Australians have always had a fascination for the water. With the country surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in the world, it's really no surprise that fishing, boating, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding have become so popular. When spending time in and around the water it’s critical that the correct safety equipment is available - in particular, personal flotation devices like life vests.
Lifejacket regulations per state
Life jackets have become much more than a safety option nowadays, with many states opting to make it a mandatory requirement when out on the water. As each state has their own rules when it comes to wearing a PFD and these rules can vary depending on the vessel type, water conditions and also the age of the occupant, it can be really tricky to wrap your head around. Here we will be looking at each state individually to help point you in the right direction with when you need to wear a life jacket.
Queensland (QLD)
- You must wear a lifejacket when boating alone or only with children under 12 years on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway
- When crossing designated coastal bars and at night in open boats under 4.8m
- Children one year or more and under 12 years must wear a PFD in boats under 4.8m at all times when underway
- When night-time boating, between sunset and sunrise, on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway
- A level 100+ jacket is required for open waters, but in smooth or partially smooth waters, a level 50S or 50 is acceptable
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full QLD lifejacket regulations
New South Wales (NSW)
- For enclosed water such as rivers, lakes and estuaries, a level 50S life jacket or above must be worn when operating alone or when accompanied by only children under 12
- At night (between sunrise and sunset) a PFD must always be worn
- For children under 12, they must wear a life jacket in open areas of any boat underway
- Everyone must wear a level 100 life jacket or above when crossing coastal bars or on open waters in boats under 4.8m
- Level 100+ life jackets are to be used for open waters; you can get away with level 50 or higher in enclosed waters
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full NSW lifejacket regulations
Victoria (Vic)
- Everyone on board a recreational vessel (including kayaks and canoes) must always wear a life jacket
- Children under 12 are required to wear life jackets while on vessels under 4.8m in length, and in open areas of vessels under 8m when the vessel is underway
- During times of heightened risk such as hazardous weather conditions or when the vessel is operating in restricted visibility
- Life jackets must be properly sized and suited for each individual and stored for easy and quick access
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full Vic lifejacket regulations
South Australia (SA)
- On vessels 4.8m or less, everyone onboard is required to wear a life jacket at all times, whether the vessel is underway or anchored
- Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times when underway
- In circumstances of heightened risk, all occupants must wear a life jacket level 50, 50S or higher in semi-protected or protected waters
- A life jacket level 100 or higher must be worn in unprotected waters
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full SA lifejacket regulations
Western Australia (WA)
Read the full WA lifejacket regulations
Tasmania (TAS)
- Everyone on boats under 6m must wear a PFD when underway
- Children under 12 years old must wear a life jacket in any powered boat regardless of size
- For open waters, a level 100+ life jacket is required, but you can get away with a level 50S or 50 in protected waters
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full TAS lifejacket regulations
Northern Territory (NT)
- Every person on board a vessel must have an approved life jacket readily available in case of emergency
- Children under 12 years must always wear a life jacket when on a vessel under 6m in length
- Life jackets must be worn when crossing a coastal bar or when operating between sunrise and sunset on open boats under 4.8m
- For open and intermediate waters, a level 100+ life jacket is required, but you can get away with a level 50S or 50 in protected waters
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full NT lifejacket regulations
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Every person on board a vessel must have an approved life jacket readily available in case of emergency
- Children under 12 years must always wear a lifejacket when on a vessel under 4.8m in length
- A life jacket must be worn when crossing coastal bars or when night-time boating between sunset and sunrise on an open boat less than 4.8m in length whilst underway
- You’re required to wear a PFD when operating in open or offshore waters more than 3 nautical miles from the coast
- Life jackets must meet AS 4758 or ISO 12402 standards
Read the full ACT lifejacket regulations
This information offers general advice and may not reflect the most current laws or regulations in your area. As life jacket rules and boating safety requirements vary across different state and territories, we strongly recommend that you make sure to check the current local maritime regulations before you hit the water.
Do you need a life jacket on a boat?
Yes! All boats must carry life jackets (also known as personal flotation devices or PFDs) for every person on board. Life jacket laws vary by state and territory, so it’s important to check the regulations in your local area before hitting the water. Not following the rules could land you a fine—or worse, put your safety at risk. Check out the regulations per state at the start of this blog for more information on your local regulations.
Personal floatation devices (PFDs) are an essential piece of safety equipment for everyone who wants to undertake any water sport activity. They make up part of the safety requirements for regulated ships (boats and personal watercraft) and must be included on all vessels large and small. They come in a range of sizes including kid’s life jackets and have specific weight ratings, which will ensure you get the correct fit.
Do life jackets expire?
PFD's don't have official expiry dates, but they can suffer from wear and tear and eventually become unfit for use. To keep your life jacket in the best condition, you should store it in a cool, dry place and give it a check a couple of times a year for wear and tear. The manufacturer's instructions will give you good tips on how to self-service your specific life jacket.
Do PFD's come with different buoyancy ratings?
PFDs have been designed in a range of specific buoyancy ratings. They have different styles, colours and accessories to meet certain safety requirements.
Level 50S - Special Purpose: For use in smooth water only. Smooth waters include rivers, lakes, creeks and streams, within half a nautical mile from land. Level 50S is recommended for use during a short period of time and can be used for wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing.
Level 50:For use in smooth and partially smooth water. Available in red and yellow safety colours for best visibility. Partially smooth waters include open water within 2 nautical miles from land. Level 50 is designed to provide buoyancy and support the wearer. They can be used for wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing in smooth water and partially smooth water.
Level 100: When it comes coastal cruising and calm water activities, these are a classic! The ultimate blend of comfort and safety that offers at least 100 Newtons of buoyant force. A very popular option for fishos and boaties alike and one that’ll help make your day on the bay or river much safer. They come in both solid and inflatable designs, which makes them extremely compact and versatile. Level 100 are not to be used for water activities including wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing due to the added collar posing a safety concern.
Level 150: When it comes coastal cruising and calm water activities, these are a classic! The ultimate blend of comfort and safety that offers at least 100 Newtons of buoyant force. A very popular option for fishos and boaties alike and one that’ll help make your day on the bay or river much safer. They come in both solid and inflatable designs, which makes them extremely compact and versatile. Level 100 are not to be used for water activities including wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing due to the added collar posing a safety concern.
Level 275: This is the ultimate buoyancy device, reserved for serious offshore adventures and the most extreme conditions. With 275 Newtons of buoyancy force, this PFD will help keep you afloat even if you’re being weighted down by hefty protective clothing and equipment. These aren’t your standard PFDs and are normally used on offshore shipping and commercial fishing vessels, where safety is critical and maximum buoyancy is a must! They also come with an enhanced head and neck support, as well as high visibility colours and reflective materials. It’s hard to miss one of the beauties!
Inflatable vs standard PFD’s?
When it comes to deciding whether to purchase an inflatable or standard PFD, it really comes to personal choice. Inflatable offerings provide much better comfort and manoeuvrability, they can be worn all day and in the event of an emergency can be deployed with a simple pull toggle. Inflatable PFDs must be checked regularly for wear and tear and it’s recommended to perform an inspection every 2-3 months if your vest is worn regularly. They should also be serviced in periods of no more than two years. Standard PFDs are the most commonly encountered as they are inexpensive and require less maintenance, however, can be a little bulky to wear for long periods.
Do I need to service my inflatable PFD?
All inflatable PFD’s are required to undergo a self-inspection annually, this ensures they are kept in good working condition with bladders, buckles, straps and reflective tape all meeting safety standards, and that the gas canister is in good condition. It is recommended that every 3rd year they be checked by an approved service agent.
What are the best jet ski life jackets?
Personal watercrafts (PWC) such as jet skis are seeing a resurgence in popularity in recent times, not only for their compact design but because of their shallow draught, allowing them to gain entry to water that would be inaccessible by boat. As a rule you are required a PFD level 50S for smooth water and level 50 for all waters partially smooth and beyond.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
Read More