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The National Marine Safety Committee's 2006/2007 boating campaign, "Boat Safe - Wear a Lifejacket for Openers" aims to raise awareness amongst Australia's boating community of the importance of wearing lifejackets. The campaign includes limited advertising in boating magazines, radio advertisements, a digibetacamb media release and a public relations campaign. Promotional material such as fact sheets, stickers and posters have been distributed by marine safety agencies around Australia.

Matthew Hayden has again volunteered his time to support the 2007/08 Summer Boating Campaign, which is currently being developed.

Types of Lifejackets

It’s important that each person on board has an approved personal flotation device for the activity and conditions that they intend to boat in. If unsure, check with your local marine agency.

PFD type 1

PFD type 2

PFD type 3

t1
t2
t3

A PFD Type 1 is designed to keep you in a safe “face up” floating position.  There are two types – fixed buoyancy and those which are self or manually inflatable. It can be worn for general boating in all waters.

A PFD Type 2 or buoyancy vest has less buoyancy than a PFD Type 1 and may not rotate you to a “face up” floating position. Normally used for sailing, waterskiing, kayaking, canoeing, wind surfing and on personal watercraft.

Has similar buoyancy characteristics as PFD Type 2 but is manufactured in a wider range of colours. Favoured by waterskiers and PWC riders, it is also available as a built in garment (eg waterskiing wet suit).

Buying a Lifejacket

  • Try the personal flotation device on in the shop before you buy
  • Choose the appropriate weight and size range. It should be snug without confining or riding up
  • Ensure you can put it on quickly, with minimal instruction
  • Choose one that is made in bright colours
  • Reflective tape will assist rescuers to find you at night

Maintaining Your Lifejacket

Always read and service your jacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After use –

  • Do not machine wash or tumble dry
  • Rinse in fresh water and dry thoroughly
  • Check webbing belts, buckles and straps are in good order


For Inflatable Jackets

  • If your jacket is water-activated (automatic) remove the bobbin before washing to avoid accidental inflation and replace it once your jacket is dry.
  • Check that the CO2 cylinder is firmly screwed into the inflator.
  • Check the air chamber by inflating it via the oral tube and leave it inflated overnight.
  • Any questions? Phone the manufacturer or the place of purchase.
Please contact your local marine agency for further details on pfd laws in your state. Or for further safe boating information go to www.safeboating.org.au

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

NSW Maritime

Marine Safety Queensland

Department for Planning and Infrastructure - WA

Marine Safety Victoria

Marine and Safety Tasmania

Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment - NT

Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure - SA

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Lifejacket Wearing Guidelines

The National Marine Safety Committee has published Guidelines for Establishing Policy for the Wearing of Personal Floatation Devices <click here> . The Guidelines aim to encourage a natinoal approach on making policy decisions in relation to the wearing of PFDs.

Promotional Material

PFD Fact sheet  
PFD boating magazine ad  
PFD Banner  
PFD Poster  
PFD Sticker  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Media Releases

 

Media Release (Have Your Say on the Compulsory Wearing of Lifejackets) - 12 September 2006 <click here>

Media Advice (Caught Without a PFD – Hayden Now Bats for Lifejackets)- 12 September 2006 <click here>
Media Advisory (Industry Gathers to Discuss Marine Safety Initiatives) - 7 September 2006 <click here>
Media Release (Industry and Government Unite for Safety) - 24 August 2006 <click here>
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