safety & rescue

In addition to a life jacket, the most important pieces of equipment are at least one easily accessible lifebuoy or rescue collar with a marker buoy and a float line, as well as a rescue aid suitable for the crew size and freeboard. Depending on the setup, this may also include guide lines, emergency lights or flares, and a well-rehearsed procedure in the event of a man overboard (MOB). The best solution is one that even an untrained crew can actually operate in an emergency.

For inland and coastal use, lighter automatic models or solid-foam vests are often sufficient; for offshore and rough weather, higher buoyancy reserves and better collar/sprayhood solutions, as well as automatic inflation, are essential. Base your choice on the sailing area, weather, clothing, and safety profile. Up to 150N–180N covers many standard applications (e.g., everyday use on board/coastal). 275N–300N offers more reserve buoyancy when wearing heavy or bulky clothing or when conditions are more demanding. The key factors are fit, everyday comfort (so it gets worn), and the desired features (harness, lifeline, light).

Automatic vests are compact, less cumbersome, and therefore worn more often; they are the first choice for many areas, especially in coastal and offshore waters. Inflatable vests are more robust but also bulkier, maintenance-free, and ready for immediate use without a release mechanism; they are better suited for inland waters and short trips in good weather.

Automatic life jackets are suitable for sea voyages where the primary concern is protection against falling overboard; solid-foam life jackets are more robust and recommended for short trips, harbors, or beaches; their foam padding also protects against minor injuries while playing. Children’s life jackets must absolutely be in the correct weight class and fit securely without slipping. Make sure the crotch strap fits well, that the jacket is properly secured, that it is visible, and that it is easy to use in everyday situations. A good and comfortable fit is crucial for children’s life jackets so that the child will accept and consistently wear the jacket.

Automatic vests deploy upon contact with water or via manual activation; purely manual systems offer full control and are resistant to moisture or submersion, but require consistent manual activation in an emergency, meaning there is no protection against loss of consciousness.

Perform a visual inspection and function check before each season. Service intervals should be followed according to the manufacturer’s specifications (release mechanism, CO₂ cartridge, seals) every two years, or annually for intensive or professional use.

Maintenance of an automatic life jacket includes a visual inspection (webbing, fasteners, seams, cover, accessories), pressure test, inspection of the activation unit, and, if necessary, replacement of the activation unit and consumable parts (e.g., activator, cartridge, seals—depending on the system). Maintenance should be performed at least every 2 years for recreational use and annually for professional use and intensive recreational use, as well as after the vest has been deployed, and is documented via a maintenance sticker and maintenance log.

A service kit or rearming kit contains the components needed to restore an automatic life jacket to operational condition after deployment (e.g., deployment cartridge, gas cylinder, safety clip, compatible with the respective deployment system). Important: Service kits are system-specific—ensure they are correctly matched to the corresponding life jacket system.

Many systems are designed so that you can replace the components yourself on board after a deployment to continue your trip. Since life jackets are critical to safety, the following applies: If you are unsure (model, release mechanism, installation), having the life jacket serviced by a certified service station after the trip is the safer option, as deployment can also cause damage to the automatic release mechanism, bladder, cover, or harness.

Life jackets should ideally be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from UV radiation and chemical fumes. After exposure to saltwater, rinse the exterior with fresh water, let it dry, and only then stow it. Do not compress it permanently during storage—this protects the material and mechanics. Automatic life jackets, in particular, must be stored in a dry place to prevent damage to the moisture-sensitive activation cartridge.

Adjust the harness correctly and choose a lifeline/safety line that fits the deck layout and attachment points—this maintains freedom of movement and reduces the risk of falling overboard. The safety belt or harness must fit well; safety lines should be chosen so that you can move freely, possibly opting for an elastic version. Attachment points and running lines to the bow should be positioned as close to midship as possible to provide reliable protection against falling over the railing.