All pleasure boats authorized to navigate beyond 12 miles from the coast are required by law to carry a life raft.

The rafts currently sold on the market are for the following number of seats: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 50 and 65. Depending on the number of people defined in the office of the boat, it will be provided with the necessary rafts.

Liferafts of any type should be inspected annually with an inflation test. And every five years, with a gas cylinder load test. While it is true that a raft, packed in its container and stowed in a correct environment, can remain operational for several years, as far as the material is concerned, since the useful life of the materials is reduced not with time but with exposure to the elements. It is no less true that what it contains does expire, especially the contents of the first aid kit, the batteries and the signaling pyrotechnics.

The radio beacon is an alarm system for emergency cases, which can have a built-in GPS, and in this case it will also transmit our exact location. It can be activated manually, but it will activate automatically when it contacts water and its metal contacts are submerged. Then it will float and begin transmitting an alarm signal, with the data of our location at sea: name of the ship, registration number and the telephone number defined for emergencies. The radio beacon must be located in a clear access, that allows it to be opened without any obstruction, that it does not become trapped and in a place known to everyone. Its elements must be kept in good condition and changed when necessary: ​​the cover every two years and the battery every four. It will be kept away from engine exhaust, powerful heat sources, and chemical or stone storage areas. To use it correctly, it must be tied with the castaway, either in the life raft (never in the container) or in the vest, etc. And it will be activated as soon as possible, manually or automatically when it hits the water. It is not mandatory to carry it on board ships that sail less than 25 miles, but it is an element that can save your life. It is appropriate to learn how to perform a mock test and practice it every two or three months, but especially before going sailing.