BUOYANCY AIDS AND LIFEJACKETS
Buoyancy aids and lifejackets used in recreational or professional activities must comply with the specifications of the European Directive 89/686/CE on Personal Protective Equipment. The CE mark of approval must be printed on the garment's label and testifies that the lifejacket complies with the European Directive. 4 CE standards have been defined, ranking lifejackets in 4 categories according to their use, performance and buoyancy level.

EN393
Use Coastal sailing, beach/shore activities. Boat canoe-kayak, windsurf, dinghy, marine water ski, boat jet ski. Not self-righting. Keeps the airway out of the water, wearer being conscious. One or several. Not required Not required Not required Not required

EN395
Inshore, coastal sailing.

EN396
Open sea/blue water sailing.

EN399
Open sea/blue water sailing. Extreme conditions and professional use. Sail and power crafts Professional vessels*. Self-righting : turns wearer safely on his back within 5 seconds, user wearing heavy protective clothing.

Type of vessel

Sail and power crafts.

Sail and power crafts.

Performance

Self-righting : turns Self-righting : turns wearer safely on his back wearer safely on his back within 10 seconds. within 10 seconds.

Supports the head all around : on both sides of the head and at the back. Colour Reflecting material Whistle Grab handle Crutch strap Bright colour imposed. 100 cm
2

Bright colour imposed. 300 cm
2

Bright colour imposed. 400 cm2 Required Required Recommended

Required Not required Recommended

Required Required Recommended

SOME SELECTION HINTS
· According to activity or use
The primary function of a lifejacket is to keep the victim's airways out of the water and to allow an efficient spotting in order to facilitate the rescuing manoeuvres. Lifejacket or buoyancy aid ? A lifejacket keeps the wearer safely on his back and provides enough buoyancy for use in different open and rough sea conditions. It provides self-righting capacity. A buoyancy aid provides sufficient buoyancy for use in sheltered waters and does not offer self-righting capacity. In addition, the type of sports or activity defines the level of performance expected from a PFD (personal floatation device) : in some cases, comfort and softness are critical, while other activities require durability and buoyancy first.

· Which lifejacket for your size and weight ?
Check your bodyweight vs. the weight indicated on the lifejacket label. Always try the lifejacket on prior to purchase. A lifejacket must be perfectly adjusted and worn ON your foul weather gear.

· Choose between 2 technologies
Lifejacket with permanent floatation (foam technology) Designed to be used either in the water/water surface or in case of accidental fall into the water. Also provides a good protection against knocks and contributes to thermal protection.

Dinghy & multisports

Water ski & jet ski

Canoe & kayak

Military, civil and industrial applications

Clubs Cruising, & sailing schools coastal and high sea navigation

Fishing, river & sea

Professional vessels

Inflatable lifejacket (air bladder technology) Designed specifically to be used in case of accidental fall into the water. Extremely compact when non inflated, the inflatable lifejacket provides optimum freedom of movement. In the event of a man over boat board, the inflatable lifejacket (automatic or manual) provides ample floatation capacity.

134

* Lifejackets used on board commercial or passenger vessels must meet the requirements of Marine Equipment Directive 96/98 and SOLAS specifications.

Buoyancy aid 50 Newton

Lifejacket 100 Newton

Lifejacket 150 Newton

Lifejacket 275 Newton