Lifejackets – An Essential Item on Any Boat

Safety is high on the agenda at Serenity Sailing and one of the most popular items for discussion with new boat owners is lifejackets – personal flotation devices (PFD’s).

The two most commonly asked questions are:

1. How many lifejackets should I have on my boat?
2. Where can I buy lifejackets without feeling like I’m being ripped off?

The answer to the first question can be found by looking at the capacity plate (normally found in the cockpit area). The school yacht, Serenity, is a 10.5 metre Jeanneau, her capacity plate stipulates eight people – so we can carry nine lifejackets; a mixture of sizes including some for small children.

Also have a look through your boat insurance documents to see what points are made within your policy.

Where can you buy lifejackets at a reasonable price? We previously bought many items from Compass 24, but at the time of writing this it seems they have ceased trading. Our next port of call is good ol’ Amazon. Our choice of brand? Crew Saver. They have a range of products which cover all recreational boating needs, for the whole family.

Expect to pay approx. €80 (£60-£70) p/unit for a good quality item. Yes, you will find cheaper but we strongly suggest boat owners take this responsibility seriously.

Not only is the purchasing of lifejackets important but the use of them too. The RYA advises lifejackets should ‘be worn at all times’. Our suggestion to boat owners is to ensure all passengers are wearing them at night – at least. Plus it is important that children are safe on, and around boats. Our toddler not only wears a jacket whilst on Serenity but when she is walking on pontoons too.

Safety at sea is a complex and important topic, not to be taken lightly. If you are a boat owner with any doubt about your capabilities on or around water then have a quick look at the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) website for some ideas.

You could also think about signing up for a RYA Day Skipper theory. This can be done online or with us in Torrevieja.

IMPORTANT NOTE: CM Hammar have issued a Safety Alert with regards to lifejackets fitted with a ‘Hammar inflation mechanism’, manufactured before 2006.