Lifejackets: safety standards to be met
Safety standards differ according to the characteristics of the lifejacket you are wearing. The safety requirements for this equipment are defined in a series of European and international safety standards. In Europe, these standards are expressed in NF ISO 12402, and define comfort criteria and buoyancy levels for all types of lifejacket, from beginner to professional.
Why are there safety standards for lifejackets ?
Lifejackets are an essential means of preventing the risk of drowning during nautical activities. In France, lifejackets are designed according to very clear and precise European safety standards, to ensure the safety of all on the water. In fact, every lifejacket feature and standard is ideally suited to all types of water sports (sailing, fishing, kayaking...), and all types of lifejacket are suitable for all types of sailor.
In detail: lifejacket safety standards
- The NF EN ISO 12402-5 standard applies to the 50 Newton buoyancy aid, which is a foam lifejacket. These vests are mainly intended for people who know how to swim and are close to the coast. Under these conditions, they will be able to float to the surface of the water in the event of an incident, and benefit from the assistance of nearby rescuers. This type of lifejacket is inexpensive, but cannot be used to turn an unconscious person over.
The Jobe women's neoprene lifejacket has been designed with soft, flexible neoprene, and its ISO 50 Newtons certification guarantees optimum safety for all your water sports activities.
- The NF EN ISO 12402-4 safety standard corresponds to the 100 Newton lifejacket. These lifejackets are intended for use in calm water and are capable of turning an unconscious person.
The is approved to 100 Newtons. It's a comfortable, easy-to-use lifejacket: ideal for a day's boating.
- The NF EN ISO 12402-3 safety standard corresponds to a 150 Newton lifejacket. These lifejackets are highly effective at sea in strong currents or poor weather conditions, and enable an unconscious person to be turned over.
The is robust and lightweight. This ergonomic lifejacket will ensure your safety for all your sea outings and longer regattas. This Crewfit Sport vest features an automatic trigger (UML) that inflates the vest's lung directly on contact with water.
- The NF EN ISO 12402-2 standard corresponds to a 250 newton lifejacket. These lifejackets are designed for use on the high seas, and remain effective even in the most extreme conditions. This type of lifejacket inflates only on contact with water, ensuring the wearer's survival.
The double-chamber lifejacket is designed for professional use. This vest ensures maximum comfort and mobility at sea.
- The NF EN ISO standard applies to life-saving equipment, not personal protective equipment (PPE). These professional lifejackets can benefit from two certifications, 150 newtons and 275 newtons, with the special feature of double air chambers.
Complementary safety standards
The NF EN ISO 12402-8 standard covers all specifications relating to that may be required for certain water sports. In certain situations, these accessories are attached to or added to the lifejacket, in compliance with ISO12402 :
Safety harnesses and lifelines, which are work positioning devices.
Distress lights to help locate a person in the water
Whistles to aid rescue operations
The with harness is the classic Plastimo lifejacket, thanks in particular to its quality/price ratio, suitable for most types of boating: coastal sailing, regular outings, cruising, regattas...). The Plastimo Pilot 165 vest is available in three release options (automatic UML, Hammar, manual).
The NF EN ISO 12402-8 standard corresponds to the additional requirements applicable to lifejackets for industrial use. A category of lifejacket with unique features: puncture, splash and burst resistance.
All safety standards & lifejackets on Nautisports
These lifejackets are currently in stock and available for delivery on Nautisports.com, the specialist nautical activities comparison and retailer at the best prices.
