Life Jackets and PFDs

The lifejacket you own is not the one that saves you. The one you are wearing is. That is the whole argument for spending a bit more on something comfortable enough that you keep it on rather than stowing it under a seat.

Choosing a lifejacket

Inflatable jackets are light, unobtrusive and easy to wear all day, which is why they have become the standard for offshore fishing. They need servicing to stay reliable, and that servicing is not optional.

Foam jackets need no maintenance and work the moment they go on, which makes them the practical choice for kids, kayaking and anywhere a jacket takes a beating.

Fit is the part that gets skipped. A jacket sized wrong rides up over your head in the water, which is precisely when it needs to stay put. Check the weight range on the label rather than eyeballing it.

Requirements differ by state and by how far offshore you travel, and they cover the type of jacket as well as how many you carry. Your state maritime authority publishes the current rules, and they are worth reading before a trip rather than after one.

Part of the wider boating and marine range.

Frequently asked questions

What lifejacket do I need in Australia?

It depends on your state and the waters you fish. Requirements cover the jacket type and how many you carry — check your state maritime authority for current rules.

Do inflatable lifejackets need servicing?

Yes, and it matters. The gas cylinder and firing mechanism need periodic checking, and an unserviced inflatable may not inflate when it is needed.

Inflatable or foam?

Inflatable for all-day comfort offshore, foam for kids, kayaking and rough use. Foam needs no servicing and works immediately.