Lifejackets FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions when choosing a Life Jacket


Lifejacket FAQ's - Here we have answered some of the most common questions asked

Q. What is the difference between a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid?
A. There are conflicting versions of this distinction but in broad terms a buoyancy aid will act as a floatation aid whilst a lifejacket will provide additional lifesaving features.

A Lifejacket is designed for swimmers and non-swimmers and will aid an unconscious wearer. They are required to meet certain specifications such as:
1. Turn the wearer face up with the head out of the water.
2. Fitted with a whistle and reflective tape.
3. Meet one of three buoyancy categories. 100N, 150N or 275N

A Buoyancy Aid has less buoyancy and usually rated at 50N and are an ideal floatation aid for competent swimmers participating in most types of surface watersports within sheltered waters.

Q. How much buoyancy do I need?
A. That depends on a number of factors such as the type of activity, the severity of the environment and the type of clothing being worn or tools carried. This Buoyancy Ratings Guide shows typical usage for the various buoyancy ratings.

Q. Do I need a Harness?
A. The harness feature is designed primarily for sailors, who spend considerable time on deck and require to be attached to their vessel by a safety line.

Non-harness lifejackets are lighter and preferred by motorboat/RIB users who are not as exposed and do not need attachment to their vessel.

Q. Foam or Inflatable lifejacket?
A. Foam lifejackets are ideal for children and those who prefer permanent buoyancy. They are lightweight and require less maintenance, but are more bulky than inflatable lifejackets. Inflatable lifejackets are compact and ideal for long periods of wear. They only inflate when needed. They require regular servicing.

Q. Manual or Automatic Lifejacket?
 A. Inflatable lifejackets come in either manual or automatic inflation versions.The manual version will only inflate by pulling the lanyard to activate the inflation mechanism. These are preferred by users who want to avoid accidental inflation e.g light aircraft users. The Automatic version will inflate when it comes into contact with water and therefore inflate even when unconscious. It also has a lanyard for manual inflation as a backup.





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