What are the different types of lifejacket?
It's essential to know how to choose a lifejacket based on its technical characteristics, so that it can best suit your boating activities and ensure your safety at sea. Each category of lifejacket has its own specific features and functions.
Safety standards
All equipment such as and liferafts must comply with international safety and certification standards. Consequently, wearing a lifejacket is a mandatory safety feature when sailing. These lifejackets must be CE-approved and Iso-compliant.
The Iso standard classifies lifejackets according to their buoyancy level, which is expressed in Newtons (1 Newton corresponds to 0.1 kg).
Lifejacket buoyancy
50 Newton lifejackets are buoyancy aids, often used for sports or low-risk coastal activities. They are designed for conscious swimmers. The vest clears the airways, but does not allow the wearer to turn over, so it is suitable for calm-water activities. Lifejackets with 100 Newton buoyancy are designed for all types of coastal navigation. These lifejackets often operate automatically. In the 100 Newton range, you'll mainly find hydrostatic lifejackets for coastal navigation. They are capable of turning over in 10 seconds and are often recommended for children weighing over 30 kg.
Next come lifejackets with 150 Newton buoyancy, generally designed for coastal and mid-shore sailing, such as the and . These are also hydrostatic lifejackets. This type of lifejacket is suitable for people weighing from 40 to 50 kg, depending on the model, and turns over in 5 seconds. Lifejackets with a buoyancy of 275 newtons are considered to be the most effective, and are intended for use. With these models, reversal takes less than 5 seconds and flotation is guaranteed for all, even in extreme conditions.
275 Newtons lifejackets are available in a choice of two types: hydrostatic lifejackets or automatic salt-pellet lifejackets. They are ideal for offshore and professional sailing, like the vest used on the Volvo Ocean Race. The choice of buoyancy depends on the type of activity, and the weight and size of the wearer.
The different types of lifejacket and their characteristics
Foam vests are ideal for turning the wearer onto his or her back in any situation. Foam vests have the particularity of providing permanent flotation, so they are not inflatable. As a result, foam lifejackets take up a lot of space and restrict freedom of movement when sailing. The is a perfect example of a foam lifejacket.
The automatic lifelacket , or salt-pellet lifejacket, has a specific, high-performance function. This type of lifejacket inflates automatically on contact with water. The system is triggered when the salt tablet inside the vest is dissolved. This means that the device is active only when the wearer is fully immersed. Helly Hansen's Sailsafe Inshore is one of the most popular automatic salt-pellet lifejackets on the market.
The hydrostatic lifejacket is another great piece of automatic equipment. This lifejacket inflates automatically on contact with water, thanks to the innovative Hammar device. This system detects water pressure and inflates the vest. Today, the 165 N Argos automatic lifejacket with 4Water harness is renowned for its excellent Hammar system.
Manual lifejackets, connected lifejackets...
There are also manual lifejackets, which are highly effective when sailing. However, these lifejackets are often reserved for more specific applications. For example, the Manuel Seapack Plastimo lifejacket is a manual release lifejacket for use in emergency and evacuation situations.
To make your lifejacket connected, we invite you to purchase an individual distress beacon. These portable PLB beacons will greatly increase your chances of survival if you fall overboard. These beacons attach to the lifejacket, making it a connected lifejacket that can be tracked using a variety of location systems. For example, CrewSaver's Ergofit+ 190N automatic lifejacket has been specially designed to incorporate a McMurdo AIS beacon.
All types of lifejacket and the various products listed above are currently available for delivery on Nautisports.com, the specialist water sports retailer, at the best prices.
