What is the primary function of a ship's life raft?

The primary function of a ship's life raft is to provide emergency flotation and survival assistance for the crew in case of abandonment. In situations where a ship is in distress, such as sinking or capsizing, life rafts are crucial for ensuring the safety of crew members and offering them a means to stay afloat. Life rafts are designed to be deployed quickly and can hold multiple occupants while providing some degree of protection from the elements. They often come equipped with survival kits that include essential supplies such as water, food rations, and signaling devices to enhance the chances of rescue.

While a life raft may have some features that could theoretically allow for the storage of supplies, acting as a cargo carrier, or even supporting fishing operations, these are not its intended purposes. The design and deployment of a life raft are focused primarily on safeguarding human life in emergency situations.