An approved life jacket must be provided for each person on board. It is compulsory to wear a life jacket in any recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender that is under six (6) metres in length whilst under power.
Before purchasing an inflatable life jacket, you must be aware that inflatable life jackets should be self checked by the owner and under the Marine and Safety (Motor Boats and Licences) By-laws 2013, (Clause 31(2) it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure they are serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All manufacturers have different requirements. A receipt of service may be required as proof of service.
The cost of servicing an inflatable life jacket is a small price to pay. What is your life worth?
It is also compulsory for children under the age of 12 years to wear a life jacket in a recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender of any length while under power.
A life jacket does not need to be worn within a deckhouse, cabin or secure enclosed space.
A life jacket is also compulsory in a lightweight craft which includes kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, dinghies (tenders). For a list of all equipment required in a lightweight craft, see Paddle Craft.
Life Jackets made to AS 4758.1 will display the following levels:
- Level 150
- Level 100
- Level 50
- Level 50S (Special Purpose)
Level 150 or Level 100
A Level 150 or 100 must comply with the Australian Standard AS 4758. This will be clearly marked inside the garment. These jackets replace the old Type 1, AS 1512. These jackets offer head support and superior buoyancy over other life jackets. They are also made from highly visible colours. These jackets are required for sheltered and open waters. It is recommended children use this style of jacket in all operational areas.
New Standard Life Jackets required on all boats in Tasmania by January 2021.
Everyone who owns a life jacket must, by 1 January 2021, replace jackets labelled with the old Australian Standards numbers, 1512, 1499 and 2260. This Australian Standard was made redundant in 2010 and will all be written out of legislation in the year 2020.
All life jackets in use on Tasmanian boats will need to adhere to the new standard AS4758.1 by 1 January 2021. MAST has “grandfathered “ the older styled jackets for 10 years.
MAST first advised the boating public of this in the Spring issue of Boatwise 2010.
Changes to Life Jacket Standards – Frequently Asked Questions
These C02 inflated garments are lighter and less cumbersome than conventional foam life jackets and are quite versatile – they’re even made as wet weather jackets and windproof vests and are becoming increasingly popular.
However there are added maintenance requirements that come with this style of jacket as well as the need for detailed crew and passenger briefing on their operation.
Care should also be taken when purchasing an inflatable jacket to ensure that it conforms with Australian Standards. Inflatable jackets conforming to Australian Standards meet AS 4758. This will be clearly marked on the jacket.
As life jackets spend much time in a harsh environment (particularly with saltwater boaters), it is important that jackets are serviced annually by an accredited service centre or the original manufacturer. This will ensure that the jacket is in good working order. When they are serviced, checks will be carried out to ensure the bladder, reflective tapes, buckles and straps are in working order, and that the inflation system and oral inflation tube are operating correctly. For safety sake, do this annually.
The jackets should also be checked regularly, prior to wearing. Make a visual check for damage and unscrew the gas cylinder to ensure it has not been pierced. If it has been pierced then replace it immediately. Without this occurring the jacket will not inflate.
Ensure that the cartridge is screwed in firmly. Cartridges can loosen from continual vibration whilst stowed in a car or boat. If a cylinder is loose, gas can escape through the thread upon activation.
It is also worthwhile to periodically manually inflate your jacket with the oral inflation tube, and leave it overnight. This will determine whether there are any leaks in the bladder. Remember that if the temperature in the room decreases overnight, this will affect the pressure in the bladder, so take this into consideration when assessing the air in the jacket the next morning.
Inflatable jackets are certainly very convenient but remember to be diligent with your checks and undertake regular servicing to ensure it will work when you need it.
Lifejacket Servicing Tasmania
Lifejacket Servicing Tasmania is an accredited lifejacket inspection service and certification centre. We service most types and all popular brands of lifejackets.
Call 0450 649 434 today
for our advice regarding the type of jacket you should consider purchasing.