The Special Regulations and state and territory maritime regulators in Australia all set out lifejacket rules and regulations. Regardless of variations between each, the fundamental position is consistent; wearing lifejackets saves lives.

Australian Sailing requires in category 1, 2 and 3 races that a lifejacket shall be worn by each member of the crew when on deck between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Additionally, for the same race categories, Australian Sailing strongly recommends that a lifejacket be worn by each member of the crew at times of heightened risk such as, but not limited to:

1. When alone on deck,

2. When the true wind speed is 25 knots or above, or

3. When visibility is less than 1 nautical mile.

Are the above requirements and recommendations limited to category 1, 2 and 3 races?

No. Crew in any race category could be wearing a lifejacket at any time and should don one when they feel it appropriate.

Whose responsibility is it to direct crew to wear a lifejacket?

The skipper is responsible. The club’s race committee can only do so much from shore, and Australian Sailing can do just as little from its offices when conditions are such that lifejackets should be worn. This is why it lands with the skipper to take responsibility and direct crew to wear one, no matter whether it is a rule or the conditions which dictate the need.

State and territory maritime regulators’ advice is here.

The Special Regulations are here.

By Melanie Peasey