1.2.4 2 Lifejacket regulations on personal watercraft (PWC), e.g. Jet Skis

Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 400 of 2018).

▪The term “open craft” refers to

a craft without a cabin or below deck facilities for persons on board and where any seating is exposed or partially exposed to the elements.

Legislation

These Regulations do not apply to rowers in “Olympic style” rowing boats. These are described in the Regulations as craft designed and specifically used for rowing in boat races and capable of being entered into regattas or other events recognised by Rowing Ireland, and also events held in the Olympic Games or other international rowing regattas.

▪The master or owner of a craft

is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable PFD/lifejacket at all times while:

(a) being towed by the craft, or

(b) on board a vessel or object of

any kind that is being towed by the craft.

1.2.4.1 Lifejacket regulations on recreational craft other than personal watercraft (PWC)

The PFD/lifejacket requirements under the Regulations do not apply to a person on board a craft which is not underway and is made fast to the shore or at anchor, and when the person:

The following provisions apply to all recreational craft:

All persons on board any craft of less than 7 m in length must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or a lifejacket while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore.

(a) is wearing, putting on or taking

off scuba diving equipment or

(b) is about to engage in, or has

just completed swimming (including snorkelling) from the craft.

1.2.4.2 Lifejacket regulations on personal watercraft (PWC), e.g. Jet Skis

▪The master or owner of any craft

is required to ensure that either a PFD or a lifejacket is carried on the craft for each person on board.

Every person on a personal watercraft is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or a lifejacket at all times while on board or being towed in any manner by a personal watercraft.

▪The master or owner of a craft

is required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that all persons under the age of 16 years wear a PFD/lifejacket while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft.