Gone are the days of feeling like you have a bulky piece of foam strapped to you with hard ropes.
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. We encourage you to think about the lifejacket you need for your operations, then find a style that suits you.
What domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operators need to do to comply.
See also: National law requirements relating to lifejacket risk assessments, and lifejacket maintenance and storage.
Service category is the vessel class and operational area. For example, if your vessel class is 2, and your operational area is B, your service category is 2B.
If you operate in multiple operational areas, you need to carry lifejackets required for your highest category of operation.
Different rules and lifejacket standards apply depending on the type of class 4 vessel you operate, and your service category e.g. 4D.
See NSCV F2 (Leisure craft) for details.
Lifejacket requirements under the national law are covered in the following regulations:
Once you’ve worked out which lifejacket applies to your highest service category, you’ll need to choose a style that suits your operation.
In Australia, lifejackets fit into 3 broad categories:
Inflatable lifejackets are often used by seafarers, fishers, and sailors who need the unrestricted movement provided by a slim-fit lifejacket.
Self-inflating lifejackets inflate automatically when they come into contact with water.
Manual inflation lifejackets are inflated by the wearer pulling the toggle attached to the lifejacket.
Foam buoyancy lifejackets are often used on passenger vessels needing low maintenance lifejackets for emergency situations only.
These lifejackets are generally bulkier and rely on their inherent buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat.
Choose a style (or styles) of lifejacket to control the operational risks identified in your risk assessment for lifejacket wear.
It can be confusing not only choosing your preferred lifejacket, but also the legal requirements both onboard and inclusions in your SMS. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our office as we’re here to help.
Our best recommendation is “don’t skimp” on lifejackets. While we all hope you never have to use them but…if you do you need to know you’ve got the best chance of survival.
Carry the type of lifejacket required for your vessel’s highest service category.
Your best to choose self-inflating PFDs or foam buoyancy lifejackets.
Be sure the lifejackets you buy meet one of the required standards otherwise they will not be compliant!
Check next week’s newsletter on Lifejacket Maintenance and Storage.
Ensure you have lifejackets onboard – they are appropriate for your usage and vessel.
DO THIS TODAY!
If you own a vessel and/or vessels and have a skipper and crew, it is equally your responsibility to make sure the lifejackets are correct and your SMS is updated accordingly.
Like all safety gear maintenance and upkeep are critical. Our best tip is to regularly take out your lifejackets and ensure they are dry and not damaged in any way. If damaged replace them.
Secondly check the light (if fitted) to ensure it is in date and working correctly. Note that some lights may need moisture to activate them.
