What type of pleasure craft are you restricted from wearing inflatable PFDs?

From 1 January 2025 lifejackets that meet older Australian Standards AS 1512, AS 1499 and AS 2260 will no longer be acceptable in South Australia.

Lifejackets, sometimes called Personal flotation devices (PFDs), are an essential item of marine safety equipment.

The lifejacket you need and when you must wear it depends on your vessel, age, location, and conditions. If you’re not sure, answer some quick questions to know before you go.

Lifejacket level 100 or higher

A level 100 or higher has sufficient flotation to support the body and head. The flotation collar keeps your head above water. Do not use it as a cushion. Not permitted for water skiing, aquaplaning, and similar activities. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:

• Australian Standards AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices classified as providing level 100 or level 150 buoyancy (or more).  Note: From 1 January 2025 lifejackets that meet Australian Standard AS 1512‑1996, will no longer be acceptable.
• Appendix R of section 10 of the Uniform Shipping Laws Code
• With a PFD intended for use by adults Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB-65.11-M88; with a PFD intended for use by children CAN/CGSB-65.15-M88
• European Standard EN399-1993 Lifejackets-275N, EN396-1993 Lifejackets-150N, or EN395-1993 Lifejackets-100N
• International Organization for Standardization ISO 12402-2, ISO 12402-3, or ISO 12402-4
• Underwriters Laboratories Standards UL1180 Fully inflatable recreational personal flotation devices
• New Zealand Standard NZ5823:2001 Type 401
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Orders Part 25 related to the type of lifejackets required to be carried on Australian registered ships.

Lifejacket level 50

A level 50 has less flotation than a level 100, with flotation panels front and back only. Is less restrictive to wear than level 100 or higher, but will not keep your head above water if you are unconscious. A level 50 is suitable for use for sports such as water skiing, sailboarding, kiteboarding and sailing dinghies. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:

• Australian Standard AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices classified as providing level 50 buoyancy. Note: From 1 January 2025 lifejackets that meet Australian Standard AS 1499-1996, will no longer be acceptable.
• European Standard EN393-1993 Lifejackets-50N
• International Organization for Standardization ISO 12402-5.

Lifejacket level 50S

Similar to level 50, a level 50S lifejacket doesn't meet the Australian Standards Association colour standards. These are designed for high-speed water sports such as water skiing, aqua-planing, operating PWC, and sailboarding. It must comply with one or more of the following standards:

• Australian Standard AS 4758.1: Personal flotation devices in relation to a PFD classified as providing level 50 special purpose (50S) buoyancy. Note: From 1 January 2025 lifejackets that meet Australian Standard AS 2260-1996, will no longer be acceptable.

A very bulky lifejacket, designed to keep the body afloat for long periods. Has a light and whistle attached to attract attention. Carried by commercial vessels and recommended for use on larger vessels operating far offshore.

Coastal lifejacket

This multi-fit lifejacket has more flotation than a lifejacket level 100 or above. It has a whistle attached for attracting attention. It is recommended for use on larger vessels operating far offshore.

Wearing lifejackets on motor boats that are 4.8 metres or less in length

• Everyone on board must wear a lifejacket at all times when the vessel is underway or at anchor.
• The lifejacket worn must be in line with lifejacket wear requirements.
• The lifejacket worn must be suitable for your activity.

Information about lifejacket requirements can be found in the South Australian Boating Safety Handbook.

Safety on the water (PDF  729KB)

Safety equipment (PDF  1.3MB)

Wearing lifejackets on boats 4.8 metres to 12 metres in length (with or without an engine)

When in an open area of a vessel, the following lifejacket wear requirements apply when the vessel is underway or at anchor:

• Children who are 12 years old or younger must wear a lifejacket at all times. (lifejacket level depends on where you are operating)
• In circumstances of heightened risk, all occupants must wear a lifejacket level 50 or 50S or higher in semi-protected or protected waters and must wear a lifejacket level 100 or higher in unprotected waters.

Circumstances of heightened risk are:

• when operating alone
• when operating only accompanied by a child, or children, who is 12 years old or younger
• when operating after sunset or before sunrise
• when the boat is disabled
• when crossing an ocean bar
• at times of restricted visibility
• when in an area subject to a gale, storm force, hurricane-force wind, severe thunderstorm or severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Related information

This website

Children's lifejackets

Documents

MR1593 Which lifejacket do I need? (498.1 KB PDF)

Other websites

Marine Safety SA

You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft . This includes human-powered craft.

A lifejacket is your best defence against cold-water shock. Research shows that unexpected immersion in cold water is a serious risk to life if a boater is not wearing a flotation device. This is true despite the boater's experience, closeness to shore, and even swimming ability.

A sudden fall into cold water can seriously affect breathing, nerves, and muscle strength. A lifejacket gives you thermal protection as well as keeping you buoyant.

Most recreational boaters who die on the water each year in Canada are not wearing flotation devices, or are not wearing them properly.

On this page

Choosing a lifejacket

Lifejackets provide more flotation in water than most PFDs. Lifejackets come only in red, orange, and yellow so you are more visible while in water.

There are three Canadian-approved types:

1. Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) lifejackets meet very high performance standards and are approved for all vessels. They:

• turn you on your back in seconds to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious
• come in two sizes — over 32 kg (70 lbs.) or less than 32 kg
• are available in comfortable and compact inflatable styles that can be automatically, manually, or orally inflated

2. Standard Type lifejackets are approved for all vessels, except SOLAS vessels. They:

• turn you on your back to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious
• come in two sizes — over 40 kg (88 lbs.) or less than 40 kg

3. Small Vessel lifejackets are approved for small vessels. They:

• have less flotation than Standard Type lifejackets
• turn you on your back, but may do so more slowly
• come in two models — keyhole and vest
• come in three sizes

For more information on selecting lifejackets, check out Wear a Life Jacket.

Choosing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

PFDs come in many types, sizes, and colours. Not all are red, orange, or yellow; but it is a good idea to choose these colours to be more visible when in water.

Choose a PFD based on your needs and your activity. If you are operating at high speeds, look for a PFD with three or more chest belts for security.

If you are operating in cold water (less than 15°C), choose a PFD with thermal protection.

There are pros and cons to choosing a PFD over a lifejacket.

A PFD

• may be more comfortable because it is designed for constant wear
• is lighter, less bulky, and may be designed for specific sport activities
• usually offers less flotation than a lifejacket
• has limited capability to turn you in the water
• usually offers less thermal protection than a lifejacket
• if inflatable, must be used and maintained correctly in order to work

If you choose an inflatable PFD , check which boating activities they are approved for under the Small Vessel Regulations. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for:

• people who are under 16 years of age, or who weigh under 36.3 kg (80 lbs.)
• operators of personal watercraft

Inflatable PFDs come in two styles:

1. Vest types inflate automatically, or are inflated orally or manually with a CO2 system.
   
   

2. Pouch types can be orally inflated, or manually inflated by pulling a toggle to activate CO2 inflation.
   
   

The inflation time is relatively short but still could be difficult for a weak swimmer. All Canadian-approved inflatable PFDs have an oral inflation tube in case the CO2 inflation mechanism fails. If you are struggling to stay afloat, using this tube could be challenging.

An emergency is no time to experiment with a new device. Read your manual for the PFD carefully. Under supervision and before heading out, try the device on and make sure you know how to use it.

Keeping children afloat

A lifejacket or PFD is no substitute for adult supervision. Children should be within arm's reach as well as wearing a proper flotation device at all times. View this video for quick tips on keeping your child safe on water.

Buy only Canadian-approved devices. Have your child try on the device before you buy it.

• It should fit snugly and not ride up over your child's chin or ears.
• There should be less than 7.6 cm (3") between your child's shoulders and the device. Otherwise, the device is too big and could do more harm than good.

Look for these safety features:

• a large collar for head support
• waist ties or elastic gathers in front and back
• a safety strap that goes between the legs to prevent the device from slipping over your child's head
• buckles on safety straps and reflective tape

Consider attaching a non-metallic pea-less whistle to the device.

Parents who want their children to wear a lifejacket should set a good example and do the same.

Approval to Canadian standards

Look for a lifejacket or PFD with a label that says the device has been approved by any of the organizations below:

• Transport Canada
• Canadian Coast Guard
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Foreign visitors to Canada may bring their own flotation device if it conforms to the laws of their country.

Care and use of your flotation device

Treat your flotation device as an investment and take good care of it. Devices that are ripped or in poor condition are not considered approved.

Lifesaving equipment should never be kneeled on, sat on, or used as a fender for your boat. Follow these tips:

• Check its buoyancy regularly by wading out to waist-deep water and bending your knees to see how well you float.
• Ensure that straps, buckles, and zippers are clean and in good working order.
• Tug on straps to ensure they are well attached with no sign of wear.
• Dry your device in open air and avoid direct heat sources.
• Store it in a dry, well-ventilated, easily accessible place.
• Do not dry clean. Use mild soap and running water to clean.

It won't work if you don't wear it

In order to work, lifesaving equipment must be worn at all times.

It is dangerous to assume that you will be able to find, put on, and fasten your PFD in the water:

• adverse wind and wave conditions can make this extremely difficult or impossible
• you could unexpectedly fall into water and your boat with the PFD aboard could be unreachable
• cold water can severely impede your ability to put on and fasten a PFD in the water

Never underestimate how much protection a flotation device can give you. It is called lifesaving equipment for a reason.

Flotation devices for hunters and anglers

Many sports hunters and anglers who die in boating accidents each year are not wearing flotation devices, or are not wearing them properly. In most cases, lifejackets or PFDs were on board.

Some flotation devices are designed specifically for hunters and anglers.

These styles have more room in the arms to permit aiming for hunters, or casting for fly fishers. Some are available in camouflage. Others have pockets for storing gear and accessories. Inflatable styles are light, comfortable, and less bulky.

Remember that you are required to wear your flotation device at all times, regardless of the style.

Note: Red, orange and yellow are the best colours for visibility. Wearing these colours increases your chances of being found by rescuers.

Flotation devices for stand-up paddleboarders

Transport Canada classifies stand-up paddleboards as human-powered vessels if you are using them to take a trip or do a circuit such as a group crossing. Therefore, you must have a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD on board which is available for immediate use.

Many PFDs such as low-profile vests and waist-pack inflatables are easy to use for paddleboarders.

Note: The Substitute Safety Equipment provisions in section 4 of the Small Vessel Regulations do not allow leashes in place of lifejackets and PFDs. They only allow like-to-like exemptions, such as high-buoyancy PFDs instead of small vessel lifejackets on certain types of vessels.

Transport Canada supports leash use, but not as a replacement for lifejackets and PFDs.