Life Jackets: Standard Life Jacket - Small vessel Life Jacket - SOLAS Life Jackets
What is the main characteristic of life jackets?
Comes only in red, orange and yellow, in order to make you much more visible while in the water. It has more floating ability than the PFD, with the added advantage of turning you on your back, even while unconscious.
What is the difference between a PFD and a life jacket?
A PFD stands out from a lifejacket in several key ways: it's often more comfortable, tailored for continuous use, and boasts a lighter, sleeker design ideal for various sports activities. That being said, it's important to note that it typically provides less buoyancy than a traditional lifejacket.
Who approved life jackets in Canada?
Transport Canada is responsible for approving life jackets.
3 different types of Life Jackets in Canada
- Standard Life Jacket
- Small vessel Life Jacket
- SOLAS Life Jacket
What is a Small Vessel Life Jacket?
Small Vessel Life Jackets are approved for small vessels. They have less floating ability than the standard type life jackets. They will turn you on your back to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious, but may do so more slowly. They come in two models (keyhole and vest) and are available in three sizes, one for people over 41 kg (90 lbs), another for people between 18 kg (40 lbs) and 41 kg (90 lbs) and the third for people weighing less than 18 kg (40 lbs).
What is a Standard Life Jacket?
Standard Life Jacket are approved for all vessels, except SOLAS vessels. They will turn you on your back to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious. They are available in a keyhole model and come in two sizes: one for those weighing less than 40 kg (88 lbs), the other for those weighing more than 40 kg (88 lbs). The standard type lifejacket must be orange, yellow or red, a whistle must be attached to it and it must be of an approved-type. However, compared to PFDs, they are bulky and not as comfortable.
What is a SOLAS Life Jacket?
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) lifejackets meet very high performance standards and are approved for all vessels. The SOLAS will turn you on your back in seconds to keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious. They come in two sizes, for those over 32 kg (70 lbs) and those less than 32 kg (70 lbs). They are available in comfortable and compact inflatable configurations that can be automatically, manually or orally inflated.
