Safety on board: lifejackets mandatory ?
In France, Division 240 of the decree of May 6, 2019 defines the safety, prevention and usefulness of a lifejacket on board a boat in order to navigate in regulatory and suitable circumstances. The wearing of a lifejacket is compulsory from basic pleasure boating onwards for all persons on board a boat and concerns personal buoyancy equipment.
Lifejacket mandatory on board
The lifejacket, or buoyancy aid, is a compulsory safety device in France, applicable to all pleasure boats for personal use, or for training purposes, of less than 24 meters in length. Consequently, individual equipment and safety gear for each person on board and for the skipper is essential, and varies according to the navigation zone.
In accordance with the rules laid down by Division 240, navigation zones have been identified and classified by miles into four levels:
- Basic = up to 2 miles
- Coastal = from 2 to 6 miles
- Mid-shore = from 6 to 60 miles
- Offshore = over 60 miles
Based on this classification, mandatory safety equipment rules have been introduced, such as safety harnesses and lanyards, first-aid kits and life rafts.
Our selection of the best automatic life jackets
Reminder of the usefulness of lifejackets
A lifejacket is a piece of sea safety equipment that enables a person to float easily in the event of a fall into the water. The purpose of this equipment is to ensure a good flotation position. It is compulsory on board pleasure craft to avoid any risk of serious incidents at sea.
When sailing, lifejackets are combined with additional safety equipment, such as a harness, to guarantee optimum safety for those on board.
If worn, a lifejacket can save your life. It's essential to remember that the purchase of a lifejacket must be based on current regulations, sailing conditions and zones. This equipment is essential to guarantee your safety at sea, and will increase your chances of survival in the event of an accident.
How to choose the right lifejacket ?
On board your yacht, the most important thing is to choose a lifejacket that fits your profile in the event of a fall into the water, and is adapted to your type of sailing.
50 Newton buoyancy aid lifejackets, also known as dinghy lifejackets, are suitable for sailing up to 2 miles from a shelter, while 100 Newton lifejackets are suitable for sailing up to 6 miles from a shelter. Finally, for all-zone sailing, you should choose a 150 Newton lifejacket.
For children weighing 30 kg, the transverse limit of children's lifejackets is 100 newtons, and will be effective at any distance from a shelter.
Lifejacket regulations
These regulations must be constantly applied to every nautical activity, from fishing to motorboats... However, only the newton rule and the Iso standard must be respected, depending on the type of navigation. This means that the category of lifejacket, whether inflatable, hammar or manual release, can vary according to individual desires and preferences.
Nevertheless, it goes without saying that your safety equipment on the boat must be in good condition, including lifejacket accessories. For this, it's important to check operating characteristics such as buoyancy, cartridge and release system by various means, to ensure that your individual equipment is in conformity before each trip.
Maintaining and servicing your lifejacket is essential to ensure its effectiveness and durability. A poorly maintained lifejacket, or one that shows signs of weakness, has no place on board. It could prove inoperative when you need it most.
Our selection of the best dinghy lifejackets
