Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids

Whether they’re training or out on a shout, RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. It's a rule informed by years of experience. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment's notice. They see people caught out all the time, people who’ve risked or even lost their lives. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you're wearing it.

LIFEJACKETS

Whilst the CDA Guidelines accept that BC's and zipped up drysuits may be adequate for the crew of a diving RIB they clearly indicate that the Coxswain should always wear a lifejacket while operating in that role, especially if when operating the boat whilst divers are in the water. This is because it is important that the person in charge of the boat is safeguarded in the event a serious incident or capsize of the boat. Where crew members fall overboard the Cox should be able to react sufficiently quickly to ensure they are recovered quickly and safely. However, should the Cox go overboard then there may be a delay whilst someone else takes control of the boat and is in a position to recover the Cox (see Kill Cord). This delay could have fatal consequences if the Cox is not supported by a Lifejacket on the surface.

Lifejacket Care and Maintenance

BUOYANCY AIDS

The CDA Guidelines have the following advice on the need for buoyancy aids on board a RIB

Buoyancy Compensating Devices
Buoyancy Compensating Devices (BCDs), as used by divers, provide the user with sufficient buoyancy and adjustment capabilities while the diver is diving in the water and has a cylinder of compressed gas attached to the device. It is recommended that all personnel travelling in a RIB, while the vessel is underway and making way, should wear a BCD or an alternative buoyancy device.
Any recommended alternative buoyancy device must provide the user with additional oral inflation capabilities, sufficient buoyancy to support the person on the surface, with their face clear of the water.
Provision should be made to provide buoyancy devices of an appropriate size for any passengers that may be carried (children or people of small stature). Suitable protective clothing should also be provided.

Dry suits
Many dry suits, both membrane and neoprene, are often considered to provide adequate buoyancy for the wearer if they fell into the water. This buoyancy is only provided if the suit's zip has been completely closed, so it is essential that all dry suit zips are closed completely and checked by a buddy prior to moving away from the safety of the mooring location. Suits should not be relied upon to provide suitable flotation in the event of falling overboard and it is highly recommended that a BCD or a lifejacket is worn in addition to a closed dry suit, especially for long sea trips or in rough conditions.

Note: Weight belts
Divers should not wear weight belts in the boat unless preparing to dive or wearing an appropriate buoyancy aid that will compensate for the additional weight.

Recreational (non-diving) Activities
Outside of when engaged in diving actities appropriate care and attention should be paid to the safety of boat occupants. When undertaking alternative activities, (eg waterskiing, fishing or just enjoying driving a boat) then appropriate safety measures should be taken especially when not wearing a drysuit or other protective clothing that provides in-water buoyancy. In most circumstances this will warrant all on board wearing a lifejacket or approrpiate buoyancy aid.

Particular care and caution should be exercised when moving a boat at the start or end of a days activities (for example from launch site to a pontoon or onto a mooring).