A life jacket (PFD - Personal Flotation Device) is the most important piece of safety equipment on any boat or watercraftl.  Life jackets must be in a good condition and easily accessible to all passengers & crew on board.

Life Jacket Type (Category) 1

These life jackets offer maximum protection from drowning by maintaining a person in a safe floating position in the water, with buoyancy behind the head. They are compulsory for all people on board vessels in the open sea/unprotected waters/open waters. (PWC riders may use a Type 2).

Life Jacket Type (Category) 2 & 3

Are suitable for water sports where the rescue time is likely to be short.  More often referred to as life vests or buoyancy aids.
They are not designed to keep a persons head above water and therefore not suitable for open sea activity.  Type (Category) 1 Life Jackets are because have special buoyancy behind the head to maintain a safe floating position. 

Types 2 and 3 also have a lower buoyancy than Type 1.  They are easy to swim in and are ideal for continuous wear during aquatic activity.  Type 2 is also known as a buoyancy vest whereas Type 3 is known as a buoyancy garment.

If there is a chance you will venture into the open sea in your boat it is often better to buy a Type 1 Life Jacket from the outset rather than having to buy 2 different types.  Additionally, Yacht and Boat recommend Type (Category) 1 PFD for children (especially young children) in all waters. 

Should you wish to order 3 or more PFDs please EMAIL US so we can combine postage & handling for you.

To review the legal boating safety requirements for recreational boating in your state click on the embedded text.

Or read our Safety Tips for helpful infomation and advice.