Regardless if you’ve been boating for some time or for a long time, you know that life jackets are the most essential boat accessories to have. And you also know that not all boats are made the same. Some are more suitable in certain bodies of water and some are not wearable. It’s essential to know which life jackets are appropriate to use in offshore or inshore waters and their functions.

Type I: Offshore Life Jackets

These vests are designed for open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may take some time. They provide the most buoyancy out of all the different types of life jackets out there, they are excellent for flotation and will turn most unconscious persons face-up in the water. These life jackets offer the best protection and buoyancy despite being bulky and uncomfortable. These also help retain body heat as well.

Type II: Near-Shore Vests

These jackets are suitable for inland water near shores where immediate rescue is swift. These are best to wear for activities such as day cruising, fishing and sailing. However, these are not suitable for extended survival in rough water. They don’t necessarily keep the wearer’s head above water.  

Type III: Flotation Aids

These life jackets are great for calm waters where a rescue would be swift. These jackets are more comfortable compared to Type I and Type II although they provide far less floatation than Type I. These are not recommended for rough waters since they will not turn unconscious people face up. These are most commonly used for water sports activities such as sailing, water skiing, game fishing, kayaking, and operating personal watercraft boats.

Type IV: Throwable Device

Type IV is not designed to be worn but it is used for anyone to hold on to it. Because it’s not a wearable device, these jackets are not suitable for rough waters. This is used to throw an overboard victim to help them float and prevent them from drowning. A Type IV throwable device can be a square style, ring, or horseshoe buoy mounted on deck. A Type IV is not suitable for unconscious persons, non-swimmers, or children. This should be placed in the top deck where it is visible and easily accessible.

Type V: Special Use Life Jackets

These are often developed and customized specifically for specific sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, or windsurfing. Restricted to the special use for which each is designed.  They can come in belt packs, deck suits, and float coats. They are not suitable in offshore locations.

Now that you know which life jackets are suitable for different types of situations, you know what to purchase in marine boat stores and what to store in your boat.

How to Use a Life Jacket

Once you select the proper type of PFD for your conditions and/or activity, make sure it is in good condition, with no holes or tears, and fits you properly. A jacket that is too large can slip off the wearer. A jacket too tight might make it hard to breathe. One that is too small might not offer sufficient buoyancy to keep you afloat. To determine the correct size of the life jacket, look for the manufacturer’s label that gives the details of the size and weight the jacket is intended to fit.

When you have the life jacket with the right size, put on the jacket, fasten any closures (buckles, zippers, etc.), then lift your arms up straight over your head and ask a friend to grab the top of the jacket above the arm openings and pull upward. Ideally, the jacket should not rise any higher than the wearer’s chin. If it rides up as high as the ears, it’s too large for you and this could easily slip off in the water. Size down to get the proper fit. Don’t overlook the crotch strap found on life jackets designed for young children. This additional strap runs between the legs from the back of the jacket to the front and offers added assurance the jacket will not ride up or slip over a child’s head.