Life Jackets, Buoyancy Aids & Safety
Off-shore Life Jackets
The Off-shore Life Jacket is perfect for frequent boat travelers in remote areas. It provides superior buoyancy, in case help takes time to arrive. Particularly useful in case of storms or if the individual is travelling alone. It is likely to position an unconscious wearer face-up in the water.
The Off-shore Life Jacket offers the best protection, although it is somewhat bulky and uncomfortable. The foam and fabric helps retain body heat and keep your head above water.
This device comes in two sizes: the adult size provides at least 10kg of buoyancy, and the child size, 5kg, minimum.
Near-Shore Buoyant Vests
The Near-Shore Buoyant Vest is designed for calm, shallow water close to shore. This is because rescue is more likely in these conditions. The vest should not be used for long-term survival in hazardous seas.
Wearing a life jacket can help turn unconscious people face-up in the water. However, it won't be effective in rough waves. The user will have to stay afloat by treading water.
The flipping action is not as effective as an off-shore life jacket.
An adult size provides at least 7kg buoyancy, a medium child size provides 5kg. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 3kg buoyancy.
Flotation Aid: Vests
The Flotation Vest is designed for use in specific activities, such as sailing, water skiing, fishing, and kayaking. It is also appropriate when riding a personal watercraft. All activities should be monitored carefully.
It works well near shore in areas with a good possibility of a quick rescue. However, it is not suitable for surviving in rough waters and cannot turn an unconscious person's face up in the water.
An adult size provides at least 7kg pounds buoyancy aid, a medium child size provides 5kg pounds. The infant and small child sizes each provide at least 3kg pounds buoyancy. These devices include float coat, fishing vest, water sport vest.
Flotation aid: Throwable Devices
This Device can be used in areas with heavy boat traffic and close access to help. It is also suitable for open water.
It is intended to be thrown to someone who has fallen overboard, or to provide extra buoyancy to them. It is not meant to be worn. Minimum buoyancy: 7.5kg for ring buoy or 8kg for boat cushion.
In an emergency, a throwable flotation device should be within easy reach. It should not be kept in a locker or used as a seat cushion.
Devices come in the form of square, ring or horseshoe buoys. They may not be used by non-swimmers, children or unconscious persons.
The device must be ready to deploy at any moment. Otherwise, its use will degrade the foam and reduce its buoyancy.
Special-Use Devices
Special-use devices are designed for particular tasks. Examples include a sailboard harness, deck suit, paddling vest, commercial white water vest, and float coat.
Special-use devices such as belt packs, work vests, and board-sailing vests tend to be bulkier than other items. However, these items are not as bulky.
Certain flotation devices are designed to fill with air when submerged in water. Other types offer protection from hypothermia. Not guaranteed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up.
ISO-approved Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be functional and equipped with a cartridge. When out at sea, they must be worn. An adult-sized PFD has a natural buoyancy of 7 to 10kg, and an inflatable chamber. It is important to inspect and replace expended cartridges in inflatable PFDs.
Ensure your personal flotation devices (PFDs) are in good condition
Inspect them for any rips, tears, holes, or other signs of wear and tear. Look for fading, mildew odor, or any shrinkage or waterlogging of the buoyant materials. If any of these are present, replace your PFD.
After using your PFD in salt water, rinse it off with fresh water and let it dry thoroughly before storing. Make sure to store your PFDs in a well-ventilated place to avoid damage from UV sunlight, moisture, and improper handling.