Abstract: Flotation device which comprises an exterior receptacle which is designed to be supported on the external surface of a ship, cargo container or floating structure in such a manner that it extends substantially within the ship, cargo container or floating structure, leaving its open end oriented toward the outside; and, inside of said exterior receptacle, an interior receptacle whose open end corresponds to the open end of said exterior receptacle and which houses inflatable means and expulsion means for expelling said inflatable means from the open end of said interior receptacle following the activation of the flotation device of the present invention.