Wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is one of the most important ways to stay safe on the water. While PFDs are often thought of as emergency equipment, wearing one is an important part of good boating practice and, in many situations, is required by Irish law.
Irish regulations set out minimum requirements for when a PFD must be worn, and these requirements depend on the size of the craft, the age of those onboard and the activity.
- On a pleasure craft under 7 metres, everyone must wear a PFD while aboard
- On a pleasure craft 7 metres and over, anyone under 16 must wear a PFD while aboard. For adults, a suitable PFD must be carried onboard for each person
- Regardless of the size of the craft, PFDs must also be worn when being towed, when using a Personal Watercraft (jet ski), when operating in locks and by anyone onboard in diving gear while the vessel is underway
While these are the legal minimum requirements, Irish Sailing recommends always wearing your PFD when afloat and taking part in sailing or boating activities. Making it a routine part of being on the water removes the need to make a decision based on changing conditions, and of whether you are sailing in sheltered waters, heading offshore or operating a RIB. A properly fitted PFD provides vital buoyancy if you unexpectedly enter the water.
There are different types of PFD's. A lifejacket is generally used for activities where entering the water is not expected, like sailing on yachts and motor cruising. Lifejackets are available with manual, automatic or hydrostatic inflation systems, and are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water and help keep their mouth and nose clear of the water.
A buoyancy aid is for activities where entering the water is more likely and the wearer is expected to be able to assist with their own rescue, such as dinghy sailing, windsurfing and wing foiling. Their design also allows greater freedom of movement for active watersports and are not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up.
An impact vest is used mostly for high-speed watersports where there is an increased risk of impact, such as foiling or while riding a jet ski. An impact vest provides a minimum of 50N inherent buoyancy and provides protection while allowing freedom of movement but are not intended to replace a lifejacket where the wearer requires the ability to be turned face-up in the water.
As well as this, always follow the manufacturer's guidance and check that your PFD is properly secured and in good condition before heading onto the water, as a PFD can only provide protection if it is correctly fitted, worn and maintained. PFDs should also meet the appropriate safety standards, so look for the relevant ISO standard and CE marking when purchasing equipment and always check the manufacturer's instructions.
For more information on recreational boating safety and PFD requirements, see guidance from the Department of Transport, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI.