Abstract: An evacuation refuge for a maritime unit. A rescue station includes at least one space operable to be completely closed from a surrounding environment for longterm occupation therein. A plurality of life boats are arranged within the rescue station for emergency exit. The life boats are operable to be occupied while inside the rescue station prior to deployment. An openable or removable structure is operable to permit deployment of the life boats arranged within the rescue station by removal of the occupied life boats from the rescue station. Breathing air processing devices are operable to maintain air within the evacuation refuge breathable.