Types of Lifejackets
There are 3 main types of lifejackets, all built to different standards of buoyancy and purposely designed for different kinds of marine activities. NSW Maritime sets out the types of lifejackets required in various situations here.
All lifejackets used in NSW must comply with an accepted Australian or International Standard and if the lifejacket complies to a standard, this will be stamped on the label. If there is no stamp, don't buy the lifejacket. A list of the accepted standards can be found here.
Type 1 Lifejacket
- Also known as a Level 150 or Level 100 PFD
These provide the highest level of buoyancy and are designed to keep thewearer's head above and out of the water when unconscious. They provide the greatest performance and are mainly used when boating in open waters and alpine waters. There are two kinds of type 1 – those with fixed, in built buoyancy and those which are inflated by manual activation, or when the lifejacket comes in contact with water.
Type 1 Inflatable Lifejacket
These lifejackets are built to the same buoyancy standards as traditional type 1 lifejackets but rely on CO2 for inflation. This means they are lighter and less cumbersome than conventional foam lifejackets and are quite versatile – they're even made as wet weather jackets and windproof vests.
While inflatables are great because they are comfortable to wear, boaters should be particularly aware of the added maintenance requirements that come with this style of jacket as well as the need for detailed crew and passenger briefing on their operation. Inflatable lifejackets must be serviced every 12 months or in accordance with the manufacture's instructions.
Information on lifejacket servicing requirements and tips and instructions on how to inspect and service your lifejacket can be found here.
Style
There are now many different brands on the market so it is important to choose one that suits your needs. Whether it is a jacket or vest, a yoke or a belt bag inflatable style, ensure you read and understand all the instructions. Familiarise yourself with the inflation procedures and the care required for your jacket while not in use.
Manual or automatic inflation?
This will depend of what you are most comfortable with and in what circumstances the jacket is being used. The benefit of an auto inflating jacket is that as soon as the inflation mechanism gets wet the jacket will inflate, whereas a manual jacket's CO2 inflation is only activated by hand. Poor swimmers may be more comfortable with an auto jacket, but remember a large amount of spray may activate the jacket while on deck. It is recommended that non swimmers and children under 12 years of age do not wear an inflatable. It is also strongly recommended that inflatable lifejackets not be worn on personal watercraft (PWC).
What if my inflatable has been activated?
Once activated, the CO2 cylinder is pierced and cannot be used again. On an auto jacket, auto components may also need to be replaced. Cylinders and auto components are available from dealers, but it is wise to have spares on the boat or in the garage just in case.
NOTE : Lifejackets that rely solely on oral inflation for buoyancy are not approved in NSW.
Type 2 Lifejacket
- Also known as a Level 50 PFD
These are buoyancy vests that are not designed to keep the wearer's head above and out of the water, but are made using high-visibility colours and in comfortable styles. They are mainly used when boating in more sheltered areas such as enclosed or inland waters.
Type 3 Lifejacket
- Also knows as a Level 50 S PFD
These are buoyancy vests with the same overall buoyancy as a type 2 lifejacket, however they are not required to be made in high-visibility colours. This makes them popular for use in aquatic sports such as wakeboarding and waterskiing, where comfort and style are important.
