Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids are often confused with each other, we have compiled an article to makes things a little clearer!
Buoyancy Aids / Life Jackets
What is a buoyancy aid?
A buoyancy aid is a garment or device with an inherently buoyant material that helps the user to remain afloat when in water.
What is a lifejacket?
A lifejacket is a garment or a device that, when used in water, will provide a specific amount of buoyancy so as to position and maintain an incapacitated user with his airways clear of the water, and increase the likelihood of his rescue.
What is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket?
There is much confusion on what is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket. What you should keep in mind are the following: Buoyancy aids are intended to help you stay on the surface. On its own and without your contribution, it will not help you under all circumstances. Lifejackets, if properly worn and in good condition, keep your airways clear of water, even if you are unconscious. Lifejackets can provide either 100 or 150 Newton’s of buoyancy. Your choice should be based on what kind of seas you intend to travel.
What is buoyancy?
The lifejackets buoyancy is the force that pushes a person to the surface of the sea and is measured in Newton. 10 Newton correspond to buoyancy of 1kg. A person of 100kg weighs 5kg in the water. This is explained as follows: the 80% of a person’s weight is water (80kg), which has no weight in water, and about 15% is fat (15kg), which is lighter than water. Consequently, by subtracting the weight of the body’s water and fat from the total body weight, we end up with the real weight in water.
Categories
Buoyancy aids and lifejackets are divided in the following categories according to the buoyancy they offer:
Buoyancy Aids 50 Newton: Buoyancy Aids are intended for use in protected waters, where the shore or any kind of help are close. These products are available in a wide variety of colours and designs according to demands of each sport. However the basic design is that of a jacket and they have inherently buoyant material.
Lifejacket 100 Newton: The lifejackets included in this category are also in the form of jackets or belts, with inherent buoyant material. These are mainly used in less protected waters, but not in the open sea.
Lifejacket 150 Newton: These lifejackets are intended for use offshore or when you are wearing heavy clothing due to weather conditions. They are available in the form of jacket or belt, and they have retro reflective tapes, whistle and light (optional). For buoyancy, these lifejackets have foam (PVC) or gas (CO2).
Lifejacket SOLAS: SOLAS lifejackets are obligatory in commercial ships and they are intended for emergency use, and under all weather conditions. These lifejackets are in the form of belt with a strap around the waist for secure fit. SOLAS lifejackets are equipped with retro reflective tapes, whistle and light (optional).
Materials
Buoyancy aids and lifejackets have a durable Nylon outer shell. The buoyant material can be either PVC or soft PVC. Both materials are durable and behave the same way in water. The only difference between the two is the fact that soft PCV is more comfortable and has a better fit on the body. There are also lifejackets, whose buoyancy material is CO2 gas.
4 things you should always keep in mind
A Buoyancy aid or a lifejacket will be effective only if:
You have chosen the right category and model according to its intended use
You have chosen the right size according tot eh weight and the size of the wearer
You wear it properly
You wear it at all times while at sea
Test any new lifejacket or buoyancy aid in shallow water first. In this way you can be certain that the outcome is the desired one. It is imperative that you wear a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket while on board a vessel or during any water sports activity, as at time of need they will prove to be priceless.
Gas Inflation Lifejackets
What is a gas inflation lifejacket?
A gas inflation lifejacket is s Personal Flotation Device, whose buoyancy is produced by inflating it with gas, which is provided in a compressed gas cylinder. Inflation is also possible by mouth. This type of lifejacket is used in their inflated form only at the time of need and not before.
Versions of gas inflation lifejackets
There are different versions of gas inflation lifejackets. Specifically these lifejackets can have:
Manual or automatic inflation system – The manual inflation device is activated only by pulling the cord downwards, while the automatic inflation device can be activated either automatically when it comes in contact with water, or manually. In all cases the lifejackets also have an oral tube as a back up or top up.
Integral safety harness or not – Some models offer the extra safety of an integral harness, where the lifeline is attached to avoid injury caused by fall (from the boat).
General characteristics
A gas inflation lifejacket has one or two inflation chambers, manual or automatic inflation system, a CO2 gas cylinder, an oral tube and the necessary harnesses or straps. For extra security, the inflation chambers are made of durable nylon fabric with PU coating, the single or two seams are welded, while the straps or harnesses ensure the optimum fit on the body. Gas inflation lifejackets are designed and constructed to offer the maximum safety and comfort and thus they are the best choice for sailing offshore and under all weather conditions.
