| Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable | | | | search and rescue operations, fisheries |
| boats, made from animal skins, were used for | | | | patrol and security patrol. They are also |
| transportation. People used them to cross | | | | used as tenders on large yachts and ships.On |
| rivers, ferry goods to other locations, and | | | | the recreational side, inflatable boats can |
| move military troops. Over time, inflatable | | | | be used for diving, fishing, pleasure |
| boats were adapted for recreational use as | | | | boating, river rafting, water skiing, and |
| well, and for rescue operations. Today there | | | | many other water activities that involve a |
| are many types of inflatable boats and over a | | | | boat. Consumers can also purchase inflatable |
| dozen ways they are used around the | | | | kayaks, canoes, and sailboats.Because there |
| world.Different militaries across the globe | | | | are so many different types of inflatable |
| helped bring inflatable boats to the public | | | | boats and a variety of ways they can be used, |
| attention, and today the government still | | | | it is important to be familiar with the |
| uses inflatable boats for troop transport, | | | | specific operating instructions for your |
| special military operations, and drug and | | | | particular model and situation. However, |
| other law enforcement activities. In | | | | there are a few general use guidelines that |
| addition, inflatable boats are also used in | | | | apply to most, if not all, inflatable boats. |