:

 

Conventional Lifeboats:

Design: These are rigid, fully enclosed boats, typically made from fiberglass or steel. They have a solid hull and are usually equipped with a canopy to protect passengers from the elements.

Capacity: Can hold between 20 to 100 people, depending on the boat size.

Use: Commonly found on large commercial vessels, cargo ships, and passenger vessels (such as cruise ships).

Features: Includes a rudder, oars or a small motor for propulsion, a canopy, and storage for emergency supplies like food, water, and flares.

 

Inflatable Lifeboats:

Design: Inflatable lifeboats are made from durable, airtight materials like Hypalon or PVC and can be inflated when needed. They are compact and easy to store until deployment.

Capacity: Varies, but they typically accommodate 6 to 12 passengers.

Use: Used on both commercial and recreational vessels, especially where space is limited for storing a rigid lifeboat.

Features: Easy to deploy and stow away, may include basic survival kits. Some are equipped with small motors for movement.

 

Free-Fall Lifeboats:

Design: Free-fall lifeboats are designed to be launched by "free-falling" into the water from a height, typically from a platform or a ship's deck.

Capacity: Can accommodate large numbers of people, often 50 or more.

Use: Common on offshore rigs, large tankers, and other vessels where rapid evacuation from a height is necessary.

Features: These boats are designed with a reinforced hull to withstand the impact of entering the water from a height. They often have a canopy and can be launched in rough sea conditions.

 

Totally Enclosed Lifeboats:

Design: These lifeboats are fully enclosed, with a solid hull and a canopy. They provide the highest level of protection against weather conditions, including heavy winds, rain, and cold temperatures.

Capacity: Generally holds between 20 to 100 people.

Use: Used in all types of vessels, especially when prolonged survival is expected, as they offer maximum protection.

Features: Equipped with oxygen tanks, survival supplies, and sometimes a small engine for mobility. Designed to be weather-resistant and keep occupants safe from harsh conditions.

 

Partially Enclosed Lifeboats:

Design: These boats are partially enclosed with a canopy that covers the crew's head but may leave the sides open for easy access.

Capacity: Typically accommodates 20 to 60 people.

Use: Often found on commercial ships, they provide more protection than an open boat but are less sealed than totally enclosed lifeboats.

Features: Offers some shelter but is not as airtight as fully enclosed lifeboats. It can have a motor and safety provisions.

 

Rescue Boats:

Design: Smaller, more maneuverable boats intended for rescue operations. These boats are often motorized and have a rigid hull.

Capacity: Smaller capacity, typically holding 6 to 12 people.

Use: Used for search and rescue operations by both military and commercial vessels, or for evacuation from a distressed ship.

Features: Equipped with powerful engines, they can navigate in rough seas and quickly rescue people. Some may be fitted with firefighting equipment, first aid kits, or survival gear.