8 October 2026, 04:47 PM
If you own a yacht, leisure boat or commercial vessel in the UK, a liferaft is something you hope you never need, but it is important to have the right equipment ready when you need it.
This becomes particularly relevant when your own liferaft is away for servicing, when you are preparing for an offshore trip or when temporary equipment is required for a particular sailing or commercial operation. In these situations, liferaft hire can be a practical option.
But how do you know which liferaft is right for your vessel?
There is more to consider than simply finding a raft with the right number of places. Capacity, servicing, applicable standards, storage and the rest of your marine safety equipment all deserve attention before making a choice.
Start With Your Vessel
The right liferaft depends on the vessel and how it is being used.
A privately owned yacht making coastal trips may have different considerations from a fishing vessel working offshore. A charter boat carrying passengers also needs to take its maximum passenger capacity into account, while commercial vessel operators need to consider the requirements that apply to their particular operation.
Before arranging liferaft hire, think about where the vessel operates, how far it may travel from shore and how many people could be onboard.
It is also worth considering whether the equipment will be used for a single voyage or for a longer period. Having these details ready can make it easier to discuss your requirements with a marine safety supplier.
Make Sure the Capacity Is Suitable
Capacity is one of the simplest things to check, but it is also one of the easiest things to get wrong.
The liferaft should be capable of accommodating the people it is intended to carry. This means looking at the maximum number of people who may be onboard rather than only considering the usual crew.
For example, a charter operator may regularly carry different numbers of passengers, while a yacht owner may take additional guests on an offshore trip.
The physical dimensions of the raft also matter. A larger liferaft may provide additional capacity, but there must be a suitable location where it can be stored and accessed safely.
Check Which Standards Apply
Not every liferaft is suitable for every type of vessel. Before hiring equipment, check which standards and requirements apply to your operation.
SOLAS, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, applies to vessels within its scope. Other vessels may be subject to UK requirements or applicable MCA Codes of Practice.
The MCA also provides guidance covering non-SOLAS inflatable liferafts used on certain UK commercial vessels. Relevant ISO standards may apply depending on the vessel and its operation.
This is an area where it is worth asking questions rather than making assumptions. A supplier should be able to tell you which standard the liferaft meets and whether it is appropriate for your intended use.
For commercial and fishing vessel operators, checking the applicable requirements before hiring can help avoid problems later.
Ask About the Service History
If you are hiring a liferaft, it is reasonable to ask about its maintenance and service history.
Find out when the raft was last serviced and whether the service is current. You can also ask whether documentation is available to confirm the equipment's service status.
The MCA has specific servicing requirements for inflatable lifesaving appliances, including requirements concerning approved service stations for applicable SOLAS equipment.
Requirements can differ for non-SOLAS equipment, so the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements applicable to the vessel should also be considered.
This is particularly important if you are hiring a raft for a commercial operation or an offshore passage. The equipment should be properly maintained and ready for use.
Look at What Comes With the Liferaft
It is easy to focus on the liferaft itself and overlook what is supplied inside it.
Depending on the type of raft and its intended use, the equipment pack may contain various survival and emergency items. These can include provisions, signalling equipment, sea anchors, paddles and repair equipment.
The contents are not necessarily identical for every liferaft, so ask the supplier what is included with the particular equipment you are hiring.
This is also a good time to look at your wider marine safety equipment. A liferaft does not replace other essential equipment such as lifejackets, EPIRBs, lifebuoys, immersion suits, flares or first aid equipment where these are required or appropriate.
Think About Where the Liferaft Will Go
A liferaft needs to be accessible in an emergency. That makes stowage an important part of the decision.
Before arranging liferaft hire, check whether the raft will fit the intended storage location and whether it can be accessed quickly if an emergency occurs.
The securing arrangements should also be appropriate. Depending on the vessel and installation, a Hydrostatic Release Unit may be required.
MCA guidance highlights the importance of correct stowage, securing and launching arrangements for applicable vessels.
If you are hiring a liferaft because your own equipment is being serviced, it is worth checking the installation requirements before the hired equipment arrives. This can prevent a situation where the raft is available but cannot be positioned correctly.
Do Not Forget the Rest of Your Safety Equipment
A liferaft is only one part of a vessel's emergency preparedness.
Before an offshore trip, it makes sense to review the condition and service status of other equipment onboard. Depending on the vessel and its operation, this could include lifejackets, EPIRBs, lifebuoys, immersion suits, flares, first aid equipment and emergency communication equipment.
Fishing vessel operators in particular need to consider the specific lifesaving equipment requirements that apply to their vessel.
The MCA provides guidance covering liferafts and other lifesaving appliances for different fishing vessel operations.
It is also important that crew members know where emergency equipment is stored and understand how it should be used. Equipment is much more useful when people are familiar with it before an emergency occurs.
Check the Hire Agreement
Before confirming liferaft hire, make sure you understand what is included.
Ask about the length of the hire, the service status of the equipment and whether delivery and collection are included. If the raft needs to be installed on the vessel, clarify whether installation support is available.
It is also worth asking what happens if your plans change and you need to extend the hire period.
These details may seem minor, but getting them clear before the hire begins can make the whole process much easier.
Choose a Supplier That Understands Marine Safety
The supplier can make a significant difference when you are unsure which equipment is appropriate.
Rather than choosing a liferaft based only on price, look for a provider that understands different vessel types and can explain the relevant equipment and servicing considerations.
ADEC Marine is one option for UK customers looking for liferaft hire and wider marine safety equipment. When comparing suppliers, consider the equipment specification, service status, documentation and support available.
For a yacht owner, this may simply mean getting the right temporary raft while an existing one is being serviced. For a commercial or fishing operator, the conversation may involve more detailed requirements.
A Simple Checklist Before You Hire
Before confirming a liferaft, it is worth checking a few basic points:
When Can Liferaft Hire Be Useful?
There are several situations where hiring makes practical sense.
A yacht owner may need temporary equipment while an existing liferaft is being serviced. A charter operator may need a raft for a particular season or voyage. A sailing club could require equipment for a training trip, while a commercial operator may need temporary replacement equipment.
Hiring can also be useful when preparing for a particular offshore passage where additional or different equipment is required.
The important thing is to make sure the hired raft is appropriate for the vessel and the planned operation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing liferaft hire is not simply about finding a raft that is available when you need one. The vessel, passenger capacity, operating area, applicable standards, servicing history and storage arrangements all need to be considered.
It is equally important to look at the wider marine safety equipment onboard and make sure everything required for the vessel's operation is properly maintained and accessible.
For UK yacht owners, leisure boaters, fishing vessel operators, charter businesses and commercial marine professionals, taking a little time to check these details can make the hiring process much easier.
If you are comparing liferaft options or reviewing the safety equipment onboard your vessel, speaking with an experienced marine safety supplier such as ADEC Marine can help you understand what to consider before making a decision.
This becomes particularly relevant when your own liferaft is away for servicing, when you are preparing for an offshore trip or when temporary equipment is required for a particular sailing or commercial operation. In these situations, liferaft hire can be a practical option.
But how do you know which liferaft is right for your vessel?
There is more to consider than simply finding a raft with the right number of places. Capacity, servicing, applicable standards, storage and the rest of your marine safety equipment all deserve attention before making a choice.
Start With Your Vessel
The right liferaft depends on the vessel and how it is being used.
A privately owned yacht making coastal trips may have different considerations from a fishing vessel working offshore. A charter boat carrying passengers also needs to take its maximum passenger capacity into account, while commercial vessel operators need to consider the requirements that apply to their particular operation.
Before arranging liferaft hire, think about where the vessel operates, how far it may travel from shore and how many people could be onboard.
It is also worth considering whether the equipment will be used for a single voyage or for a longer period. Having these details ready can make it easier to discuss your requirements with a marine safety supplier.
Make Sure the Capacity Is Suitable
Capacity is one of the simplest things to check, but it is also one of the easiest things to get wrong.
The liferaft should be capable of accommodating the people it is intended to carry. This means looking at the maximum number of people who may be onboard rather than only considering the usual crew.
For example, a charter operator may regularly carry different numbers of passengers, while a yacht owner may take additional guests on an offshore trip.
The physical dimensions of the raft also matter. A larger liferaft may provide additional capacity, but there must be a suitable location where it can be stored and accessed safely.
Check Which Standards Apply
Not every liferaft is suitable for every type of vessel. Before hiring equipment, check which standards and requirements apply to your operation.
SOLAS, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, applies to vessels within its scope. Other vessels may be subject to UK requirements or applicable MCA Codes of Practice.
The MCA also provides guidance covering non-SOLAS inflatable liferafts used on certain UK commercial vessels. Relevant ISO standards may apply depending on the vessel and its operation.
This is an area where it is worth asking questions rather than making assumptions. A supplier should be able to tell you which standard the liferaft meets and whether it is appropriate for your intended use.
For commercial and fishing vessel operators, checking the applicable requirements before hiring can help avoid problems later.
Ask About the Service History
If you are hiring a liferaft, it is reasonable to ask about its maintenance and service history.
Find out when the raft was last serviced and whether the service is current. You can also ask whether documentation is available to confirm the equipment's service status.
The MCA has specific servicing requirements for inflatable lifesaving appliances, including requirements concerning approved service stations for applicable SOLAS equipment.
Requirements can differ for non-SOLAS equipment, so the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements applicable to the vessel should also be considered.
This is particularly important if you are hiring a raft for a commercial operation or an offshore passage. The equipment should be properly maintained and ready for use.
Look at What Comes With the Liferaft
It is easy to focus on the liferaft itself and overlook what is supplied inside it.
Depending on the type of raft and its intended use, the equipment pack may contain various survival and emergency items. These can include provisions, signalling equipment, sea anchors, paddles and repair equipment.
The contents are not necessarily identical for every liferaft, so ask the supplier what is included with the particular equipment you are hiring.
This is also a good time to look at your wider marine safety equipment. A liferaft does not replace other essential equipment such as lifejackets, EPIRBs, lifebuoys, immersion suits, flares or first aid equipment where these are required or appropriate.
Think About Where the Liferaft Will Go
A liferaft needs to be accessible in an emergency. That makes stowage an important part of the decision.
Before arranging liferaft hire, check whether the raft will fit the intended storage location and whether it can be accessed quickly if an emergency occurs.
The securing arrangements should also be appropriate. Depending on the vessel and installation, a Hydrostatic Release Unit may be required.
MCA guidance highlights the importance of correct stowage, securing and launching arrangements for applicable vessels.
If you are hiring a liferaft because your own equipment is being serviced, it is worth checking the installation requirements before the hired equipment arrives. This can prevent a situation where the raft is available but cannot be positioned correctly.
Do Not Forget the Rest of Your Safety Equipment
A liferaft is only one part of a vessel's emergency preparedness.
Before an offshore trip, it makes sense to review the condition and service status of other equipment onboard. Depending on the vessel and its operation, this could include lifejackets, EPIRBs, lifebuoys, immersion suits, flares, first aid equipment and emergency communication equipment.
Fishing vessel operators in particular need to consider the specific lifesaving equipment requirements that apply to their vessel.
The MCA provides guidance covering liferafts and other lifesaving appliances for different fishing vessel operations.
It is also important that crew members know where emergency equipment is stored and understand how it should be used. Equipment is much more useful when people are familiar with it before an emergency occurs.
Check the Hire Agreement
Before confirming liferaft hire, make sure you understand what is included.
Ask about the length of the hire, the service status of the equipment and whether delivery and collection are included. If the raft needs to be installed on the vessel, clarify whether installation support is available.
It is also worth asking what happens if your plans change and you need to extend the hire period.
These details may seem minor, but getting them clear before the hire begins can make the whole process much easier.
Choose a Supplier That Understands Marine Safety
The supplier can make a significant difference when you are unsure which equipment is appropriate.
Rather than choosing a liferaft based only on price, look for a provider that understands different vessel types and can explain the relevant equipment and servicing considerations.
ADEC Marine is one option for UK customers looking for liferaft hire and wider marine safety equipment. When comparing suppliers, consider the equipment specification, service status, documentation and support available.
For a yacht owner, this may simply mean getting the right temporary raft while an existing one is being serviced. For a commercial or fishing operator, the conversation may involve more detailed requirements.
A Simple Checklist Before You Hire
Before confirming a liferaft, it is worth checking a few basic points:
- Is the raft suitable for the vessel?
- Is its capacity sufficient?
- Does it meet the applicable standard?
- Is the servicing current?
- Is service documentation available?
- What equipment is included?
- Can it be safely stored and launched?
- Are the hire terms clear?
- Does the rest of the vessel's safety equipment meet its requirements?
When Can Liferaft Hire Be Useful?
There are several situations where hiring makes practical sense.
A yacht owner may need temporary equipment while an existing liferaft is being serviced. A charter operator may need a raft for a particular season or voyage. A sailing club could require equipment for a training trip, while a commercial operator may need temporary replacement equipment.
Hiring can also be useful when preparing for a particular offshore passage where additional or different equipment is required.
The important thing is to make sure the hired raft is appropriate for the vessel and the planned operation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing liferaft hire is not simply about finding a raft that is available when you need one. The vessel, passenger capacity, operating area, applicable standards, servicing history and storage arrangements all need to be considered.
It is equally important to look at the wider marine safety equipment onboard and make sure everything required for the vessel's operation is properly maintained and accessible.
For UK yacht owners, leisure boaters, fishing vessel operators, charter businesses and commercial marine professionals, taking a little time to check these details can make the hiring process much easier.
If you are comparing liferaft options or reviewing the safety equipment onboard your vessel, speaking with an experienced marine safety supplier such as ADEC Marine can help you understand what to consider before making a decision.