Legally, do I need to carry a life raft in the Med ?

[BigJoe]

And if so……………. What size.
We plan to cruise the med, and in a year or so, cross the pond and then see where we end up.
Do I need a fully serviced liferaft, and if so, what size for just the 2 of us.

 

[macd]

So far as I know, no, although 'the Med' includes at least 22 sovereign states, so there probably isn't a simple answer to your question.
However, the RYA website will give a more authoritative view: http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/boatingabroad/Pages/default.aspx

Imray's Med Cruising Handbook and Almanac also give country-by-country information.

 

[Tranona]

And if so……………. What size.
We plan to cruise the med, and in a year or so, cross the pond and then see where we end up.
Do I need a fully serviced liferaft, and if so, what size for just the 2 of us.

Depends on where the boat is registered, its size and where it is kept. If it is British registered under 13.7m then there is no requirement, over that there are mandatory safety equipment requirements which are listed under Safety Information in the RYA link. Generally coastal states do not impose local regulations on visitors, however, some may particularly if the boat is then kept in that state - Portugal is a recent example where they have adopted a policy of imposing local requirements on foreign registered craft that stay there more than 180 days. There is a good summary of the relevant international law and rules on the site.

A 4 man liferaft would be enough for 2 of you. No need for bigger, but choose a high spec one if you are doing longer passages offshore. An EPIRB is arguably even more important if you are going out of VHF range.

 

[Woodlouse]

And if so……………. What size.
We plan to cruise the med, and in a year or so, cross the pond and then see where we end up.
Do I need a fully serviced liferaft, and if so, what size for just the 2 of us.

Personally I don't see the point in having a liferaft that is for less people than I have bunks for. However I generally sail with four onboard offshore and have bunks for six. If it really is just going to be the two of you then it's best not to get one too big since they rely to some extent on the weight of the occupants for stability.

 

[Sybarite]

And if so……………. What size.
We plan to cruise the med, and in a year or so, cross the pond and then see where we end up.
Do I need a fully serviced liferaft, and if so, what size for just the 2 of us.

If you had seen the 78knts at Bonnifacio that I saw the question wouldn't even be asked. The Med should never be treated lightly as bad weather can happen very quickly.

PS I have just read that you were an RNLI coxswain, so your question surprises me even more.

FWIW if there are just two of you, this is what would attract me :

http://www.portlandpudgy.com/

 

[BigJoe]

If you had seen the 78knts at Bonnifacio that I saw the question wouldn't even be asked. The Med should never be treated lightly as bad weather can happen very quickly.

PS I have just read that you were an RNLI coxswain, so your question surprises me even more.

FWIW if there are just two of you, this is what would attract me :

http://www.portlandpudgy.com/

Why does my question surprise you ?

Did you assume I would be daft enough to go to see without a life raft aboard ?

For the record, I already have an 8 man life raft, which I feel is excessive for just the 2 of us.

 

[TQA]

I think an 8 man liferaft with only two people is regarded as dangerously under occupied if it is windy.

I might be wrong on this but am sure I read that for stability you need the full number aboard.

I am sure that someone will be along to correct me if I got it wrong.

 

[sailorman]

And if so……………. What size.
We plan to cruise the med, and in a year or so, cross the pond and then see where we end up.
Do I need a fully serviced liferaft, and if so, what size for just the 2 of us.

If you have to ask, should you be crossing "The Pond" with your present knowledge

 

[ProMariner]

Also, 2 folk would struggle to get an 8 man raft over the side.

Get a new 4 man, 3 years of not having to get it serviced in different parts of the globe is well worth it.

Don't get a raft if your boat is 1. unsinkable, 2. non flammable, and 3. self righting in all states/conditions.

I am happy enough offshore with a good ready use tender instead, in tandem with a couple of survival suits. But a raft offers piece of mind to your crew, and nervous petty officials.

 

[BigJoe]

If you have to ask, should you be crossing "The Pond" with your present knowledge

I could always hope to be as wise as you

 

[sailorman]

I could always hope to be as wise as you

I have only subscribed to the RNLI for 40 yrs, not worked for them though

 

[alant]

Depends on where the boat is registered, its size and where it is kept. If it is British registered under 13.7m then there is no requirement, over that there are mandatory safety equipment requirements which are listed under Safety Information in the RYA link. Generally coastal states do not impose local regulations on visitors, however, some may particularly if the boat is then kept in that state - Portugal is a recent example where they have adopted a policy of imposing local requirements on foreign registered craft that stay there more than 180 days. There is a good summary of the relevant international law and rules on the site.

A 4 man liferaft would be enough for 2 of you. No need for bigger, but choose a high spec one if you are doing longer passages offshore. An EPIRB is arguably even more important if you are going out of VHF range.

In fact, too big a liferaft, can be positively dangerous.

 

[Sybarite]

Why does my question surprise you ?

Did you assume I would be daft enough to go to see without a life raft aboard ?

For the record, I already have an 8 man life raft, which I feel is excessive for just the 2 of us.

Your question was : Legally do I need to carry a life raft in the Med?

My response was only based on a common understanding of the English language.