Wear a PFD/Lifejacket - It's the LAW!

Pleasure craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation)(safety) Regulations 2005 - Lifejacket Regulations 

Pleasure Craft (PFD and Operation)(Safety) Regulations 2005 (68 KB)

Summary of the Main Provisions of the Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2005 - Lifejacket Regulations

Main Provisions of Lifejacket Guidelines (234kb)

These regulations contain national provisions governing the operation of pleasure craft including personal watercraft. These include provisions relating to age restrictions, the carriage and use of lifejackets and restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs. In addition, the Merchant Shipping (pleasure craft) (lifejackets and operation) (safety) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 259 of 2004), are revoked. 

B. Fishing Vessel (Personal Flotation Devices) Regulations 

The fishing vessel (Personal Flotation Devices) Regulations S.I. 586 of 2001 which  were introduced in December 2001 under section 19 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 as amended. These Regulations require all crew members of a fishing vessel to wear a personal flotation device at all times when on the deck of any fishing vessel or boat irrespective of its size, whether at sea, in harbour or coming to and from moorings.

FishingVessel (Personal Flotation Devices) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 S.I. No. 63 of 2008   These  Regulations  amend  the  Fishing  Vessel  (Personal  Flotation  Devices) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 586 of 2001), to update the criteria for the marked personal flotation device in these regulations.

C. The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations

The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations S.I. No. 273 of 2002 were introduced in June 2002 under section 18 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1992, as amended.  These Regulations will apply to all passenger boats licensed under the 1992 Act, as amended.  Life-saving appliances are outlined under each class of passenger boat.

D. Marine Notices

Guidance on the use and periodic inspection of inflatable PFD/Lifejackets

Description of types of PFD/Lifejackets