Life jacket sign required in Qld and NSW

Life Jackets - wear them for safety

Life jackets are mandatory in many circumstances and life jacket laws vary from state to state, but how many of us are aware of life jacket regulations beyond wearing a ski jacket when skiing?

Note: The information in this article is provided as a guide and is intended as an initial source for locating full information on other official government websites. Due to the varied nature of boating regulations in Australia, boaters should consult their current regulations in each state.

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It is safest to suggest that reasonable care should be applied at all times and life jackets should be stowed properly and in good condition. But what type is required? When does wearing a life jacket become compulsory? Does your boat have a sign in white or red text displayed where life jackets are stowed? Boaties' Guide finds the answers.

There are times when fastening on a life jacket is a natural response. Crossing a bar in rough conditions, water seeping into the vessel from a water leak, an engine failure in rough conditions. These are all times when preparation is key and reaching for a life jacket before it's needed is far better than trying to put one on in the water after an event. There are many more situations which are less than obvious and this is why authorities are making rules to compel us to be better prepared.

Australian life jacket regulations vary between states. Did you know that in Queensland and New South Wales, on boats where life jackets are mandatory, you are required to have a placard, sign or label, clearly marking where life jackets are stored? The label or sign must have the words "Life Jackets" in white text on a red background, or red text on a white background. It is also mandatory for skippers to tell everyone on board where life jackets are stored in these states.

There are some rules that are generic throughout Australia which usually suggests that life jackets be warn at times of "hightened risk". But each state has more specific rules.

PFD 3 Life jacket rescue on smooth protected waters. Life jackets provide safety for unexpected occasions.Ververidis Vasilis - Shutterstock.com

Queensland life jacket regulations in general include:
For vessels less than 4.8m in length:

A life jacket is required when crossing a designated coastal bar in an open boat.
See Maritime Safety Qld website for designated coastal bars at http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Crossing-a-bar.aspx

You must wear a life jacket at all times if you are under 12 years old (from 12 months old and up to but not including 12 years old) in an open boat

From the Queensland Goverment's Maritime Safety Queensland website, legislation also requires that:

Boat owners or skippers must give each person on board information about where safety equipment is kept and clearly sign where life jackets are stowed. The labels must have the words 'life jacket' in red text on a white backgorund or white text on a red background.

Life jackets must comply and display information about which Australian Standard (AS) applies. The current standard is AS 4758, which has replaced 1512-1996, AS 149901996 and AS 2260-1996. You do not have to upgrade your current PFD that meets the old standards - they will still be acceptable to use for as long as they are in good condition.

 
PFD Type 1 or Level 100 Life jackets not to be used for PWC riders.
Level 100, 150 275 or PFD Type 1

Level 100, Level 150 or Level 275 (Australian Standards AS 4758) or PFD Type 1 (AS 1512-1996)

  • Not to be used by personal watercraft (PWC) riders, skiers or people being towed.
  • For use in smooth, partially smooth and open waters.
 
PFD 2 Life jackets can be used by skiers or people being towed in smooth or partially smooth waters.
Level 50 or PFD Type 2

Level 50 (Australian Standards AS 4758) or PFD Type 2 (AS 1499-1996)

  • Keeps you afloat but does not have a collar to keep the head above water.
  • Can be used by PWC riders in smooth and partially smooth waters or beyond those waters.
  • Can be used by skiers or people being towed in smooth or partially smooth waters.
 
PFD 3 Life jacket for use by skiers on smooth waters.
Level 50 or PFD Type 3

Level 50S (Australian Standards AS 4758) or PFD Type 3 (AS 2260-1996)

  • May be a specified buoyancy wet suit.
  • Can be used by PWC riders in smooth waters.
  • Can be used by skiers or people being towed in smooth waters.
 
SOLAS PFD Type 1 or Level 100 life jacket.
Coastal or SOLAS

More floatation than Level 100 or PFD Type 1

  • Bulky life jackets designed to keep the body afloat for long periods.
  • Have reflective tape and a whistle to attract attention.
  • Mostly carried by commercial boats and recommended to be carried by boats operating long distances offshore.
 
Inflatable PFD life jackets convenient and compact to wear anytime. Must be gas inflated and not rely on oral inflation only.
Inflatable PFDs or life jackets

Inflatable life jackets are approved equipment and must comply with the same standards for all other PFDs. They must be gas inflated and not rely on oral inflation only.

  • Inflatable PFDs used on a recreational boat must show an expiry date and be serviced by an authorised service centre annually.
  • If owner servicing is allowed by the manufacturer, you must maintain documented evidence of a service program according to manufacturer's instructions.

Reference: http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/life-jackets.aspx Monday 8th December 2014 Queensland Government

 
New South Wales Life Jacket Regulations include:

Life jackets for children under 12 years of age ...

  • Must be warn at all times in a vessel under 4.8m
  • When in an open area of a vessel 4.8m to 8m that is underway
  • The following life jacket types apply:
    • On enclosed waters:
      Level 100+, Level 50 or level 50S (also known as Type 1, 2 or 3)
    • On open (ocean) waters:
      Level 100+ or PFD Type 1
    • On alpine waters:
      Level 100+, Level 50 or level 50S (also known as Type 1, 2 or 3)

All occupants on boats less than 4.8m unless specified below ...

  • Enclosed waters:
    • When boating at night:
      Level 100+, Level 50 or level 50S also known as Type 1, or 2 or 3
    • Boating alone without an accompanying adult, licensed person or support vessel)
      Level 100+, Level 50 or Level 50S or Type 1, or 2 or 3.
  • At all times on open waters:
    Level 100+ or type 1
  • At all times on alpine waters:
    Level 100+, Level 50 or level 50S, or PFD type 1, 2 or 3.
  • When none of the situations above apply then at all times if the vessel is used more than 200m from shore on enclosed waters to transport people or goods between the shore and a vessel, or between vessels.
    Level 100+, Level 50 or level 50S, or PFD type 1, 2 or 3.

All towing:

  • Anyone being towed at all times on all waters:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.

Canoes and Kayaks:

  • On enclosed waters more than 100m from shore:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On open waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On alpine waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On white waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.

Off the beach sailing vessel, catamarans and centreboard boats:

  • All occupants on open waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50, or type 1, 2.
  • All occupants on alpine waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.

Sailboarding when more than 400m from shore:

  • On enclosed and alpine waters:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On open waters:
    Level 100+, level 50, or type 1, 2.

PWC (personal water craft or jet powered skis:

  • On enclosed and alpine waters:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On open waters at all times:
    Level 100+, level 50, or type 1, 2.
  • Tow-in surfer on open waters:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.

Crossing coastal bars:

  • All vessels, everyone on board:
    Level 100+ or type 1.

Skipper's responsibility. When the skipper considers a "heightened risk" situation exists:

  • On enclosed and alpine waters:
    Level 100+, level 50 or level 50S, or type 1, 2 or 3.
  • On open waters:
    As shown above for various vessel types.

Definition of "heightened risk"
Heightened risk is an extension of the current situation regarding crossing coastal bars. A time of heightened risk is any time when there is a greater risk of either an incident occurring or if an incident was to occur, when it might be difficult to help yourself.

  • Heightened risk can include instances like:
    • boating in bad weather such as in a gale warning, storm warning, severe thunderstorm warning or other severe weather warning issued by the Buearu of Meteorology.
    • when a yacht does not have safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses or jacklines in use.
New South Wales regulations insist that the skipper carries most of the responsibility over the safety of the vessel and its passengers.
NSW Lifejacket Stowage
NSW lifejacket rules state 'it is a legal requirement that most recerational vessels in NSW must carry an appropriate size and type of lifejacket for each person on board. They must be stored or placed to allow quick and easy access. Lifejackets must be either visible to passengers, or their location clealy marked by an unobstructed and clearly visible sign saying LIFEJACKETS (red lettering on a white background or white lettering on a red background)'.
NSW Lifejacket rules referenced by water categories:

Open Waters
Unless there is a requirement that a lifejacket must be worn, a lifejacket Level 100+, Level 50 or Level 50S (also known as Type 1, 2, or 3) must be carried.

Enclosed Waters (excluding Alpine waters)
Unless there is a requirement that a lifejacket must be worn, a lifejacket Level 100+, Level 50 or Level 50S (also known as Type 1, 2, or 3) must be carried.

Alpine Waters
Unless there is a requirement that a lifejacket must be worn, a lifejacket Level 100+, Level 50, or Level 50S (also known as Type 1, 2, or 3) must be carried.

Lifejacket Servicing (NSW)
Inflatable Lifejackets must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Crossing Coastal Bars (NSW)
Lifejackets must be worn at all times when crossing coastal bars.
A complete list of coastal bars is published on NSW "lifejacketwearit.com.au" website:
http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au/lifejacket-law/list-coastal-bars-nsw/

Information reference: http://www.lifejacketwearit.com.au/lifejacket-law/lifejacket-law/ Monday, 8th December 2014. NSW Government.

Lifejacket Rules Victoria

All occupants must where specified lifejackets in the open area of the following type of vessel that is underway:

  • powerboat up to and including 4.8 metres in length
  • off the beach sailing yachts
  • personal watercraft
  • canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and rafts
  • pedal boats, fun boats and stand up paddle boards
  • kite boards and sail boards
  • recreational tenders.

All occupants of the following vessels are required to wear a specified PFD at times of heightened risk when in an open area of the vessel that is underway:

  • yachts (including monohull, trailerable and multihull yachts, excluding off-the-beach sailing yachts)
  • powerboats greater than 4.8m up to an including 12m in length

When you are alone on a vessel, regardless of its type, you must wear a PFD at all times.

PFDs on children
Children under the age of 10 must wear a specified PFD at all times on any vessel, regardless of size, when they are in an open area of the vessel that is underway.

When choosing a PFD for a child, care should be taken to ensure that small children do not slip out of the PFD when placed in the water. This can be done by making sure that the garment fits the child and has a crotch strap. Also note that there is no current Australian standard for the manufacture of a PFD to fit a child that weighs less than 10 kilograms.

Personal floatation devices that comply with Marine Regulations 2012 (Vic):
  • A PFD type 1 is a recognised lifejacket and will provide a high level of buoyancy and should keep the wearer in a safe floating position. They are made in high visibility colours with retro-reflective patches.
  • A PFD type 2 is a buoyancy vest - not a lifejacket. It will provide less buoyancy than a PFD type 1 but is designed to keep your head above water. Like a PFD Type 1 they are manufactured in high visibility colours.
  • A PFD type 3 is a buoyancy garment - not a lifejacket. They have similar buoyancy to a PFD type 2

Reference: http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/recreational-maritime/safety-equipment/personal-flotation-devices Monday 8th December 2014.

PFD regulations for South Australia (SA)

South Australian lifejacket and PFD regulations require boaters to carry safety equipment suitable for the vessel's size and the type of waters. In the following descriptions 'coast' means the coast of the South Australian mainland and Kangaroo Island.

Protected Waters
These include all inland waters, excluding Lake Alexandrina, Lake Albert and any other waters subject to tidal influence.
All vessels must carry one personal floatation device (PFD) type 1, type 2, or type 3 for each person on board.

Semi-protected waters:
These are waters up to two nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast (including the Coorong) and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
All vessels must carry one PFD type 1 for each person on board.

Unprotected waters:
These are waters more than two nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
All vessels must carry one PFD type 1 for each person on board.

Personal watercraft:
Personal watercraft or PWCs require each person on board to wear a type 2 or type 3 PFD.

Canoe, kayak, roboat or similar small non-motorised vessel operating in unprotected waters:
Each person must wear a PFD type 1 or 2 at all times with a whistle attached.

Mono-hulled sailing dinghy or multi-hulled sailing vessels less than six metres:
Each person must wear a PFD type 1, 2, or 3 at all times whether in protected or unprotected waters.

Tender vessels:
Must carry a PFD type 1 for each person aboard. If the tender is operated 1,500 metres or more from shore, the PFDs must be worn by each occupant.

Lifejacket regulations for Tasmania
An approved life jacket / personal floatation device must be provided for each person on board. It is complusory to wear a life jacket in any recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender that is under six metres in length whilst under power.

It is also compulsory for children under the age of 12 years to wear a life jacket in a recreational motor boat or motor-propelled tender of any length while under power. A life jacket does not need to be worn within a deckhouse, cabin or secure enclosed space.

Life jacket types required for the following water categories:

  • Sheltered and open waters: Level 150 or level 100 or type 1.
  • Smooth waters: Level 50 or type 2.
  • Sheltered waters for kayaks, PWC or similar small craft: Level 50 special purpose or type 3. These jackets may not be used as the main life jacket in a boat.
Reference: Marine and Safety Tasmania. http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/recreational/boating/life-jackets/ Tuesday, 9th December 2014
Lifejacket regulations for the Northern Territory
Life jackets are required in the following pleasure craft:
  • Under 5 metres in length: One approved lifejacket for each person on board.
  • Over 5 metres and up to 10 metres in length: One approved lifejacket for each person on board.
  • Over 10 metres in length: One approved lifejacket for each person on board.
The following lifejacket types are required by definition of the type of waters:
  • Sheltered waters: PFD1 or AS1512; PFD2 or AS1449; PFD3 or AS2260 can be worn on kayaks; SOLAS or coastal standard.
  • Outside sheltered waters: PFD1 or AS1512; SOLAS or coastal standard.

The Northern Territory authorities have declared exempt areas in certain rivers and creeks where lifejackets are not required. Please visit www.transport.nt.gov.au for the list of exempt areas.

Western Australian Lifejacket regulations

Vessels operating in unprotected waters, that is outside the waters contained by any breakwater or in any lake, river or estuary other than the waters of Cambridge Gulf or Lake Argyle, must carry an approved life jacket for each person on board. Each life jacket must suite the weight of the person for whom it is intended, be maintained in good condition and kept in an easily accessible place onboard the vessel.

When to wear lifejackets:
  • During any emergency.
  • Between sunset and sunrise or during restricted visibility.
  • When operating in unfamiliar waters.
  • When operating with a following sea.
  • When boating alone.
  • At all times for children under 10 years of age.
  • If you are a poor swimmer.
Lifejacket requirements:
  • Offshore waters: Level 150 or inflatable; level 100 or PFD type 1.
  • Kayaking, small sailing vessels, windsurfing, canoeing, and personal watercraft: Level 50 or PFD type 2.
  • Waterski use, wakeboarding, kayak, and canoe: Level 50S or PFD type 3.
Personal watercraft (Jetski or similar): People on board a personal watercraft (PWC) are required to wear a lifejacket whilst on board and as follows:
  • Between 400 metres and two nautical miles from shore in unprotected waters: PFD type 1.
  • Between two and five nautical miles from shore: PFD type 1.
  • Within protected waters or 400 metres from the sure in unprotected waters: PFD type 1, 2, or 3.