Always Be Prepared
A life raft is one of the most crucial pieces of marine survival gear on your boat. With our wide variety of raft types it’s easy to find the one you need whether you mostly cruise along the coast or are outfitting a commercial vessel. Choose from coastal life rafts, near shore life rafts, offshore life rafts, compact life rafts and commercial life rafts. We also carry sea anchors and drag devices and survival supplies. It is important to build or buy a ditch bag, and if rescue will take longer where you’re boating, it is important to store emergency food rations, survival equipment and other basic necessities.We recommend including an EPIRB or wearing a PLB and bringing flares to increase your chance of being rescued. For individuals working in dangerous conditions on boats, West Marine carries survival suits that are water-tight, float and will protect the wearer from fire, hypothermia and more. Whatever your safety and survival needs, you’ll find what you need at West Marine.
Life Rafts & Survival Gear FAQ
West Marine offers a variety of life rafts tailored for different boating needs:
- Coastal Rafts: Designed for near-shore and short-distance boating.
- Offshore Rafts: Suitable for extended ocean voyages, equipped with survival gear.
- Compact Life Rafts: Space-saving solutions for smaller boats.
- Commercial Rafts: Built to meet stringent safety regulations for professional marine use.
Selecting the right life raft depends on several key factors:
- Boating Location: Offshore rafts are ideal for deep-sea travel, while coastal rafts suit near-shore excursions.
- Capacity: Ensure the raft can accommodate your full crew with space to spare.
- Duration of Trip: Longer trips require rafts equipped with more survival gear.
- Storage Considerations: Compact rafts work best for boats with limited space.
A well-equipped ditch bag is essential for survival at sea. Consider including:
- Emergency Food & Water: Long-lasting rations and fresh water supply.
- First Aid Kit: Essential medical supplies for treating injuries.
- Signaling Devices: Flares, whistles, and strobe lights for visibility.
- EPIRB or PLB: Emergency beacon to alert rescuers.
- Additional Survival Gear: Emergency blankets, fishing kits, and multi-tools.
EPIRBs and PLBs are vital safety devices for distress signaling:
- EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon): Activates when submerged, sending distress signals to global rescue networks.
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): A smaller, manually activated device for individual emergency signaling.
- Satellite Connectivity: Works in remote areas where traditional communication methods fail.
- Faster Rescue Time: Helps rescuers pinpoint your location quickly.
Proper maintenance ensures your life raft is ready in an emergency:
- Service Regularly: Follow manufacturer recommendations (typically every 1-3 years).
- Inspect for Damage: Check for leaks, tears, or expired components.
- Verify Inflation System: Ensure CO2 cartridges or manual inflation mechanisms are in working order.
- Update Survival Supplies: Replace expired food, water, and medical supplies.
Yes, enhancing your life raft with additional gear can improve safety:
- Extra Food & Water: Supplement existing rations for longer survival periods.
- Sea Anchors: Helps stabilize the raft in rough waters.
- Emergency Blankets: Provides insulation against hypothermia.
- Water Filtration: Useful for long-term survival scenarios.
- Handheld VHF Radio: Improves communication with nearby vessels and rescue teams.