Australia implemented new Australian life jacket standards on January 1, 2021.
This article explores the new standards and guides you in understanding the changes needed aboard your boat.
Lifejackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on any recreational vessel. You must have an approved lifejacket for each person on board, ensure it is the correct size for the wearer, and keep it in good working condition.
Depending on your state laws, not carrying or wearing a lifejacket while boating could result in a substantial fine.
When the new Australian standard was issued in 2010, boat owners had a 10-year grace period to update their life jackets. This period is over, so now is a good time to improve the safety of your vessel for you and your guests.
The new Australian life jacket standards require the number AS4758 to be printed on the jacket labeling.
This standard replaces life jackets sold in Australia before 2010, including those marked with the numbers AS1512, AS1499, and AS2260.
Check if your life jackets comply with the 2021 standards by reviewing the laws and regulations outlined by your state’s marine governing body.
Why have the Australian life jacket standards changed?
To enhance safety for boaters, Australia revised the life jacket standards to AS4758. This was prompted by significant advancements in closed cell foams such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE) used for buoyant materials, as well as improved life jacket designs.
The rating system was also updated from the old Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 to Level 150, Level 100, and Level 50S. These levels, measured in ‘newtons’, indicate the buoyancy force of each life jacket. Higher Level numbers correspond to greater buoyancy.
A Level 150 life jacket is ideal for offshore boating across various weather conditions. A Level 100 life jacket is suitable for near-shore activities and calm waters closer to shore.
It’s recommended that life jackets have an average lifespan of 10 years. To ensure safety while boating, it’s advisable to purchase new life jackets every decade, whether they are foam or inflatable, and ensure they bear the Australian Standards number, AS4758, printed on the label.
Servicing your life jackets
Regularly service your lifejackets by inspecting them at least twice a year. Ensure they are free of damage, in proper working order, and in good condition.
Good condition includes:
- The external coverings retain visibility and brightness as at the date of manufacture without significant discoloration, fading, or mold.
- The stitching is complete, intact, and not pulled out.
- The webbing is not frayed and can hold its design loading.
Queensland Maritime Safety Law
It is compulsory to wear a lifejacket:
- when crossing a designated coastal bar in an open boat that is less than 4.8m in length
- if you are under 12 years (aged 1 year or more but less than 12 years) in an open boat that is less than 4.8m in length and underway.
The law also says that:
- boat owners or skippers must give each person on board information about where safety equipment is kept and clearly sign where lifejackets are stowed. The labels must have the word ‘life jacket’ in red text on a white background or white text on a red background.
- lifejackets must comply and display information about which Australian Standard (AS) they were manufactured to. The current standard is AS 4758, which has replaced AS 1512-1996, AS 1499-1996 and AS 2260-1996.
- lifejackets that comply with old standards (AS 1512, AS 1499 or AS 2260) can only be used if a ship was equipped with them prior to 1 September 2016 and are within their serviceable life (10 years).
*ISO 12402. 1-4 and EN 395, 396, 399:1993 global markings are also acceptable.
Read our article about life jacket accessibility.
