Lifejacket : How to choose your lifejacket

 

 

• Main functions of a lifejacket

• Which lifejacket for my practice?

• "Newtons": what buoyancy?

• Which release mode?

• Before embarking...

• How to maintain my lifejacket ?

 

The main functions of a lifejacket

 

The choice of a lifejacket depends above all on the sailing program and the use you make of it.

A lifejacket is considered personal protective equipment (PPE). If worn and used properly, it increases the chances of survival in the event of a fall into the water. It must be chosen according to various criteria such as

• the legal standards in force in the country and for the activity practiced

• the conditions of use

• the morphology

The primary function of a lifejacket is to keep your head out of the water in order to keep your airways free. It will also allow you to find your way around efficiently to facilitate rescue. Your lifejacket is therefore an essential safety element at sea. It must be worn to be fully effective and increase your chances of survival in the water! Life jackets are divided into two categories.

• An inflatable lifejacket} is a safety equipment that allows you to float on your back and offers sufficient support for your different uses at sea or in rough waters. Their buoyancy is ensured by the perforation of a bottle of_CO2 gas, more commonly known as "carbon dioxide", which instantly inflates the air tanks provided for this purpose. Wearing this system on your clothes gives you great freedom of movement, while preserving your comfort. The activation of an inflatable life jacket can be done manually or automatically according to different procedures.

• A buoyancy aid, brace or foam vest, is a safety device that provides sufficient support in sheltered waters, but does not have enough capacity to allow for rollover. A foam vest or life jacket can also provide some protection in case of impact. On the other hand, their bulk, linked to the thickness of the foam ensuring buoyancy, can limit your movements and displacements during maneuvers.

The performance of a lifejacket depends greatly on the activity practiced. Just like any other navigation equipment, the choice of a lifejacket depends above all on the program and the use you make of it. This is why comfort and flexibility will be privileged in some cases, while robustness and buoyancy will be essential in other activities.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of activities requiring the use of an inflatable lifejacket or buoyancy aid: coastal and offshore sailing, dinghy and multi-sports, sailing clubs and schools, inflatable and semi-rigid, kitesurfing, water skiing and jet skiing, sea or river fishing, stand up paddle (SUP), canoeing and kayaking...

Which vest for my practice?

In order to understand how your lifejacket works, here are some keys to help you choose the model that best suits your activity and body type:

• 275N lifejacket for professional sailors

}For offshore sailing,a lung of 150 Newtons minimum is necessary. A 275 Newton lung is preferred if the sailing conditions are particularly difficult and if the person is wearing heavy (professional) equipment. This will allow the turning of an unconscious man who has fallen overboard. The lifejacket must be equipped with a harness to be able to attach a lanyard. Safety comes first, which is why the navigator can choose between an automatic release system with a salt tablet or hydrostatic (water pressure).

 

• Quel gilet de sauvetage pour la navigation côtière ?

}For coastal navigation, we'll be looking for a compromise between safety and comfort. A 150 Newton lung is sufficient, less cumbersome and therefore lighter, with an automatic release system identical to that chosen for an offshore program. The navigator may prefer the ergonomics of the vest, with a short cut found on the Plastimoor Spinlock.

 

• Which lifejacket for pleasure boating ?

}For regattas, we recommend a 150 Newtons lung with a hydrostatic release system. Indeed, this type of firing pin is triggered by water pressure when the wearer is immersed. This avoids any risk of untimely triggering during maneuvers. Comfort is essential, so it is important that the vest is forgotten by the sailor. For a weekend regatta between two buoys, a buoyancy aid of 50 to 70 newtons will be sufficient for sport sailing.

 

• For occasional sailing

A manual release vest is preferred. This one inflates automatically when activated by the wearer. The lung can be 100 Newtons, or even 150 Newtons. The main advantage over a buoyancy aid is that it is much more compact and comfortable for the navigator. Warning: Minimum safety level. The system will not be activated if the navigator falls overboard while unconscious.

 

 

"Newtons": what buoyancy?

 

Good to know: 10 Newtons correspond to 1.01 kg buoyancy force.

 

• 50N buoyancy vest, ideal for water sports activities

}ISO 12402-5 standard: Minimum buoyancy required for the " buoyancy aid " category. Lightweight equipment suitable for seaside activities, for light sailing such as dinghy, catamaran or windsurfing, and for people who already know how to swim or have help nearby. Minimum required for human powered boats, regardless of their distance or for vessels not more than 2 miles away from a shelter.

• 100N lifejacket - 100N safety brace

}ISO 12402-4 standard: Minimum buoyancy required for the " safety vests " category. It allows the wearer to turn over on his back. This value is suitable for coastal navigation with light equipment. Minimum required for vessels not more than 6 miles from a shelter and for children up to 30kg regardless of their distance.

• 150N lifejacket: foam or automatic?

}ISO 12402-3 standard: Minimum buoyancy required on life jackets used for navigation on the high seas in all weather conditions. It allows the wearer to turn over on his back in less than 5 seconds, even if he is wearing heavy equipment. Lifejackets of this value are equipped with a subcutaneous strap in addition to reflective strips, a whistle and a towing handle. Minimum required for vessels going more than 6 miles from a shelter.

• 275 lifejacket, the professional lifejacket

}ISO Standard12402-2: Buoyancy required for professional use or extreme sailing conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

Which activation mode?

There are 3 main types of activation for inflatable life jackets. All of them also have a manual release system.

 

 

• With a cellulose pellet ( UML Pro Sensor system - with a window to visualize the state of the vest) which disintegrates on contact with water and releases the release system of the_CO2 cylinder.)

• With hydrostatic valve ( Hammar system) which is activated by water pressure. The principle prevents any untimely triggering, but remains more complicated to reactivate.

• With manual release system that the wearer activates himself in case of a fall in the sea. Warning: Minimum safety level. The system will not be activated if the sailor falls overboard while unconscious.

Before embarking...

Our safety instructions before boarding (non-exhaustive list) :

• Always make sure your equipment is working properly

• Make sure that each person on board knows the exact location of the safety equipment

• Make sure that everyone on board knows how to use a lifejacket

• Ideally, wear your lifejacket before you even get on board

• Children or anyone on board who cannot swim must wear a life jacket

 

Our additional accessories for lifejackets:

In addition to meeting the requirements of the regulations, each lifejacket must be equipped with the following

• an electric light source () or chemical () attached to your lifejacket and capable of lighting up for 12 hours minimum

• a whistle attached to your lifejacket and easily accessible

• a for an emergency use (some inflatable life jackets, type , are provided with it)

• it is recommended to choose a life jacket with } to increase your chances of survival during spotting

How do I care for my lifejacket?

• Remember to rinse your lifejacket with fresh water after each use, and dry it promptly

• Store your lifejacket in a dry place away from sunlight

• To ensure that your lifejacket is in perfect working order, please have it checked every 2 years by a professional

Happy sailing to all!

For any question or additional information, we are at your disposal at 04.78.41.79.31.

The Nautisports. com team