# Life Raft Sizes: How to Choose 4, 6, 8 or 12+ Person Rafts > Life raft sizes run from 4 persons for small craft and a 6-person SOLAS minimum to 25+ for ships. Learn how capacity is rated and how to choose. Marine Safety By [MARS Engineering & Sales Team](/about/) Published Oct 23, 20267 min read Life raft sizes are rated by the number of persons a raft is approved to carry, typically from 4 persons for recreational and small-craft rafts up to 25 or more for ships, with SOLAS rafts starting at a minimum of 6. The right size is the smallest approved capacity that covers everyone who could be on board, multiplied across each side of the vessel where the rules require it. Choosing a raft much larger than the crew makes it harder to stabilize and keep warm, so bigger is not automatically safer. ## Key takeaways - A raft's rated capacity is the lowest of three limits: buoyancy tube volume (0.096 m³ per person), floor area (0.372 m² per person) and the number of adults who can actually sit inside. - SOLAS liferafts must carry at least 6 persons; ISO 9650-1 rafts for small craft up to 24 m cover capacities of 4 to 16 persons. - Since 1 January 2012, SOLAS liferafts on new ships are designed and tested around an average person mass of 82.5 kg instead of 75 kg. - A throw-overboard SOLAS raft, with container and equipment, must not exceed 185 kg unless it is launched by an approved appliance or is not required to be moved side to side. - Commercial carriage is set by the total persons on board and per-side capacity rules, not by the regular crew size. - Capacity, standard, equipment pack and container type are the main drivers of price; size alone explains only part of the difference. ## How is life raft capacity calculated? Capacity is not a marketing figure; it comes from the approval standard. Under the LSA Code, the number of persons a raft may carry is the lowest of: - The volume of the main buoyancy tubes in cubic meters divided by 0.096. - The inner floor area in square meters divided by 0.372. - The number of persons of the design average mass, wearing lifejackets or immersion suits, who can sit inside with enough headroom and without interfering with the raft's equipment. For SOLAS rafts on ships whose keels were laid on or after 1 January 2012, the design person mass rose from 75 kg to 82.5 kg. That change affects raft design and davit safe working loads, which matters if you are replacing a davit-launched raft on an older ship. Small-craft rafts to ISO 9650 use their own calculation, but on the same principles of buoyancy, floor area and seating. ## What are the common life raft sizes? Most manufacturers build their life raft sizes around a few standard capacities. The table shows where each size is typically used; exact availability depends on the manufacturer and approval. | Capacity | Typical standard | Typical use | | --- | --- | --- | | 2 persons | Non-ISO or national | Small tenders and leisure use; not acceptable as a commercial raft | | 4 persons | ISO 9650 or national | Coastal sailboats, small fishing boats, day charter boats | | 6 persons | SOLAS, ISO 9650 or national | Offshore yachts, small workboats, the minimum SOLAS size | | 8 persons | SOLAS, ISO 9650 or national | Larger yachts, fishing vessels, pilot and crew boats | | 10 to 12 persons | SOLAS or ISO 9650 | Fishing vessels, tugs, offshore supply crew, larger yachts | | 16 to 25 persons | SOLAS | Cargo ships, ferries, offshore vessels | | 25 to 50+ persons | SOLAS, often davit-launched | Passenger ships, large crews, marine evacuation systems | Rafts are often referred to as a "6 man life raft" or "8 man life raft", but the approval certificate states persons. For SOLAS ships you will see the capacity marked on the container alongside the equipment pack and maximum stowage height. ## Which standard applies to my vessel? The standard is set by the vessel type and trading area. Size then follows within that standard. - **SOLAS / LSA Code rafts** are required on ships under the SOLAS convention and are widely used on fishing vessels, offshore craft and large yachts. They are designed to survive 30 days afloat and to work after an 18 m drop. Our article on [SOLAS inflatable liferaft types](/blog/solas-inflatable-liferaft-types-explained/) explains the launching and self-righting options. - **ISO 9650-1 rafts** are for small craft up to 24 m, launched from no more than 6 m, in capacities from 4 to 16 persons. They are the usual choice for an offshore or coastal recreational boat that does not need a SOLAS raft, and racing rules often specify them. - **National fishing-vessel standards** apply in many countries and may define their own capacities and equipment packs. - **Non-approved emergency rafts**, including some 2-person rafts, may suit leisure use but are not accepted on commercial vessels. For racing, chartering or commercial work, the rulebook, charter licence or flag decides the standard before you think about size. ## How do I choose the right life raft size? Choosing between life raft sizes starts from the maximum number of people who could be on board; then apply the carriage rule for your vessel. These steps work for most buyers: - **Count the maximum persons on board**, not the usual crew. Include passengers, guests, observers and riding crew. - **Apply the carriage rule.** On ships this usually means capacity for 100% of persons on each side, or on one side if rafts can be moved easily. Cargo ships under 85 m that carry only liferafts need 150% per side if rafts cannot be transferred, under SOLAS III/31. - **Choose the combination of rafts.** Two 12-person rafts can be a better choice than one 25-person raft, because each stays within the 185 kg handling limit and losing one raft does not remove all capacity. - **Check weight and stowage.** Confirm that the crew can handle each raft, that the cradle fits, and that the stowage height is within the raft's approved drop height. - **Avoid oversizing.** People inside a raft act as ballast. A 12-person raft with two people aboard carries little ballast, can be more prone to capsize in breaking seas, and is colder inside than a raft matched to the crew. On a small yacht or fishing boat, the right answer is usually the smallest approved size equal to or just above the maximum crew. A boat that sails with two to four people normally carries a 4-person raft, and one that sometimes carries five or six people needs a 6-person raft. ## How heavy is a life raft and where does it go? Weight rises with capacity, equipment and standard. A 4-person valise raft for a sailboat may be light enough for one person to carry, while a 25-person SOLAS raft in a canister approaches the 185 kg limit and needs a proper cradle and two or more crew. | Factor | Effect on size and weight | | --- | --- | | Capacity | More buoyancy tube, floor fabric and gas | | Standard | SOLAS rafts are heavier and bulkier than ISO 9650 rafts of the same capacity | | Equipment pack | A full offshore or SOLAS A pack adds water, rations and pyrotechnics | | Container | Hard canisters protect deck-stowed rafts; soft valises suit lockers on small boats | | Self-righting or insulated floor | Extra chambers and floor insulation add bulk | Above the 185 kg limit, rafts are normally davit-launched. On larger ships the choice of stowage and launching also links to the float-free arrangement, explained in our guide to the [hydrostatic release unit](/blog/hydrostatic-release-unit-explained/) . ## How much does a life raft cost? Prices vary widely by market, standard, capacity, equipment and approvals, so treat any figure as indicative only. As a broad guide, a basic coastal raft for a few people sits at the lower end, an ISO offshore raft costs noticeably more, and SOLAS rafts for 16 persons or more, or davit-launched rafts, are at the top of the range. The main cost drivers are: - **Approval standard**, SOLAS costing more than ISO 9650 and ISO more than non-approved rafts. - **Capacity and features**, such as self-righting, double floors and polar insulation. - **Equipment pack**, including perishable items that are replaced at each service. - **Accessories**, including the cradle, HRU and davit hook. - **Lifetime servicing**, which can exceed the purchase price over the raft's life. Intervals and planning are covered in our [liferaft servicing guide](/blog/liferaft-servicing-hru-replacement-guide/) . For a fleet, compare the total cost over the raft's expected service life, not just the purchase price. ## What is the difference between an offshore and a coastal life raft? An offshore life raft is built and equipped for longer survival times in colder, rougher water. A coastal raft is lighter and simpler and is meant for use close to shore where rescue is expected within about a day. Within ISO 9650-1, rafts are commonly divided into two groups: one designed for temperatures down to about -15 °C, usually with an insulated floor, and one for water and air at 0 °C and above. The equipment pack differs too, as offshore packs typically carry more water and rations, pyrotechnics and thermal protection. For vessels that sail far from land or in cold water, the offshore or SOLAS-standard raft is the safer choice whatever the size. ## Frequently asked questions What size life raft do I need for my boat? Choose the smallest approved capacity that covers the maximum number of people who could be on board. On commercial vessels, also apply the per-side capacity rule set by your flag or SOLAS chapter III. Is a 4 person life raft big enough for a family boat? A 4-person raft suits a boat that never carries more than four people, including children. If a fifth person ever comes aboard, a 6-person raft is needed. What is the smallest SOLAS liferaft? The LSA Code does not approve SOLAS liferafts for fewer than 6 persons. Smaller 4-person rafts are approved under ISO 9650 or national rules for small craft. Can I use a bigger life raft than I need? You can, but a raft that is much too large for its occupants is less stable and harder to keep warm. Match capacity closely to the maximum persons on board. Are aviation life rafts the same as marine life rafts? No. Aviation rafts are approved to aviation standards and designed for light weight and ditching, while marine rafts are approved to SOLAS, ISO 9650 or national marine rules. Commercial vessels need a raft with marine approval. Is a self-inflating life raft the same as an inflatable life raft? Practically yes. Approved inflatable life rafts inflate automatically from a gas cylinder when the painter is pulled or the float-free arrangement operates, so no pumping is needed. MARS supplies rafts from 4 to over 100 persons, including the [compact YJT throw-overboard raft](/products/marine-safety-equipment/compact-throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-yjt-series-4-8-persons/) for small boats and the [HSR-YSR self-righting raft](/products/marine-safety-equipment/self-righting-inflatable-liferaft-for-fishing-vessels-hsr-ysr-series-6-25-persons/) for fishing vessels, as used on our [coastal fishing fleet project](/projects/fishing-fleet-liferafts-hsr-ysr/) . [Send us your vessel type and persons on board](/contact/) and we will propose matched raft sizes and quantities. M **MARS Engineering & Sales Team** Written by the engineering and sales team at Shanghai Mars Industrial Co., Ltd., who specify, inspect and ship marine and industrial power equipment from Shanghai every week. ## Share - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marine-equipment-supply.com%2Fblog%2Flife-raft-sizes-capacity-guide%2F) - [Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=Life+Raft+Sizes%3A+How+to+Choose+4%2C+6%2C+8+or+12%2B+Person+Rafts+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marine-equipment-supply.com%2Fblog%2Flife-raft-sizes-capacity-guide%2F) - [Share by email](mailto:?subject=Life+Raft+Sizes%3A+How+to+Choose+4%2C+6%2C+8+or+12%2B+Person+Rafts&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marine-equipment-supply.com%2Fblog%2Flife-raft-sizes-capacity-guide%2F) **Products mentioned** - [Compact Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft YJT Series (4–8 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/compact-throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-yjt-series-4-8-persons/) - [Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft YT Series (4–16 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-yt-series-4-16-persons/) - [Throw-Overboard Self-Righting Yacht Liferaft YSR Series (4–12 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-self-righting-yacht-liferaft-ysr-series-4-12-persons/) - [Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft ATOB Series (6–35 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-atob-series-6-35-persons/) - [Self-Righting Inflatable Liferaft for Fishing Vessels HSR-YSR Series (6–25 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/self-righting-inflatable-liferaft-for-fishing-vessels-hsr-ysr-series-6-25-persons/) - [Davit-Launched Inflatable Liferaft ADL Series (12–35 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/davit-launched-inflatable-liferaft-adl-series-12-35-persons/) ## Need a quotation? Send your model, application and quantity — we reply within 24 hours on working days. [Get a quote](/contact/#inquiry) ## Products from this guide OEM Liferafts · Marine Safety Equipment ### [Compact Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft YJT Series (4–8 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/compact-throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-yjt-series-4-8-persons/) A compact throw-overboard inflatable liferaft for small boats and yachts, in 4 to 8 person capacities. Its… View details → OEM Liferafts · Marine Safety Equipment ### [Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft YT Series (4–16 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-yt-series-4-16-persons/) A compact throw-overboard inflatable liferaft for yachts, small craft, and coastal vessels, in 4 to 16… View details → OEM Liferafts · Marine Safety Equipment ### [Throw-Overboard Self-Righting Yacht Liferaft YSR Series (4–12 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-self-righting-yacht-liferaft-ysr-series-4-12-persons/) A throw-overboard, self-righting inflatable liferaft for yachts, in 4 to 12 person capacities. Its compact… View details → OEM Liferafts · Marine Safety Equipment ### [Throw-Overboard Inflatable Liferaft ATOB Series (6–35 Persons)](/products/marine-safety-equipment/throw-overboard-inflatable-liferaft-atob-series-6-35-persons/) A SOLAS throw-overboard inflatable liferaft for merchant ships, in 6 to 35 person capacities. Its packed FRP… View details → ## Keep reading [All articles](/blog/) Marine Safety · Oct 23, 2026 ### [Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU): How It Works and SOLAS Rules](/blog/hydrostatic-release-unit-explained/) A hydrostatic release unit frees a liferaft from a sinking ship at a depth of no more than 4 m. Learn how an HRU works, LSA Code rules and correct… Read article → Marine Safety · Oct 23, 2026 ### [Lifeboat vs Liferaft: Types of Survival Craft on Ships Explained](/blog/lifeboat-vs-liferaft-survival-craft-types/) Lifeboat vs liferaft: a lifeboat is a rigid, engine-driven craft for up to 150 people; a liferaft is an inflatable craft that drifts. Types and… Read article → Marine Safety · Mar 26, 2026 ### [Liferaft Servicing and HRU Replacement: A Fleet Manager's Guide](/blog/liferaft-servicing-hru-replacement-guide/) Liferaft servicing is required at intervals of no more than 12 months under SOLAS III/20. Learn HRU replacement, A vs B packs and how to plan fleet… Read article → URL: https://www.marine-equipment-supply.com/blog/life-raft-sizes-capacity-guide/