Life jackets/personal flotation devices
There are five different types of personal flotation devices (PFDs). They should be accessible at all times and kept in good condition. Do not use PFDs as a cushion and be sure you know how to put them on quickly. Life jackets should be marked correctly to ensure they comply with standards. Carrying life jackets that are not marked correctly as part of your safety equipment could cost you a fine.
PFD type 1
Has sufficient flotation to support the body and head. The flotation collar keeps the head above water. For use in smooth, partially smooth and open waters. Suitable for offshore boating. SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and coastal life jackets are accepted as a PFD type 1 for recreational safety equipment purposes. Must comply with Australian Standard 1512.
PFD type 2
Keeps you afloat but does not have a collar to keep the head above water. For use in smooth and partially smooth waters. Good for water-skiing, personal watercraft, sailing boats and dinghies. Must comply with Australian Standard 1499.
PFD type 3
Has the same buoyancy as PFD type 2 although colours are not as visible. May be a specified buoyancy wet suit. For use in smooth water and only where the user is likely to be in the water for a short time. Must comply with Australian Standard 2260.
Coastal and SOLAS
These jackets have more flotation than a PFD type 1. They are bulky life jackets designed to keep the body afloat for long periods. They have reflective tape and a whistle to attract attention. These jackets are mostly carried by commercial boats and recommended to be carried by boats operating long distances offshore.
Life jackets must comply with standards
For a life jacket or PFD to comply with a particular standard, certain information required under that standard must be displayed.
- Frequently asked questions - Life jackets and personal flotation devices (PDF**, 321KB)
- International standards - Life jackets and personal flotation devices (PDF**, 39KB)
Compulsory wearing of life jackets
It is compulsory to wear a life jacket:
- when crossing a coastal bar in an open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length.
- if you are under the age of 12 in an open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length, while it is under way.
Definitions
Under 12 - from 12 months and up to, but not including, 12 years of age.
It is not recommended that babies under 12 months travel on boats unless necessary. When they do, they must be held securely by a parent or other responsible adult.
Open vessel - a boat that does not have a permanent rigid deckhouse, cabin or other enclosed space suitable for a person to occupy.
Underway - a boat not at anchor, made fast to the shore or aground. A boat does not have to be moving to be underway.
Coastal bar - A shallow area where sand is deposited across a river mouth, lake, estuary or harbour entrance.
Designated coastal bars - Currumbin Bar, Tallebudgera Bar, Jumpinpin Bar, South Passage Bar, Caloundra Bar, Maroochy Bar, Noosa Bar and Wide Bay Bar.
- Factsheet (PDF**, 381KB) - wearing a life jacket while crossing a coastal bar in an open boat under 4.8 m.
- Factsheet (PDF**, 232KB) - wearing a life jacket if you are under 12 years, in an open boat less than 4.8 m.
- Frequently asked questions (PDF**, 47KB).
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Last updated 08 February 2008
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