Ask the Experts - Lifejackets with Spinlock

Are lifejackets mandatory in the UK on leisure craft and watersports equipment? Do you have to wear one all the time whilst on board?

When sailing or boating in UK waters lifejackets are not a legal requirement for leisure use. Some clubs, organisations, races and events may have their own rules in order to participate, which will usually require some type of flotation device to be worn. If operating commercially, for example a sea school, then it’s likely that lifejackets will be mandatory.

What are the safety requirements surrounding the lifejackets’ manufacture - what has to be included?

ISO (The International Organisation for Standardisation) has produced standards for almost all aspects of technology and manufacturing and introduced stringent modern testing procedures that lifejackets have to pass. 

ISO12402 specifies how lifejackets worn for work or used for leisure should perform and sets out features that should be included in a lifejacket. It is important to remember that ISO12402 is not just one standard, it covers a range of different types of Life Saving Apparatus.  ISO 12402 covers a range of lifejackets and buoyancy aids for inflatable lifejackets to which the standards listed here apply.

• ISO12402-2 = 275N of Buoyancy (Increased buoyancy - mainly commercial)
• ISO12402-3 = 150N of Buoyancy (most common for leisure lifejacket)
• ISO12402-4 = 100N of Buoyancy (Junior life jacket)
• ISO12402-5 = 50N  of Buoyancy (Buoyancy Aid)

Are there different types to choose from and what do you recommend? 

Spinlock have a range of lifejackets to choose from. Our most popular lifejacket for leisure sailing is the Deckvest 6D. This lifejacket comes with everything you need to go sailing, including lights, deck safety harness and a sprayhood. We developed the Deckvest VITO from our work with the Volvo Ocean Race sailors and so it is a high performance, full spec offshore lifejacket and popular with offshore sailors participating in the Fastnet Race and other offshore races. Our simple lifejacket, the Deckvest LITE is as its name suggests, extremely lightweight and low profile which makes it popular for inshore sailing, fishing and powerboating and generally wearing for a day on the water.

All of our lifejackets have been developed with comfort, fit and adjustment in mind coupled with a high design finish, with great colours and quality fabrics. Whilst the performance of the lifejacket is essential, it is fair to say that, using a lifejacket that is enjoyable to wear means you will put it on sooner and keep it on for longer.

Is there a difference between a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid?

A lifejacket is a life saving device, which automatically inflates in water and the inflatable bladder supports the casualty’s head and neck in the water, or turns an unconscious body over, to await rescue. A buoyancy aid is an aid to help you float, with considerably less buoyancy. Buoyancy aids are used for paddleboarding or sports where you are in and out the water a lot, such as dinghy sailing. Although we do have our new ALTO inflatable belt pack which is a buoyancy aid that manually inflates.

What should boat owners look for when purchasing lifejackets?

Definitely comfort. Ultimately if you do not find the lifejacket comfortable, you will not wear it. We recommend visiting your local chandlery and trying on different makes and models to find which suits you, the staff should be able to help fit the lifejacket to you and demonstrate the features and fit. The Spinlock lifejackets sit higher on the waist and off the neck, much like a backpack.

Do you have to have a PLD on your lifejacket?

A PLD,  PLB or MOB device can be considered as part of your kit. For offshore journeys they are becoming more and more popular in part as the size of the devices has dramatically reduced making them easier to carry or wear.

How often should they be renewed or can they be serviced? What checks should users make? 

Lifejackets for leisure use should be professionally serviced every 2 years. However it is advised that you check and maintain  your lifejacket during this period yourself. There are some great videos on servicing and maintaining your lifejacket which show clearly how to manage this at home which is really quite simple.

Can a current pull you under if wearing a lifejacket? Do you automatically float when wearing one? Does it flip you on your back?

Whilst a strong current will affect a casualty in the water, even wearing a lifejacket, the 150N or 275N lifejacket will perform as designed and help support a person with the head clear of the water, floating them at 45 degrees or turning them over if needed. If a sprayhood is fitted this will be very helpful in reducing water inhalation with a strong current often producing larger wave patterns. 

Are there statutory requirements for stowage of the lifejackets (e.g. over winter)?

There are no statutory requirements but we recommend hanging the lifejacket up or keeping it in the mesh bag we provide in a cool dry place. The lifejacket must be dried thoroughly or it is at risk of accidental inflation. You can follow one of our YouTube videos for advice. We also recommend checking your lifejacket over the winter or before you use it again in the spring. This can be done yourself or by using a reliable service centre. 

For all further information on the latest news, product registration and useful links relating to safety at sea, please go to www.spinlock.co.uk