What is the primary purpose of a life raft designed for offshore use?

The primary purpose of a life raft designed for offshore use is long-term survival. Offshore environments can be particularly challenging due to factors such as extreme weather conditions, limited rescue options, and the possibility of being adrift for an extended period of time. Life rafts are equipped with features that support survival for prolonged durations, including provisions for storing food and water, as well as safety equipment like distress signals and reflective materials to increase visibility.

These life rafts are built to withstand harsher conditions compared to their inshore counterparts, ensuring that those on board have the best possible chance of enduring until rescue arrives. This includes not only physical durability but also amenities that enhance the chances of survival, such as thermal insulation and protection from water ingress.

While quick evacuation and emergency signal transmission are important aspects of overall safety protocols, they are more related to the immediate response in an emergency rather than the life raft's core focus, which is to secure the well-being of individuals over an extended period while waiting for help.