Lifejacket standards

Type 1 (Level 100+)

A lifejacket type 1 will provide a high level of buoyancy and keeps the wearer in a safe floating position. They are made in high visibility colours with reflective patches.

IS YOUR LIFEJACKET TYPE 1 LEGAL?

A lifejacket type 1 must comply with at least one of  the following standards:

  • Australian Standard AS 1512-1996 "Personal flotation devices - Type 1"
  • Australian Standard AS 4758.1-2008 "Personal flotation devices - Part 1: General requirements" relating to Level 275 lifejackets
  • Australian Standard AS 4758.1-2008 "Personal flotation devices - Part 1: General requirements" relating to Level 150 lifejackets
  • Australian Standard AS 4758.1-2008 "Personal flotation devices - Part 1: General requirements" relating to Level 100 lifejackets
  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Orders Part 25, Schedule 1, Section 4.1 "Life-jackets", as formulated, issued, prescribed or published from time to time
  • Uniform Shipping Laws Code, Section 10, Appendix R ("Coastal Lifejackets and Lifejacket Lights and Whistles"), as formulated, issued, prescribed  or published from time to time
  • International Standard ISO 12402- 2:2006(E) "Personal flotation devices - Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 - Safety requirements"
  • International Standard ISO 12402- 3:2006(E) "Personal flotation devices - Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 - Safety requirements"
  • International Standard ISO 12402- 4:2006(E) "Personal flotation devices - Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 - Safety requirements"
  • European Standard EN399; 1993 Lifejackets; 275N, or
  • European  Standard EN396; 1993 Lifejackets; 150N, or
  • European Standard EN395; 1993 Lifejackets; 100N
  • one of the following recognised standards for personal flotation devices, or types of personal flotation devices, that has been approved by a recognised  appraiser:
    • National Standard of Canada CAN/ CGSB-65.11-M88 "Personal Flotation Devices", as formulated, issued, prescribed or published by the Canadian General Standards Board from time to time, and National Standard of Canada CAN/CGSB- 65.15-M88 "Personal Flotation  Devices for Children", as formulated, issued, prescribed or published by the Canadian General Standards Board from time to time
    • Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL 1180 "Fully Inflatable Recreational Personal Flotation Devices" as formulated, issued, prescribed  or published by Underwriters Laboratories from time to time
    • Section 401 of New Zealand Standard NZS 5823:2005 "Specification for Buoyancy Aids and Marine Safety Harnesses and Lines", as formulated, issued, prescribed or published by Standards New Zealand from  time to time
  • any standard or specifications approved by the Safety Director.

Type 2 (Level 50)

A lifejacket type 2 is a buoyancy vest. It will provide less buoyancy than a lifejacket type 1 but is sufficient to keep your head above water. Like a lifejacket type 1 they are manufactured in high visibility colours.

IS YOUR LIFEJACKET TYPE 2 LEGAL?

  • Australian Standard AS 1499-1996 "Personal Flotation Devices Type 2"
  • Australian Standard AS 4758.1 "Personal flotation devices Part 1: General requirements" relating to Level 50 lifejackets
  • European Standard EN 393: 1993 E Superseded "Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids – Buoyancy aids 50N
  • International Standard ISO 12402- 5:2006 "Personal flotation devices – Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) – Safety requirements"
  • Any standard or specifications approved by Safety Director.

Type 3 (Level 50S)

This is a buoyancy garment. They have similar buoyancy to a lifejacket type 2 but are manufactured in a wide variety of colours and are shaped or equipped for particular activities.

IS YOUR LIFEJACKET TYPE 3 LEGAL?

A lifejacket type 3 must comply with:

  • Australian Standard AS 4758.1 "Personal flotation devices—Part 1: General requirements" relating to Level 50 Special Purpose lifejackets.