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LIFERAFT STOWAGE

Most liferafts are available packed in either  (soft) valise or (hard) cannister.

If you are required to carry a liferaft by USCG regulation, stowage will be determined by USCG regulation.

If you are racing, stowage will usually be determined by the applicable race rules.

Liferafts should be stowed so that they are readily accessible.

Cannister liferafts must be used if the liferaft is not stowed in a dry location.
Valise liferafts can only be stowed below deck or in a watertight compartment.

Cannister liferafts are less susceptible to damage than valises, but weigh about 10% more.
Valise liferafts cannot be squeezed or bent to fit an irregular space.
Neither valise nor cannister should be stowed beneath other items.

The same liferaft model has nearly the same dimensions whether packed in valise or cannister.

  USE THIS TABLE TO SELECT VALISE OR CANNISTER

  FIRST:

  Do you want the liferaft to deploy automatically?

PRO: allows the liferaft to deploy if the vessel goes down quickly, can also be deployed manually.
CON: requires deck cradle and hydrostatic release.



  YES

Order a cannister model

 NO

go to next question

 

SECOND:

  Does the vessel have a purpose built watertight liferaft compartment?

PRO: keeps liferaft protected and readily available.
CON: will not deploy automatically.



  YES

Order either valise or cannister

  NO

go to next question

  THIRD:

  Do you want compliance with ISAF Offshore Special Regulations (see rule below) for liferaft stowage?



  YES

Order cannister if stowed on working deck
Order valise or cannister if stowed in purpose built watertight compartment
If rule 4.20.3 A a)iv) applies (see below):
Order valise if model is 40kg or less to be stowed below deck, cannister if over 40kg

  NO

Order cannister to stow in deck cradle
Order cannister to stow lashed on deck
Order cannister to stow in locker
Order valise or cannister to stow below deck or in watertight compartment

INTERNATIONAL SAILING FEDERATION OFFSHORE SPECIAL REGULATIONS
4.20.3 Liferaft Packing and Stowage
A Liferaft shall be either:-
a) packed in a transportable rigid container or canister and stowed on the working deck or in the cockpit, or:-
b) packed in a transportable rigid container or canister or in a valise and stowed in a purpose-built rigid compartment containing liferaft(s) only and opening into or adjacent to the cockpit or working deck, or through a transom, provided that:- i) each compartment is watertight or self-draining (self-draining compartments will be counted as part of the cockpit volume except when entirely above working deck level or when draining independently overboard from a transom stowage - see OSR 3.09) and ii) the cover of each compartment is capable of being easily opened under water pressure, and iii) the compartment is designed and built to allow a liferaft to be removed and launched quickly and easily, or iv) in a yacht with age or series date before 6/01, a liferaft may be packed in a valise not exceeding 40kg securely stowed below deck adjacent to a companionway.
c) The end of each liferaft painter should be permanently made fast to a strong point on board the yacht.