Compulsory wearing of lifejackets Frequently Asked Questions Q. A.
What are the new requirements about? The new requirements are about increasing marine safety. The intent of the new requirements is that if the boat is required to be equipped with life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs), the wearing of a life jacket or personal flotation device be made compulsory in defined situations of heightened risk. This will improve safety by increasing chances of survival if the person falls overboard while underway. There were eight drowning fatalities in 2005 from marine incidents in Queensland, and a further three in January 2006. A review of Queensland marine incidents and a Victorian study have identified high risk situations to be: • crossing coastal bars — capsize or swamping • open boats less than 4.8 metres in length — because of their inherent instability • children under the age of 12 years especially where they are in boats less than 4.8 metres in length — they lack the strength and balance necessary to compensate for the instability of the boat.
Q. A.
When do they commence? From 1 April 2006 by amendment to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2004.
Q. A.
Why are compulsory lifejacket wearing rules being introduced? The primary purpose of a lifejacket or personal flotation device is to assist a person to remain afloat and survive an incident where the person falls overboard or the boat capsizes. In recent times there have been a number of drowning incidents where people have fallen overboard or an open boat has capsized while crossing a coastal bar. The intent is that compulsory wearing of life jackets in situations of heightened risk will improve marine safety and increase chances of survival in the event of an unexpected incident. It isn't always possible to anticipate the unexpected, and a life jacket that is not being worn will not help the user in such a situation.
Q. A.
What boats does the change apply to? The change only applies to boats that: • are currently required to carry life jackets • are open boats • are less than 4.8 metres in length.
Q. A.
Who has to wear a life jacket on these boats, and when? Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket when the boat is underway and everyone on board must wear a life jacket when the boat is crossing a designated coastal bar.
Q. A.
Does this include infants? The new requirements only apply to children who are over 12 months old. It is not recommended that children under this age travel on boats unless necessary, at which time they should be held securely by a parent or adult.
Q. A.
What is an appropriate lifejacket? An appropriate lifejacket or personal flotation device is one that is properly fitted and of an appropriate size for the person wearing it.
Q. A.
What is properly fitted? A properly fitted lifejacket is one that is appropriate for a person's weight and size. Lifejackets come with a recommended weight range for the jacket. Lifejackets should fit snugly and comfortably. They should be easy for a person to don and tighten without restricting movement. For children, you should consider jackets that are fitted with a crotch strap to ensure the jacket doesn't slip if a child is in the water.
Q. A.
How can I tell the length of my boat? To determine the measurement of your boat refer to the length specified by the boat manufacturer or as recorded on the boat's registration. When in doubt, it is the overall length of the boat excluding appendages such as bow sprits, duckboards, and outboards.
Compulsory wearing of lifejackets, frequently asked questions, Maritime Safety Queensland, November 2009