Is your lifejacket compliant?

Thursday, 19 December 2024

From 1 January 2025, all lifejackets worn for boating in South Australia must meet Australian Standard (AS) 4758.

The Australian Standard should be displayed clearly on the label.

South Australian lifejacket laws help to keep you and your loved ones safe. This amendment to the Harbors and Navigation Regulations was made in February 2022 to further improve boating safety.

Lifejackets that meet AS 4758:

• have increased buoyancy
• incorporate new technology
• consider advances in lifejacket design and manufacture
• have increased reflectivity
• will display a level 50, 50S, 100, 150+.

Compliance and enforcement

Boaters who wear a lifejacket that does not meet AS 4758 after 1 January 2025 will be fined.

Manufacturers advise that the average life of a lifejacket is ten years. Marine environments can deteriorate materials including stitching, webbing and nylon.

Older standard lifejackets, AS 1512, AS 1499 and AS 2260, will no longer be acceptable from 1 January 2025. These lifejackets generally have PFD type 1, 2 or 3 marked on the jacket and are more than ten years old.

Check your lifejacket

Know what type of lifejacket you need by using our online lifejacket checker tool.

The type of lifejacket and when you must wear it depends on:

• your vessel (type and length)
• your age
• where you are operating
• the conditions.

Maintain your lifejacket

Provide the care and maintenance your lifejackets deserve. This ensures they are reliable and ready to help when needed.

Support from our Marine Safety Officers

Our Marine Safety Officers will be out and about this summer. They are always happy to have a chat and answer your questions to ensure everyone stays safe on the water.