What is the role of a life raft?

The role of a life raft primarily revolves around serving as a temporary flotation device for individuals in distress. In emergency situations, such as maritime accidents or evacuations, life rafts are designed to keep people afloat and safe from the aquatic environment until they can be rescued. They are equipped to support individuals who may otherwise face the risk of drowning in open water, allowing them to wait for assistance in relative safety.

While life rafts can indeed provide some level of shelter from the elements, such as wind and rain, this is not their primary purpose. Similarly, although they may facilitate transportation to a certain extent, especially in calmer waters, the main function is not as a means of travel but rather to provide immediate buoyancy and safety. Some life rafts may also have the capacity to store emergency supplies, but carrying food is not a central capability or objective of their design and usage. Thus, their essential role is to offer a secure flotation platform for individuals in emergencies.