Speedmaster Series Life Rafts

Quality Marine Safety Equipment Engineered For Your Survival

SPEEDMASTER®LIFE RAFTS 

HIGH SPEED CRAFT (HSC) CODE, ANNEX 11 certified, Commercial survey compliant

View Now

Great Circle Speedmaster® Life Rafts are designed as quick response rescue platforms for vessels operating in protected waters where shipwreck survivors are required to be evacuated promptly and rescued quickly.

Being fully reversible and without a canopy, this type of life raft can be boarded quickly and used either way up, its floor being placed in-between the two buoyancy chambers. A boarding ramp is mounted on each tube allowing fast survivor access as soon as the life raft deploys.

Speedmaster life rafts meet or exceed the highest specifications set down by Australian marine authorities, International Organisation for Standardisation and boating associations.

They feature premium components, top quality craftsmanship and meticulous quality control. If the worst should happen, in the most demanding of sea conditions, you can be confident that your Great Circle Speedmaster® Life Raft is designed and equipped to quickly save lives

  • ISO 9001:2015 (Bureau Veritas) – Quality assured life raft manufacturing facility
  • International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft (HSC) 2000 Annex 11. International Life Saving Appliance Code as amended
  • NSCV (Commercial Survey) compliant

ISO 9001:2015

(Bureau Veritas) – Quality assured life raft manufacturing facility

International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft (HSC) 2000 Annex 11.

International Life Saving Appliance Code as amended

NSCV

Commercial Survey Approved

Key Features

  • Double, fail safe buoyancy tubes and auto-inflatable arch/canopy support system formed from neoprene/polybutadiene rubber
  •  Double layer, rip stop woven waterproof nylon canopy. In addition to improving insulation properties, the canopy’s interior blue layer aids ambiant comfort by lessening the harsh orange glow usually associated with single skinned canopies. 
  • CO2/N2 inflation system features premium quality gas cylinder(s) and firing mechanism. Designed to inflate correctly at an ambient air temperature of between -15º and 65º C.
  •  Insulated floor constructed of either aluminium composite cellular foam or a manually inflated air pocket that encompasses the entire floor. Either type guards against hypothermia and greatly improves comfort 
  • High visibility canopy and stability bags greatly assists Search and Rescue. 
  • High capacity & weighted stability bags o
  • Manually or automatically deployed, heavy duty drogue (sea anchor) with minimum 30 metres of line and anti-foul swivel. 
  • Semi-rigid boarding platform and support handle features with interior assist bridle.
  • Extra-large entrance for easy boarding. Entrance closure(s) feature heavy duty dual zippers with ventilation tie-backs. 
  • Rainwater catchment system with sealable storage pouches inside 
  • Viewing port and vent
  •  Heavy duty life raft righting system 
  • Easily accessed buoyancy tube topping up valves.
  •  Full circumference exterior lifeline and interior grab-lines. 
  • SOLAS standard exterior LED locator light and LED interior light individually switchable.
  •  Uni-directional retro-reflective tape segments on underside of hull and on canopy. 
  • Minimum 28 metres painter line 
  • Choice of emergency equipment pack, featuring premium quality components 
  • Top-quality fibreglass canister for robust protection and long service life
  • Expertly packed for greater environmental protection and prolonged service intervals. 

Specifications may change as Great Circle endeavours to produce the finest life-saving equipment through continual advancement of our products

In An Emergency

In an emergency, a Oceanmaster life raft may be manoeuvred overboard manually, or may be dropped into the sea from its stowage cradle by gravity, or may float free by means of a Hydrostatic Release Unit when the stricken vessel sinks. The life raft is designed to inflate at the sea surface.

The life raft is inflated by fully withdrawing its painter line and providing a sharp tug as the end of the line is reached. The painter line is usually 8 metres long. The Throw-Overboard life raft type requires survivors to board the floating life raft by stepping into it, climbing down the vessel’s side or using an evacuation slide to reach the life raft’s entry point. Survivors already in the water may require assistance with boarding.

Buoyancy tube and canopy fabric - the heart of a life raft

Vital to the robustness and functionality of a life raft is how it is constructed and what materials it is made from.

We use a neoprene/polybutadiene rubber and polyester fabric laminate for all our life raft’s buoyancy tubes, canopy arches and floors.

This high-tech fabric is purpose made in our factory to exacting standards and is closely related to the fabric used on virtually all SOLAS standard life rafts found on ships plying international waters.

Our rubber laminate fabric is extremely strong, lightweight and long lasting and time proven to be superior to low cost PVC plastic used on some competitor’s life rafts.


A standard component of all Great Circle Life Rafts are insulated floors. This feature significantly guards against hypothermia and improves comfort for all onboard.

Great Circle’s insulated floors are constructed of aluminium composite cellular foam, neoprene/polybutadiene rubber and polyester fabric.

Also important is the fabric used to manufacture the canopy of the life raft. This protective covering over the occupants of a deployed life raft is critical to survival.

Great Circle uses specially engineered woven waterproof rip-stop nylon fabric for all the canopies of our life raft range. This fabric is similar to that found on SOLAS standard life rafts and is time proven for its toughness and extreme long-lasting capabilities. Many inferior life rafts use low-cost polyurethane canopy fabric that degrades prematurely, to be discovered when the raft’s canopy fails critical performance on deployment or when tested at service time.

Hairline fractures can occur along crease lines of the formerly heavily compressed plastic fabric.

Accessories


Equipment Packs

ISO Under 24 Hour

Liferaft Equipment

Header

Qty

Bailer

Use to remove water within the life raft

1

Bellows and connection tube

Use to manually inflate or top-up buoyancy tubes

1

Sea anchor (drogue) & 30 metres of line

Use to reduce drift and capsize potential. When two are fitted, one is permanently attached, the second spare

1

Safety knife

To cut lines etc. Fixed blade with safety rounded point.

1

Life raft repair kit (Conical leak stoppers, clamps)

Use to repair damage or leaks to buoyancy tubes

1

Rescue quoit & line

30 metre line and quoit attached to safety line to assist survivors in the water

1

Radar reflector (SOLAS)

Use to assist searching vessels and aircraft. To be erected on boarding

0

Paddles

Use to maneuver life raft

2

Absorbent Sponge

Use to remove condensed water from the life raft floor etc.

2

Life raft operation and survival instructions

A comprehensive manual is stowed for easy access when boarding

1

Lifesaving signal code guide

Internationally recognised visual signs to relay messages to rescuers

1

Lighting system (exterior & interior)

Automatically operates on inflation with manual on/off switches for day or night

2

Signal Equipment

Header

Qty

Hand flare, red

Day or night distress signal

3

Smoke Signal, orange (SOLAS)

Daytime distress signal

0

Parachute rocket flares, red (SOLAS)

High altitude day or night distress signal

2

Signalling whistle

Use to attract attention

1

Signally mirror/heliograph

Long range hand-held signalling mirror. Aims reflected sunlight to rescuers

1

Torch, spare batteries & bulb

Use for illumination and signalling

1

EPIRB (406 MHZ digital)

Satellite signalling beacon. Minimum 48 hour operational life

0

SART (Search & Rescue Radar Transponder)

Electronic device reacts to the emission of a radar pulse

Fitted on request

Crew Equipment

Header


Qty

Water, 500ml sachets

Drinking water

1

Food, 10,000 kj (per person) (SOLAS)

High energy food, each 10,000 kj. pack contains 8 x food bars

0

Drinking Cup

Use to ration water consumption

1

Can Opener

Use to open canned food etc

1

Plastic bags, sealable (per person)

Use for personal hygiene, seasickness etc

1

Sunburn cream Sun factor 30+

Use to prevent sun damage or sooth skin

0

Seasickness tablets (per person)

Use to lessen effects of motion sickness

6

Fishing Kit

Use to catch fish or birds

0

First aid kit (NSCV or SOLAS compliant)

Use to support injured or sick survivors

0

Thermal protection aid

Use to reduce heat loss of injured or effected survivor

0

Water resistant notebook & pencil

Use for logging ration usage etc

1

ISO Over 24 Hour

Liferaft Equipment

Header

Qty

Bailer

Use to remove water within the life raft

1

Bellows and connection tube

Use to manually inflate or top-up buoyancy tubes

1

Sea anchor (drogue) & 30 metres of line

Use to reduce drift and capsize potential. When two are fitted, one is permanently attached, the second spare

1

Safety knife

To cut lines etc. Fixed blade with safety rounded point.

1

Life raft repair kit (Conical leak stoppers, clamps)

Use to repair damage or leaks to buoyancy tubes

1

Rescue quoit & line

30 metre line and quoit attached to safety line to assist survivors in the water

1

Radar reflector (SOLAS)

Use to assist searching vessels and aircraft. To be erected on boarding

0

Paddles

Use to maneuver life raft

2

Absorbent Sponge

Use to remove condensed water from the life raft floor etc.

2

Life raft operation and survival instructions

A comprehensive manual is stowed for easy access when boarding

1

Lifesaving signal code guide

Internationally recognised visual signs to relay messages to rescuers

1

Lighting system (exterior & interior)

Automatically operates on inflation with manual on/off switches for day or night

2

Signal Equipment

Header

Qty

Hand flare, red

Day or night distress signal

6

Smoke Signal, orange (SOLAS)

Daytime distress signal

0

Parachute rocket flares, red (SOLAS)

High altitude day or night distress signal

2

Signalling whistle

Use to attract attention

1

Signally mirror/heliograph

Long range hand-held signalling mirror. Aims reflected sunlight to rescuers

1

Torch, spare batteries & bulb

Use for illumination and signalling

1

EPIRB (406 MHZ digital)

Satellite signalling beacon. Minimum 48 hour operational life

1

SART (Search & Rescue Radar Transponder)

Electronic device reacts to the emission of a radar pulse

Fitted on request

Crew Equipment

Header

Qty

Water, 500ml sachets

Drinking water

3

Food, 10,000 kj (per person) (SOLAS)

High energy food, each 10,000 kj. pack contains 8 x food bars

1

Drinking Cup

Use to ration water consumption

1

Can Opener

Use to open canned food etc

1

Plastic bags, sealable (per person)

Use for personal hygiene, seasickness etc

1

Sunburn cream Sun factor 30+

Use to prevent sun damage or sooth skin

2

Seasickness tablets (per person)

Use to lessen effects of motion sickness

6

Fishing Kit

Use to catch fish or birds

1

First aid kit (NSCV or SOLAS compliant)

Use to support injured or sick survivors

1

Thermal protection aid

Use to reduce heat loss of injured or effected survivor

2

Water resistant notebook & pencil

Use for logging ration usage etc

1

Voyages

Liferaft Equipment

Header

Qty

Bailer

Use to remove water within the life raft

1

Bellows and connection tube

Use to manually inflate or top-up buoyancy tubes

1

Sea anchor (drogue) & 30 metres of line

Use to reduce drift and capsize potential. When two are fitted, one is permanently attached, the second spare

1

Safety knife

To cut lines etc. Fixed blade with safety rounded point.

1

Life raft repair kit (Conical leak stoppers, clamps)

Use to repair damage or leaks to buoyancy tubes

1

Rescue quoit & line

30 metre line and quoit attached to safety line to assist survivors in the water

1

Radar reflector (SOLAS)

Use to assist searching vessels and aircraft. To be erected on boarding

0

Paddles

Use to maneuver life raft

2

Absorbent Sponge

Use to remove condensed water from the life raft floor etc.

2

Life raft operation and survival instructions

A comprehensive manual is stowed for easy access when boarding

1

Lifesaving signal code guide

Internationally recognised visual signs to relay messages to rescuers

1

Lighting system (exterior & interior)

Automatically operates on inflation with manual on/off switches for day or night

2

Signal Equipment

Header

Qty

Hand flare, red

Day or night distress signal

3

Smoke Signal, orange (SOLAS)

Daytime distress signal

0

Parachute rocket flares, red (SOLAS)

High altitude day or night distress signal

2

Signalling whistle

Use to attract attention

1

Signally mirror/heliograph

Long range hand-held signalling mirror. Aims reflected sunlight to rescuers

1

Torch, spare batteries & bulb

Use for illumination and signalling

1

EPIRB (406 MHZ digital)

Satellite signalling beacon. Minimum 48 hour operational life

0

SART (Search & Rescue Radar Transponder)

Electronic device reacts to the emission of a radar pulse

Fitted on request

Crew Equipment

Header

Qty

Water, 500ml sachets

Drinking water

2

Food, 10,000 kj (per person) (SOLAS)

High energy food, each 10,000 kj. pack contains 8 x food bars

1

Drinking Cup

Use to ration water consumption

1

Can Opener

Use to open canned food etc

1

Plastic bags, sealable (per person)

Use for personal hygiene, seasickness etc

1

Sunburn cream Sun factor 30+

Use to prevent sun damage or sooth skin

2

Seasickness tablets (per person)

Use to lessen effects of motion sickness

6

Fishing Kit

Use to catch fish or birds

1

First aid kit (NSCV or SOLAS compliant)

Use to support injured or sick survivors

1

Thermal protection aid

Use to reduce heat loss of injured or effected survivor

0

Water resistant notebook & pencil

Use for logging ration usage etc

0

Please note: This Emergency Equipment Pack Inventory is provided as a guide only – contents may vary according to the area in which the vessel is engaged, intended usage of the vessel or by specific requirements. Always check the life raft’s Certificate of Service and its actual Equipment Inventory contents for an accurate listing

Stowage

Canister Stowage

Neat and low profile hard fibreglass case for case for cradle or deck mount stowage.

  1. Always store the life raft in an easily accessible location. Ensure that it is not stowed close to any source of heat (e.g. engine or generator) or in proximity to oil products such as diesel, petrol/gasoline
  2. Stow flat on deck with top uppermost or if stowed in a cradle, ensure that the instructions are clearly visible.
  3. Ensure that the canister is securely lashed down to prevent accidental movement and damage. Check lashings periodically for tightness and any signs of ultra-violet damage.
  4. Regularly inspect canister drain holes to ensure that they have not become blocked.

IMPORTANT: Before deployment ensure that the painter line is attached to a strong point on the vessel.

Valise Stowage

Compact, strong and highly visible polyester case for locker or cabin stowage.

  1. Always store the life raft in a dry and easily accessible location. Ensure that it is not stowed close to any source of heat (e.g. engine or generator) or in proximity to oil products such as diesel, petrol/ gasoline.
  2. Valise packed life rafts are made from a heavy polyurethane fabric and to avoid excessive wear, store securely so that it does not move around in its stowage compartment. Also ensure that nothing heavy or sharp shares the same compartment as this could cause damage. Improper stowage may cause damage to the life raft or its contents.
  3. Ensure that your raft is readily accessible and that handles are free and uppermost before any passage. When transporting, always carry the life raft by its handles..

IMPORTANT: Before deployment ensure that the painter line is attached to a strong point on the vessel.

Manuals and Tutorials

Speedmaster User Manual


What's to Know About Life Rafts


How to Deploy a Life Raft


What to Expect on Deployment of a Life Raft


Behind the Acronyms of Maritime Safety


12 Year Guarantee

We stand behind every life raft we make and we guarantee quality because when you’re miles out at sea, your life may depend on our craftsmanship.

Throughout the design and production process of our safety products we strive for the values that determine true quality and true value for money; performance, reliability and durability. We are confident that our products will provide you with many years of service and ingrained within our entire team’s work culture is the sobering truth that when you’re out at sea, your life may depend on our craftsmanship.

Our confidence in the quality, workmanship and reliability of our Great Circle products enables us to provide a comprehensive warranty and service program for the range of products and accessories we manufacture.

Our warranty and service programs are subject to specific conditions and company policies. These are set out in the adjoining Application and Terms document.

Application and Terms

Great Circle Warranty and Service 

Great Circle Marine Pty Ltd maintains a rigid quality control program and all of our products are  thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving our factory.  

We stand behind every life raft we make 

Our confidence in the quality, workmanship and reliability of our life rafts allow us to guarantee  all the life rafts we manufacture, subject to the conditions below and provided they undergo  inspections at required intervals in a Great Circle Life Rafts approved service facility. 

The guarantee is valid only on return of the guarantee card and subject to the terms and  conditions therein 

To receive service under this warranty you must take your life raft with proof of purchase to an  authorised service centre for inspection during normal working hours. For the location of the  nearest service facility, contact us by telephone or our website. After inspection of the condition  of the life raft by an authorised service facility, determination of any warranty action will be  made by Great Circle Marine. 

Application and Terms 

  1. Great Circle Marine Pty Ltd warrants the buoyancy tubes, seams, canopy and floor of the life raft to  be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) years from the date of  purchase or Great Circle Marine will repair or replace said product (at its sole discretion) at no charge  for labour and materials (excluding shipping costs). Great Circle Marine retains the right to substitute a  comparable product.  
  2. Great Circle Life Raft’s parts and attachments, including (but not limited to) topping up valves, pressure  relief valves, lighting system, gas cylinder and firing system, emergency and raft equipment, are  warranted to be free from defects in material and structure for a period of four (4) years from the  original date of purchase or Great Circle Marine will repair or replace said product (at its sole discretion)  at no charge for labour and materials (excluding shipping costs). Great Circle Marine retains the right to  substitute a comparable product.  
  3. Life raft components that have a limited (dated) service period, such as signalling equipment, batteries,  food rations and so forth are expressly excluded from all Great Circle Marine warranties.  
  4. This warranty will be void if the Raft Identification Number (serial No.) attached to the life raft’s stowage  canister, valise bag or affixed on the life raft itself is changed, defaced or detached in any way.  

Products other than life rafts 

Each Great Circle product is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and material  for a period of twenty-four to up to thirty-six months from the date of purchase. The actual  warranty period will be included with the purchased product. 

What you should do if you have a warranty issue 

Call us at Great Circle and tell us exactly what concerns you. We’ll also need the model number,  serial number, date of purchase and the owner’s name. This will allow our technicians to isolate  the problem and, in most instances, resolve the issue quickly. In more complex cases we will  suggest a course of action that will help rectify the problem. Should it be necessary, this may  require the product being taken to our nearest authorised service centre or shipped back to  our service facility. All repair costs, replacement parts and labour are at our expense, but you  must deliver the product to an authorised service centre or to our factory at your expense. Great  Circle reserves the right to decide on the best course of action. We always recommend insuring  the package against loss or damage in transit. We will ensure that the repaired unit meets  100% original factory specifications, upon which it will be sent back to you at our expense.  Unfortunately, we cannot provide warranty service at your vessel’s location and at no time will  Great Circle pay for removal and reinstallation of the product(s) or accessories within or on the  vessel.  

What is not covered by the warranty 

  • A system that has been inappropriately used, physically damaged or not properly maintained. 
  •  Repairs are required from normal wear and tear.  
  • Repairs have been attempted by persons not authorised by Great Circle Marine Pty Ltd
  • Damage caused by incorrect shore or ship’s power.

Please note the following company policies: 

  • All warranties apply to the original owner only. 
  • Great Circle takes no responsibility for component selection or sizing of units. 
  • Great Circle is not responsible for any loss of business, damage to vessel interior or any other vessel  repair charges. 
  • This product is sold by the dealer or agent as principal and the dealer has no authority from Great Circle  to give any additional guarantee on the Company’s behalf except as referred to herein.
  • Great Circle accepts no additional responsibility pursuant to this warranty for the cost of travelling or  transportation of units or parts to and from the dealer, service agent or our factory – such costs are not  included in this guarantee.  

Certain legislation, including the Trade Practises Act, 1974 (as amended) and other state and territorial laws give rights to the buyer and impose liability on the seller in certain circumstances. Nothing herein shall have the effect of excluding, restricting or modifying any condition, guarantee, right or liability imposed, to the extent only that such exclusions, restrictions or modification would render any term herein void.

What you should do if you require repair service

For service or repair of equipment out of warranty, call us at Great Circle and explain the  problem. We will suggest a course of action that will be similar in approach to a warranty claim.  Once the equipment is received at our authorised repair facility or at our factory, we will evaluate  the unit and provide a repair estimate for you. 

Our Promise to You

What is not covered by the warranty 

  • The life raft has been inappropriately used, including deployment in a non- emergency  situation, physically damaged or not properly maintained.  
  • Repairs are required from normal wear and tear.  
  • Repairs have been attempted by persons not authorised by Great Circle Marine Pty Ltd. 
  • Damage received through Acts of God, including but not limited to, extreme weather  conditions, lightning etc, is not warranted.  

Company Policies

  • All warranties apply to the original owner only. 
  • Great Circle takes no responsibility for component selection or sizing of units. 
  • Great Circle is not responsible for any loss of business, damage to vessel interior or any other vessel repair charges. 
  • If this product is sold by a dealer or agent as principal, the dealer has no authority from Great Circle Marine to give any additional guarantee on the Company’s behalf except as referred to herein. 
  • Great Circle Marine reserves the right to make changes in design and material of its life rafts without incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes in rafts already manufactured or in the hands of dealers or consumers. The entire obligation of Great Circle Marine regarding the sale of its life rafts is stated within this written warranty, except as otherwise provided by law. 
  • Great Circle accepts no additional responsibility pursuant to this warranty for the cost of travelling or transportation of units or parts to and from the dealer, service agent or our factory – such costs are not included in this guarantee.

Speedmaster 6

Speedmaster 15 - 25

Speedmaster 50 - 65

Contact Us

07 3846 1288

Unit 1/21 Hugo Pl, Mansfield QLD 4122

Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed