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bUOYANCY
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Buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). The a person who is unable to help themselves
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Newton ratings are relative to the weight of and may not roll an unconscious person on
n
the intended users so a level 150 lifejacket to their back, particularly if they are wearing
designed for a child will not float an adult and heavy clothing.
you must get a level 150 lifejacket designed for
A level 150 lifejacket is
an adult’s weight.
recommended for general use
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids sold throughout on coastal and inshore waters
Europe should now meet the International when sailing, motorboating
standard ISO 12402. Similar to the previous and fishing. It is intended for
European standard, it covers four basic levels general offshore and rough weather use where
of buoyancy and uses the same pictograms to a high standard of performance is required. It
indicate compliance. should turn an unconscious person on to their
back and requires no subsequent action by
A level 50 buoyancy aid is
the wearer to keep their face out of the water.
recommended for dinghy,
Its performance may be affected if the user is
kayak, windsurfing and personal
wearing heavy and/or waterproof clothing.
watercraft users. It does not
have sufficient buoyancy A level 275 lifejacket is
to protect a person who is unable to help recommended for offshore
themselves and is unlikely to turn a person
cruising, fishing and commercial
from a face-down position in the water.
users. It is intended primarily
for extreme conditions and
A level 100 buoyancy aid/
for those wearing heavy protective clothing
lifejacket is recommended for
that may adversely affect the self-righting
those in sheltered and calm
capacity of lower Newton-rated lifejackets.
water. It is intended for those
This lifejacket is designed to ensure that the
who may have to wait for rescue
wearer is floating in the correct position with
but are likely to do so in calm water conditions.
their mouth and nose clear of the surface of
It may not have sufficient buoyancy to protect the water.
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