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Buoyancy Aids
Life jackets should always be worn in boats less than 6m.
Over 50% of all those who drown could have avoided death simply by wearing a life jacket.
You must carry a correctly sized, serviceable life jacket or buoyancy aid, which meets NZ Standard 5823:2005 or another standard accepted by Maritime NZ, for each person on board. If not being worn they must be stowed so that they are at hand and immediately available. This rule applies to all boats including tenders to larger craft.
As the skipper, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that life jackets are worn in situations such as when crossing a bar, in rough water and during an emergency.
We recommend that you wear a life jacket at all times when boating unless you are inside an enclosed place such as a cabin. Most accidents occur suddenly with no warning. There may be no time to grab a life jacket unless it is close at hand. The only time they need not be worn in a boat less than 6 metres is when the risk is exceptionally low.
It is important to have the right type of life jacket. Consider the type of boating you do, the distance from shore you intend to go and the kind of conditions you are likely to encounter.
Talk to your supplier or contact Water Safety New Zealand, Maritime NZ or Coastguard Boating Education for some expert advice.