（1） Classify by structural form.

1. Open lifeboat: It is a type of lifeboat without a fixed canopy device.

2. Partially enclosed lifeboat: It is a lifeboat with fixed rigid canopies of not less than 20% of the length at the bow and stern, and a foldable canopy in between. The foldable canopy can be supported by 1-2 people.

3. Fully enclosed lifeboat: It refers to a lifeboat with a fixed roof on the upper part of the boat, which has good insulation and water tightness.

（2） Classify by material.

1. Galvanized steel boats: rarely used.

2. Aluminum alloy lifeboats: In the past, some oil tankers often used this type of lifeboat.

3. Fiberglass boat: It is a lifeboat made of fiberglass woven into fabric and then bonded to the interior of the structure with resin glue. It has the advantages of light weight, high strength, durability, and resistance to seawater corrosion, and the vast majority of lifeboats use this material.

（3） Classify by function.

1. Lifeboats with self centering function: Some fully enclosed lifeboats have self centering function.

2. Lifeboats with self supplied gas systems: Some fully enclosed lifeboats are equipped with self supplied gas systems and are installed on oil tankers, chemical tankers, and liquefied gas tankers. They are generally equipped with four steel cylinders and can be used for at least 10 minutes. The pressure inside the boat must not be lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the boat, nor exceed 20 hPa of atmospheric pressure.

3. Lifeboats with fire and high temperature resistance: Fire and high temperature resistant lifeboats refer to fully enclosed lifeboats made of refractory materials on the surface of the hull, mainly assembled on oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas tankers, and other ships carrying goods with a flash point below 60 ℃. When its structure is on the water surface, it can protect its rated passengers from being surrounded by oil and fire for no less than 8 minutes, and there is a self supplied gas system inside the boat and a water spray device outside the boat.

4. Lifeboats with free fall into water function: They have self centering function and can quickly enter the water from the boat frame.