STAYING SAFE OFFSHORE
Lifejacket
Considered by some to be the ultimate piece of safety equipment whether inshore or 1000 miles from land, the lifejacket is absolutely key. Not only will it keep you buoyant – more on that below, but it is increasingly the tethering point for an array of extra safety kit, from personal locator beacons and AIS distress tags to flashing lights. “It’s the most important piece of equipment on board,” says Steve Bocket, head of training for Ocean Safety. “If you fall over the side without one, your chances of recovery are much lower.”
A standard lifejacket gives you 150N of positive buoyancy, which is fine for inshore work and the occasional further foray. But if there is any chance that you will be wearing heavy clothes, wet weather gear and boots or tools when you go over the side, with help not right at hand, then consider something with extra oomph. “Consider the 275N size,” says Steve. “It’s got nothing to do with being ‘a big chap’.”
The extra lift will keep you even more firmly on your back, with your face and mouth above the water. “It only becomes a hindrance when trying to get into a liferaft.”
When buying the lifejacket, make absolutely certain it includes a sprayhood to cover your face, otherwise its use
