he new international regulation ISO 9650, published on March 1st 2005, foresees two different models of liferafts according to the type of navigation: liferafts of Type 1 and Type 2.
The choice between the two types of raft (and safety equipment) is left to the captain, under his responsibility.
Concerning the type of navigation conceived for the rafts of Type 1, the ISO 9650 text quotes as follows:
are designed for extended voyages, where strong wind and significant wave heights may be experienced, but excluding abnormal atmospheric conditions such as the hurricanes. They can be thrown over board from the max height of 6m from the level of the water.