Lifejackets are an easy and effective way to reduce risk while sailing, but they only help when they’re being worn. So, how do we ensure that competitors wear a lifejacket? 

First and foremost, competitors and the person in charge of a boat are responsible for their own safety, including the decision to wear a lifejacket. Nonetheless, the race management team should do what they can to mitigate risk in sailing, and that extends to lifejackets. 

The Racing Rules of Sailing include a built-in way to require competitors to wear lifejackets, in the form of RRS 40. Specifically, when RRS 40.1 applies, all competitors must wear a personal flotation device except briefly while changing or adjusting clothing or personal equipment. There are three ways to engage RRS 40.1, which are specified in RRS 40.2: 

• If Code Flag Y is displayed afloat before the warning signal, each competitor must wear a lifejacket while racing in that race (RRS 40.2(a)) 
• If Code Flag Y is displayed ashore, each competitor must wear a lifejacket at all times while afloat that day (RRS 40.2(b)) 
• The class rules, Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions may activate rule 40 (RRS 40.2(c)) 

So, when should Code Flag Y be used? The Racing Rules of Sailing don’t specify, so it’s up to the discretion of the Race Officer. Common sense suggests it should be used during times of heightened risk, such as when racing at night or in unfavourable weather. 

Finally, remember that even if Code Flag Y isn’t used, wearing a lifejacket might still be compulsory under local law or the Special Regulations (for example, SR 5.01.1(g) requires wearing a lifejacket while on deck at night, in a Category 1-3 race). 

For more information about lifejacket wearing and servicing, click here. 

By Michael Arnold.