These days, lifejackets come in many styles and sizes for different purposes and environmental conditions. Many remain compact and out of the way until you hit the water, with some inflating automatically.
When accidents happen, there's rarely time to put a lifejacket on. Add into the mix swell, shock, fatigue and treading water until rescue arrives-and the benefits of wearing a lifejacket become clear. With the range of lifejackets on the market you can be comfortable and safe on the water, so what's stopping you?
For commercial vessels, the national law requires you to be equipped with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) or coastal lifejackets, depending on your operational area.
| Operational area | Lifejacket requirement |
|---|---|
B extended offshore B offshore | SOLAS with a light for every person on board (crew and passengers). Child-sized SOLAS life jackets with a jackets with a light for at least 10 per cent of children passengers weighing less than 32 kg. |
C Resticted offshore C Restricted offshore | Coastal lifejacket* with a light for every person on board (crew and passengers). |
D - partially smooth water E - smooth water | Coastal lifejacket* for every person on board (crew and passengers). |
Note: The requirement may be different if you operate under an exemption or under grandfathering arrangements. *Certain models of personal flotation device (PFD) are acceptable for use as a coastal lifejacket if they are manufactured to one of the following standards.
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This National Safe Boating week we encourage you to think about the type of lifejacket you need for your operation, then find a style that suits you and wear it.
Learn more about National Safe Boating Week and the importance of lifejackets.