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simonpickard · 02-02-2014, 00:43

Hello all,

This might be dependant on which area of the world you are I guess (this is for the EU) but as the owner of a yacht do you need to buy life jackets for others that might come on board? We've got our own high end vests. Just wondering what the requirements are, if any, for others?

Are buoyancy aids enough? They are quite small / cheap. Also, if we're only going to have say 4 extra people on board do we need to buy just 4 extra vests?

Any advice would be most welcomed.

Regards,
Simon

boden36 · 02-02-2014, 00:49

As skipper you are responsible for the safety of all on board, and that includes providing life jackets if they are unable to provide them for themselves.
You can always stipulate that they bring their own.
We just keep a pile of old (but still legal) vests under a bunk for anyone who needs them.
Regards,
Richard.

simonpickard · 02-02-2014, 00:53

Yes, that's what I thought as well. Do buoyancy aids count though? What constitutes a 'life jacket'?

Regards,
Simon

**noelex 77** · 02-02-2014, 00:57

You at least need to have enough approved life jackets on board for everyone on board.

The skipper needs to make sure the above requirments are met.

Normally the boat supplies these, but experienced sailors will sometimes bring their own, which is fine.

Big bulky (but approved) life jackets are often quite cheap and fulfil the letter of the law, although they are unlikely to worn on a regular basis.

simonpickard · 02-02-2014, 01:10

So when space is an issue (like it is on our boat) what do people do? We can't really afford to loose a locker to life jackets.

Would something like this be classed as a 'life jacket'?
Helly Hansen Sport II Buoyancy Aid: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

If I kept a few of these on board in different sizes?

**noelex 77** · 02-02-2014, 01:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonpickard

Yes, that's what I thought as well. Do buoyancy aids count though? What constitutes a 'life jacket'?

Regards,
Simon

No buoyancy aids don't count. Life jackets have stricter requirements such as more buoyancy and the need to keep the head above water.

There will be labels to identify the category, but "life jackets" are not always labeled as such they may be called PFD (personal flotation device) followed by a number.
Basically you need to check if the label corresponds to minimum requirements for your country of registration.

boden36 · 02-02-2014, 01:17

If you have an issue with space on board, you can leave them at home if not needed on the day (assuming you have a land base). Otherwise you will have to find space for them somewhere that can be readily accessed in an emergency. They are light so maybe in nets at the top of a space that can't be used for much else.
The jurisdiction you are in will have a lifejacket standard and the jacket will have a tag to say it complies with that standard. If not, then it is not legally a lifejacket.

Regards,
Richard.

**noelex 77** · 02-02-2014, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by simonpickard

Would something like this be classed as a 'life jacket'?

No. You can generally wear something like this, but on most boats in most countries you will also need an approved life jackets for each crew member.
(There are exceptions for small yachts such as dingies in sheltered waters etc, but you need to check local laws)

What sized yacht in which country would help narrow down the legal requirments.

simonpickard · 02-02-2014, 01:43

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll go hunting for some more info.

Regards,
Simon

smaarch · 02-02-2014, 02:37

I always have enough life jackets for the number of folks who may be aboard. (6).
plus we have our 2 personal life jackets....self inflating...harnesses...strobes. etc.
Kids are a different matter.
as i no longer have "kids"... anyone who comes sailing with a kid...they have to bring a life jacket for their kid. And the kids need to be wearing as they board.
The law here is kids (under 13...i think) need to have PFD's when they get on the dock. And at all times on board.
hey i live in a nanny state. (NY)

God forbid they have a soda........

savoir · 02-02-2014, 04:02

Your question has no correct answer because it all depends on where you are when the jackets are being worn. If you want a jacket acceptable everywhere then get type 1. Every life jacket worldwide is labelled type 1 - IV.

I carry these which are type 3 and suitable for all coastal and inshore use in USA. EU has its own standards and these may or may not comply - I really don't know.

WEST MARINE Runabout Vest Four-Pack with Bag at West Marine

**StuM** · 02-02-2014, 04:21

> Every life jacket worldwide is labelled type 1 - IV

Nope. Europe and Australia label them as Level 50,100,150,275 (often with an N or S suffix) NZ it's 401, 402 etc.

David_Old_Jersey · 02-02-2014, 04:26

Leaving aside the "politeness" angle - doesn't the requirement to have any specific "safety" equipment depend on your boat flag, and not it's location?