<p>Question 17:</p><p>During racing we see different kinds of lifevests used by Cape 31 Boats.</p> <p>In the rules (we think) it’s stated the it should be a 150N vest with official approval.</p> <p>Can you clarify if it is permissible to use Personal Floating Devices (<150N)?</p>
A Cape 31 is required to carry lifejackets meeting the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) for each member of crew to meet the class rules.
Lifejackets are generally considered as equipment for use during abandon ship scenarios.
In addition, the Racing Rules of Sailing requires a boat to carry personal flotation devices (Rule 40).
As the class rules permit (Class Rule C.3.1(a)) the carriage of other personal equipment including clothing and personal effects that are normally used in the sport of keelboat racing, a boat may choose to carry ‘buoyancy aids’ or similar to wear when racing rule of sailing 40 is invoked.
Therefore, a boat may choose to use ‘buoyancy aids’ or lifejackets conforming to the OSR to meet racing rule of sailing 40.1 when it applies during class racing. However, no matter which choice a boat makes it must still carry lifejackets conforming to the OSR.
When considering the provision of lifejackets for a Cape 31, attention is drawn in particular to the below.
Class Rule C.1.1(b) states:
”The boat shall comply with OSR category 4 except for the following:” and does not list anything related to lifejackets
Accordingly a Cape 31 must comply with World Sailing Offshore Special Regulation 5.01 ‘Lifejacket’ by providing a lifejacket for every member of crew. NB This regulation is applicable to all categories (including category 4) of racing denoted by the “**” in the margin of that regulation.”
5.01.1 of the OSR (also having “**” in the margin therefore applicable to all categories) specifies the standards accepted for lifejackets. These are relevant to the date of manufacture.
If a lifejacket is manufactured before 2012 it must comply with the ISO Standard 12402-3 (level 150N) or equivalent (including standards EN369 or UL1180). In these scenarios each lifejacket, if inflatable must have a gas inflation system and have a crotch strap/ thigh straps.
If a lifejacket is manufactured after 2011 it must comply with the ISO standard 12402-3 (level 150N) and be fitted with a whistle, lifting loop, reflective material automatic/ manual gas inflation system including crotch/ thigh straps.
The standard to which a lifejacket has been manufactured is usually displayed on the labelling of the product. If an owner is in any doubt they should reach out to the chandlery or place of purchase.
The OSR continues by requiring all lifejackets irrespective of date of manufacture to be clearly marked with the boat or wearer’s name, if inflatable be regularly checked for air retention, and for the person in charge of the boat to personally check each lifejacket at least once annually.
It should also be pointed out that the general provisions for the OSR require all equipment (OSR 2.04.1) to function properly, be regularly checked, cleaned and serviced, if it has an expiry date not expire while racing, when not in use be stowed in conditions in which deterioration is minimised, be readily accessible, and be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the boat.
These requirements all apply to lifejackets required by the OSR.
Andy Wibroe
International Class Measurer