150N lifejacket: foam or automatic?
The 150 Newtons buoyancy vest is designed to keep you safe on the high seas. As a lifejacket for pleasure boats, it can be turned over onto its back in less than 5 seconds, and is equipped with safety accessories such as reflective strips, a subcutaneous strap, a whistle and a towing handle.
Current legislation for 150 N safety vests
Each vest is designed for a specific activity. So, for example, you can't use your 50 Newton (N) vest in offshore waters. Similarly, there's no point in buying an expensive 150 Newton or 275 Newton approved for a leisure activity such as jetskiing or paddleboarding. However, there are alternatives. One such alternative is the
.According to European regulations, when you're working on a boat located more than 6 nautical miles from a shelter and with heavy work equipment, you need to have a lifejacket approved for at least 150 Newtons. These lifejackets are approved to Iso standard 12402-3. They are recommended for both swimmers and non-swimmers, as they ensure that the wearer will turn over onto his or her back even if unconscious in the water.
Can my 150 Newton lifejacket have a higher buoyancy capacity?
Buoyancy thresholds are set according to the person's size and weight. In other words, you can choose from several sizes of lifejacket, categorized by weight in kg. This type of buoyancy aid may have a higher buoyancy than that set by the authorities, which is only beneficial for your safety, especially if you're sailing more than 6 nautical miles.
In fact, some Plastimo are sold as 150N category lifejackets, but have an actual buoyancy of 180N, giving you greater peace of mind in the water. So, whether you're a professional fisherman or working on a commercial boat, Plastimo's Pilot Pro 180 lifejacket is the ideal choice, thanks in particular to its fire resistance and easy maintenance. It is available in stock from nautisports.com at a price of around €100.
How to choose between a foam vest and an inflatable veste
Like an , a foam vest provides buoyancy for its wearer. However, foam vests are less effective. They ensure safety beyond 6 nautical miles, and have buoyancy available at all times. Nevertheless, their thickness and size can make them seem cumbersome. However, this thickness can act as physical protection in the event of a violent incident. These high-buoyancy lifejackets are marketed in three formats: SOLAS models, PFDs, and armbands, which are the least expensive buoyancy aids on the market.
For example, Nautisports sells the for €22, with 48-hour delivery. The bra covers the neck and is fastened with straps between the pelvis and the chest. Inflatable vests are less cumbersome and give you maximum mobility and comfort on board.
However, all these advantages come at a price, which is why you'll find this category of safety vest more expensive than foam ones. We remind you that this second type of vest can be sold in manual or automatic Hammar or UML (cellulose pellet) triggering configurations.
Safety reminder
If you're sailing outside Europe, make sure you're aware of the standards in force in your country. We advise you to do this, as lifejackets in the USA have a different type of approval when sailing on water. Then, for your children, we recommend that you provide them with a lifejacket and harness, to ensure their safety on the boat, in addition to the that are indispensable in certain cases.
In this case, the is ideal for juniors, thanks to its subcutaneous design and integrated harness, plus the comfort provided by the neoprene collar.
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