A "lifeboat" is a small, sturdy boat designed for emergency situations, primarily used to rescue people from sinking ships or to evacuate individuals from dangerous situations at sea. Lifeboats are equipped with essential safety features, such as flotation devices, oars, and sometimes engines, to ensure they can operate effectively in rough waters. In maritime safety, lifeboats are a critical component of ship design and are often required by regulations. They are typically stored on the deck of a vessel and can be launched quickly in emergencies. The concept of lifeboats also extends metaphorically to discussions about resource allocation and ethics, often referred to as the lifeboat ethics debate.