Life jackets

A lifejacket does not tolerate any compromises - it saves lives in an emergency. At Compass24, you can rely on the safety of lifejackets from our many well-known brand manufacturers. You will find a very large selection of different lifejacket types and classes (CE standard/classification according to buoyancy in Newtons) to suit your area of use. From the 50 Newton solid lifejacket to the automatic lifejackets with 275 Newton, which are especially suitable for use on the high seas and in extreme conditions and which automatically fill with air on contact with water, the wide range covers almost every type of lifejacket.

The most important features of a lifejacket

Apart from the classification and the material from which the lifejacket is made, lifejackets also differ in other characteristics, such as size. Special lifejackets are available for children and even for dogs. The optimum fit of a lifejacket is also crucial. Safety-conscious sailors should also wear a lifejacket with an integrated lifebelt for attaching a lifeline. For example, the Compass automatic lifejacket 16 litre, with integrated lifebelt at a top price!

Requirements for lifejackets on board

A lifejacket is the most important personal safety equipment for saving lives. On the high seas and on coastal and inland waterways, the wearing of certified life jackets is mandatory under certain conditions. Only a functional life jacket can save a person who has fallen overboard from drowning. If the person overboard is unconscious or injured, a lifejacket that prevents unconsciousness keeps the upper body and head above water so that breathing remains possible.

Buoyancy classes

All lifejackets sold throughout Europe must fulfil the CE standard and are divided into 4 buoyancy classes. The load capacity or buoyancy is given in Newtons (N).

  • 50 N buoyancy aids are only designed for sheltered waters where assistance can be provided directly in a timely and localised manner. They may only be worn by experienced swimmers, as they are not safe for passing out. They are therefore unsuitable for children.
  • 100N lifejackets are used on inland waterways and sheltered waters where neither swell nor spray are to be expected. They only offer limited protection against unconsciousness.
  • 150N lifejackets offer sufficient buoyancy on all waters and with normal body weight. When wearing heavy oilskins, however, they only offer limited protection against unconsciousness.
  • Only 275N lifejackets are suitable for the open sea and extreme conditions. Even with heavy weather protection clothing and in high waves, they quickly turn the body upside down into a stable position.

Additional functions for greater safety

Many lifejackets offer more buoyancy and volume than the minimum requirements for their class. Sophisticated offshore lifejackets are also equipped with a lifebelt, spraycap, crotch strap and other safety and rescue equipment. A waistcoat for offshore use can also be equipped with GPS to trigger an alarm in an emergency and ensure rapid localisation. The personal locator beacons (PLBs) on the waistcoat automatically send a global distress alert via satellites. A basic distinction can be made between solid buoyancy aids made of lightweight foam and automatic buoyancy aids with inflatable buoyancy aids.

The right lifejacket for beginners, advanced and professionals

For beginners sailing dinghies, solid buoyancy aids are an inexpensive option with sufficient safety for leisure and sport. Advanced dinghy sailors opt for automatic or semi-automatic life jackets, as they provide more comfort of movement with less weight. Automatic lifejackets inflate the buoyancy chamber automatically using a CO2 cartridge when the mechanism is triggered by water contact or water pressure. In semi-automatic lifejackets, the inflation mechanism is triggered manually. Although this protects against false triggering due to splashing water and moisture, it only works if the person in the water is fully capable of acting. However, new technologies in lifejackets protect against false activation in rain, spray and high humidity. In order to ensure comprehensive protection, sailors must wear life jackets correctly. They should fit snugly on the body and an additional crotch strap prevents them from slipping up dangerously.

Compass offers articles from international quality manufacturers such as Secumar, Marinepool, Seapro and many others in its online shop at Compass24.

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