Probably the most notable change between TSO C70 and TSO C70a involves the design of single tube rafts and the effects of a cell deflating. The older version has no requirement that the occupants be kept out of the water if a cell is lost, the newer version does. This would be a significant point if any of the rafts actually met this standard, which they don't in our opinion. For those operations which require a life raft pursuant to the FARs, there must be both a life raft of the appropriate type and it must be equipped with all the applicable equipment listed in the FARs. So far, so good, but now it gets confusing.
Many manufacturers make both TSO'd and non-TSO'd rafts and some make only TSO'd rafts.
In some cases the differences are slight, in some cases major. They may also legitimately claim to hold an FAA certificate since they may be licensed to service rafts as an FAA approved repair station. Both these statements may confuse the unwary buyer. In fact, the kits they offer may, indeed, include the items specified in the FARs. BUT, the kits, no matter what they call them, together with the unapproved non-TSO'd rafts are not legal, pursuant to the FARs, if an approved raft is required.