Which feature is typical of a lifeboat but not a liferaft?

• A. It floats without any equipment.
• B. It has its own propulsion.
• C. It is inflatable only.
• D. It requires an external power source to inflate.

Answer: (B)

Self-propulsion distinguishes lifeboats from liferafts. A lifeboat is built to move under its own power—whether by an engine or by oars—so it can reach safety independently. In contrast, a liferaft is inflatable and designed to float and drift with the sea, without its own propulsion. The other options aren’t defining features: both types carry essential gear, so “floats without equipment” isn’t unique; lifeboats aren’t inflatable, so “inflatable only” is incorrect; and liferafts inflate automatically via gas cylinders rather than needing an external power source, so “requires external power to inflate” isn’t typical.