Life-jackets also known as Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) are important lifelines and yet when there is a sudden capsize (the most common event in boating accidents), they are often inaccessible because they have been stowed away.
A nine year survey of recreational boating accidents in the State of Victoria, Australia revealed that 50% of the fatalities were not wearing a life-jacket. In a follow up study on life-jackets, the Victoria Water Police conducted an inspection of recreational boats during the summer season of December 1984 and January 1985. Of 835 vessels inspected, 20% of boat operators were judged as not having their jackets within easy reach. Another 6.2% were either not carrying life-jackets or not the required number.
Introduction of new Regulations concerning Life-jackets (PFD's):
From December 1, 2005, a person who is in an open area of a recreational vessel whose length is 4.8 metres or less must wear a PFD while the vessel is under way.
For recreational vessels greater than 4.8 metres in length, a person who is on an open area of a recreational vessel must wear a PFD during times of heightened risk.
Examples of "times of heightened risk",
(a) when the vessel is crossing or attempting to cross an ocean bar or operating within a designated hazardous area; or
(b) when the vessel is being operated by a person who is alone; or,
(c) when the vessel is being operated during the period commencing one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise; or
(d) when the vessel is being operated during a period of restricted visibility; or
(e) when there is significant likelihood that -
(i) the vessel may capsize or be swamped by waves; or
(ii) the occupants of the vessel may fall overboard or be forced to enter the water; or
(f) when the vessel is operating in an area where -
(i) a gale warning; or
(ii) a storm warning; or
(iii) a severe thunderstorm warning; or
(iv) a severe weather warning -
issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, is current; or
(g) if the vessel is a yacht and no safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses or jacklines are in use.
For full details consult "New Marine Regulations" at Marine Safety Victoria
(Click below to read)
"Alive to tell the tale"
Account of a capsize incident by one of the survivors
with special thanks to Jayne Watt
It gives a high level of buoyancy and a safe floating position for the wearer.
It is compulsory for all PFD-1's life-jackets, purchased after 1 December 1989 carried in recreational craft, to be fitted with retro-reflective tape. This will be an aid in night searches - it's also a good idea to put some of these patches on your boat.
It will provide less buoyancy than a PFD-1 but sufficient to keep your head above the water.
It has similar buoyancy to a PFD-2
* An approved PFD-1 or approved life-jacket must be provided for every person on board your boat, including persons being towed. Each PFD must be able to fit the person for whom it is intended.
* An approved PFD-1,2 or 3(or approved buoyancy vests/garments) must be worn by waterskiers.
* For vessels with safety equipment exemptions, for example Personal Watercraft (jet skis), canoes/kayaks, small yachts with enclosed hulls, all occupants must wear a PFD-1,2 or 3 or life-jacket buoyancy vest.
Children
* All children under the age of 10 years must wear an approved life-jacket or buoyancy vest/garment, or PFD-1,2 or 3 while in a recreational boat while under way, unless the child is within a deckhouse, cabin, half-cabin or a secure enclosed space.
These regulations apply in the State of Victoria, Australia. Complete information can be found at Marine Safety Victoria.