Combat Rubber Raiding Craft The F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Craft ( CRRC ) , also known as the " Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft , " is a specially fabricated rubber inflatable boat often used by United States Navy SEALs and Marines , among others . Though Zodiac Marine & Pool produces a large range of both inflatable and rigid - hulled boats , the name " Zodiac " has become synonymous with the CRRC in popular culture . Function . The boat can be used for over - the - horizon transportation , inserting lightly armed raiding parties or reconnaissance teams onto beaches , piers , offshore facilities and larger vessels . The CRRC can be inflated in minutes by foot pump , compressor or CO tank and can be deployed from shore and a variety of vessels . Additionally , it can be launched from several types of aircraft and submarines equipped with a special lockout chamber . Its chief advantages are light weight , compact size when stowed , and the safety imparted by its super - buoyant nature ( which gives it the ability to operate in relatively high seas ) stealth , and versatility . A total of eight individual airtight chambers comprise the F470 . The main hull or gunwale contains five intercommunicating chambers , which are separated by internal baffle s and valve s . This means that a single leak will not result in loss of pressure throughout the boat , and that air can be bled between chambers to compensate for loss in one . Two additional chambers , located below the gunwale on either side and called " speed skags , " provide cushioning for the boat ' s occupants and additional buoyancy in case of pressure loss in the hull . The final chamber is an inflatable keel tube which runs the length of the craft and gives the bottom of the hull a " V " shape , imparting directional stability and additional shock absorption . A wooden " transom " board at the stern provides a mounting point for the outboard engine ( s ) and a " thrustboard " at the bow keeps the hull from collapsing inward under power . A ready - for - use craft includes an outboard engine ( two in some configurations ) ; removable aluminium deckplates or roll - up slatted decking ; paddles ; a bow line for securing the docked boat and a " righting " line which is used to flip the boat in the event of capsizing . At the bow of the boat are storage bags for equipment ( foot pumps , extra lines , etc . ) and a special fuel bladder , which can be of either 6 - or 18 - gallon capacity and which feeds the engine via a flexible hose . Deflated and rolled up , the boat and all necessary equipment can easily fit into the bed of a small pickup . Most military CRRC ' s use a two - stroke engine with a pumpjet propulsor , which consists of a shrouded impeller . This design reduces the risk of serious injury to personnel in the water when compared to the traditional open propeller . It also reduces the risk of the propulsion system being seriously damaged by submerged objects . A specially - trained coxswain sits at the stern ( rear ) of the boat and controls it via the tiller arm , attached to an outboard engine . The coxswain is considered the commander of the craft and is ultimately responsible for its operation , regardless of whether a senior - ranking individual is on board . Across from him sits the assistant coxswain , who relays hand signals from other boats and aids the coxswain as required . The remaining passengers ( six raiders plus the two coxswains make up a full team ) normally lay on and straddle the gunwale , keeping a low silhouette to help avoid detection and leaving room on the deck for weapons , equipment and ( if necessary ) additional fuel bladders . Because the CRRC offers no protection to its occupants and is itself highly vulnerable to small - arms fire , operations involving it almost always take place at night and depend on the elements of stealth and surprise . However , Zodiac now offers ArmorFlate , the world ' s first inflatable bulletproof system for inflatable boats . It can be installed on the Zodiac F470 , and inflates in 40 seconds . Demonstration occurred at the 2002 Multi - Agency Craft Conference at Naval Amphibious Base - Little Creek , Norfolk , Virginia , June 18 – 20 , says an " Advanced Materials & Composites News " article . Zodiac boats are not limited to military use . They are often chosen for law enforcement , search and rescue , and hobbyists .