For different ships, there have different requirements for Life Raft and life boat on ships, here below will specify the details requirements of life raft and Life Boat on passenger boat,cargo ship, oil tanker.

1.Passenger Boat

Those engaged on international voyages, which are not short international voyages, shall carry lifeboats complying with the requirements of: Regulation 42 (partially enclosed boats), Regulation 43 (self righting partially enclosed boats), Regulation 44 (totally enclosed boats) on each side of such aggregate capacity as will accommodate not less than 50 per cent of the total number of persons aboard.

Substitution of lifeboats by life rafts will be permitted provided that there shall never be less than a sufficient number of lifeboats on each side of the vessel to accommodate 37.5 per cent of the total number of persons on board. Life rafts being served by launching apparatus.

In addition there should be life rafts of such aggregate capacity as will accommodate 25 per cent of the total number of persons on board. These life rafts should be served by at least one launching device on each side, which may be those, as stated above.

2, Cargo Ship (except oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers)

One or more lifeboats should be carried complying with the requirements of Regulation 44 (totally enclosed boats), of such aggregate capacity on each side of the ship as will accommodate the total number of persons on board.

Cargo ships, if operating under favourable climatic conditions and in suitable areas, may carry boats which comply with Regulation 43 (selfrighting partially enclosed boats), provided the limits of the trade area are specified in the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate; and life raft or life rafts capable of being launched either side and of such aggregate capacity as will accommodate the total number of persons on board. If the life rafts cannot be readily transferred then, on each side, the total capacity available each side shall be sufficient for all persons on board.

Alternative for Cargo Ships

One or more totally enclosed boats capable of being ‘Free fall launched, over the stern’. The aggregate capacity of such craft must accommodate all persons on board.

In addition there should be life rafts either side of the ship to accommodate all persons on board, and at least one side of the ship shall be served by a launching device.

3. Cargo Ships less than 85 metres in length

Cargo ships other than oil tankers, gas carriers and chemical tankers may comply with the regulations by carrying one or more life rafts on either side of such aggregate capacity for all persons on board. Unless these life rafts can be readily transferred for launching either side, additional life rafts shall be provided so that the total capacity available on each side will accommodate 150 per cent of the total number of persons on board.

4. Oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers

Those carrying cargoes having a flash point not exceeding 60℃(closed cup test), shall carry fire protected, totally enclosed boats.

In the case of chemical and gas carriers carrying cargoes, which give off toxic vapours, the lifeboats carried must be equipped with a self-
contained air support system which complies with the regulations.