Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), often known as life jackets, are an essential item of marine safety equipment.
PFD 1 Lifejacket
Has sufficient flotation to support body and head. The flotation collar keeps your head above water. Do not use as a cushion. Not permitted for water skiing, aqua-planing and like activity. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:
- Australian Standards AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices classified as providing level 100 or level 150 buoyancy (or more), or Personal flotation devices—Type 1 AS 1512.1996
- Appendix R of section 10 of the Uniform Shipping Laws Code
- With a PFD intended for use by adults Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB-65.11-M88; with a PFD intended for use by children CAN/CGSB-65.15-M88
- European Standard EN399-1993 Lifejackets-275N, EN396-1993 Lifejackets-150N, or EN395-1993 Lifejackets-100N
- International Organization for Standardization ISO 12402-2, ISO 12402-3, or ISO 12402-4
- Underwriters Laboratories Standards UL1180 Fully inflatable recreational personal flotation devices
- New Zealand Standard NZ5823:2001 Type 401
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Orders Part 25 related to the type of life-jackets required to be carried on Australian registered ships.
PFD1
PFD 2 Buoyancy Vest
Has less flotation than a PFD 1 with flotation panels front and back only. Is less restrictive to wear than PFD 1, but will not keep your head above water if you are unconscious. A PFD 2 is suitable for use for sports such as water skiing, sail boarding, kite boarding and sailing dinghies. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:
- Australian Standard AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices classified as providing level 50 buoyancy, or AS1499:1996
- European Standard EN393-1993 Lifejackets-50N
- International Organization for Standardization ISO 12402-5.
PFD2
PFD 3 Buoyancy Vest
Similar to PFD2, but doesn’t meet the Australian Standards Association colour standards. These are designed for high-speed water sports such as water skiing, aqua-planing, operating PWC and sail boarding. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:
Australian Standard AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices in relation to a PFD classified as providing level 50 special purpose (50S) buoyancy, or AS2260.
PFD3
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Lifejacket
A very bulky lifejacket, designed to keep the body afloat for long periods. Has a light and whistle attached to attract attention. Carried by commercial vessels and recommended for use on larger vessels operating far offshore.
Coastal lifejacket
This multi-fit lifejacket has more flotation than a PFD 1. It has a whistle attached for attracting attention. It is recommended for use on larger vessels operating far offshore.
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Children's life jackets