All racing under the Australian Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing & Special Regulations requires lifejackets in some way. There is a prescribed usage mandate, and then there is the application of voluntary ‘due-diligence-wearing’ for life jackets. Owners, persons in charge, crews and Equipment Auditors will need to be aware what mandates the condition of a compliant lifejacket.

Lifejackets are a fundamental equipment for personal safety when sailing. State and Territory maritime regulators and Australian Sailing require carriage and wearing in some way. Aside to ‘what the rules say’, owners, persons in charge, crews and Equipment Auditors should inform themselves about all matters when it comes to the application and proper service for lifejackets. Realistic regular servicing is manufacturer mandated: Either professional servicing or self-servicing to manufacturers standards. Race event organising authorities also can mandate lifejacket servicing standards.

The first and most obvious mandate for lifejackets is - wearing one which works! Carrying one on board but not wearing it, has been a contributing factor in 70% of boating related fatalities. Another fact for 13% of boating fatalities was a lifejacket being used, but for reasons of age, disrepair and not serviced or incorrectly fitted, it simply was not compliant and ‘not-fit-for-purpose’.

There are specific website portals developed collaboratively between State and Territory maritime regulators and manufacturers for lifejackets. I.e. the Lifejacket Portal provides information and videos on how to choose the right lifejacket, complete a pre-wear check, and perform a more thorough regular inspection. Owners, persons in charge, crews and Equipment Auditors alike should watch these videos to understand the basic care that contribute to lifejackets doing their job. These portals are regularly updated and oblige to a regular ‘up to date’ viewing.

When auditing lifejackets and related safety equipment, it’s more than just counting the correct number for crew and seeing that it is manufactured in accordance with an applicable standard. The Equipment Auditor should also obtain satisfactory detailed checking that the lifejackets are in good and working condition. The videos for the pre-wear check and regular inspection in the Lifejacket Portal show excellent and  fundamental basics for checking and servicing lifejackets. Having a look at some of these presentations will not only confirm compliance with the Special Regulations but help the Owners, Persons in Charge and crew understand the fundamental importance of lifejacket serviceability.

When it comes to use of lifejackets, there is ultimately one approach: Familiarity with donning and wearing it. Deployment function, use of crotch strap, sprayhood, inflation tube, whistle, especially at times of heightened risk (i.e. Sunset to Sunrise, hazardous wind & waves, fog, harbour entrance/shipping channels, bar crossing) Wearing a lifejacket when on deck is never a bad idea.

By Manfred Speicher - Senior National Equipment Auditor for Western Australia
 

We’re also excited to let you know that Australian Sailing has all its current safety resources available – one click - to make it easier for you. Check out the Safety Hub here!