PFD Type 1 are lifejackets; they provide the highest level of buoyancy and are designed to keep the wearer’s head above water and body in a safe floating position. They are currently designed to meet Australian Standard (AS) 1512. They can be:

• yoke styles that are available as either solid foam garments, commonly referred to as ‘pillows’ which have a strap that tightens around the wearer’s waist, or as inflatable yoke garments which the wearer inflates upon entering the water
• vest style garments that have a zipper closer and buckles that fasten around the wearer for a tight fit. They are generally easier to fit when the user is already in the water (e.g. when a passenger is thrown overboard unexpectedly) than the yoke style as it is possible to roll into the jacket and close the zipper and strap clips.

PFD Type 1 and 2 are made from high visibility colours with retro-reflective patches, which aid search and rescue personnel when searching for missing persons.

PFD Type 2 are buoyancy vests and not lifejackets. They provide sufficient buoyancy to keep the wearer’s head above water but are not designed to maintain a person in a safe floating position. They are designed to meet AS1499, and are most suited for water sports such as skiing, canoeing or for use on personal watercraft (PWC).

PFD Type 1 and 2 are made from high visibility colours with retro-reflective patches, which aid search and rescue personnel when searching for missing persons.

PFD Type 3 are also buoyancy vests or garments that have the same buoyancy as PFD Type 2. They are different to the Type 2 in that they are manufactured in colours other than the high-visibility safety colours. They are designed to meet AS2260 and are mostly used for water skiing and by PWC riders.
 

PFD Accessories