Safety
Which lifejacket do I need? Lifejackets must be available and easily accessible to each person onboard your commercial vessel.
Coastal lifejackets save lives: Image source: iStock.com/Mickrick
The national law requires you to have either Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) or coastal lifejackets on your vessel, depending on your operational area. Both SOLAS and coastal lifejackets are designed to be worn while abandoning a vessel. They are bulky, with flotation material at the front so an unconscious person will automatically roll onto their
back. They also have reflective tape and a whistle to attract attention. SOLAS and coastal lifejackets are made to different standards, with SOLAS lifejackets designed to help people survive in the water for longer periods of time while awaiting rescue. Certain models of personal flotation device (PFD) are also acceptable for use as a coastal lifejacket—if they are
manufactured to certain standards. Because they are less cumbersome to wear than coastal and SOLAS lifejackets, this makes them ideal to wear during normal activities on a vessel to reduce the risk of drowning if you fall overboard. Safety equipment lists for each service category are available at amsa.gov.au/about/equipmentlists
Operational area
Lifejacket requirement
B Extended offshore B Offshore
SOLAS with a light for every person on board (crew & passengers). Additional SOLAS lifejacket with light for each child under 32 kilograms or 10% of all passengers, whichever is greater.
C Restricted offshore C Restricted offshore–specified areas
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: Existing vessels, which were entitled to operate prior to 1 July 2013, may continue to carry lifejackets that meet the standard that applied to the vessel at the time. However remember that: • when your existing lifejackets require replacement, they must be replaced by lifejackets that meet the latest standard; and • kapok filled lifejackets were outlawed many years ago, so if you have any of these lifejackets, they must be replaced immediately with lifejackets that meet the latest standard. * 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. • AS 4758.1 (level 150) • ISO 12402-3 (Level 150) • BS EN 396
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Working Boats July 2019
