What is the difference between a life jacket and a life raft?

• A. A life jacket is worn to keep a person afloat; a life raft is a portable buoyant device intended for survival and equipped with provisions
• B. A life jacket can be used as a life raft
• C. A life jacket is worn to keep a person afloat; a life raft is used for signaling
• D. A life jacket is used for diving

Answer: (C)

The main idea is the difference between a wearable flotation device and a survival craft. A life jacket is worn to keep a person afloat immediately in the water. A life raft is a buoyant platform used when abandoning ship, providing space, basic survival gear, and signaling equipment to help rescuers locate you. The emphasis on signaling reflects the life raft’s role in attracting attention and aiding rescue, not just keeping someone afloat. The other options miss this distinction: a life jacket isn’t a raft, a life jacket isn’t for diving, and while a life raft may include provisions, its primary purpose is survival and signaling, not being worn.