A rescue boat is a vessel designed to assist during rescue operations and to rescue sailors in distress during an emergency. These boats are designed for the sole purpose of rescuing people and hence are decked with features that will enable it to do the same. Rescue boats consist of inflatable boats and lifeboats.
A personal flotation device (abbreviated as PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.