Choosing the right lifejacket

Learn about the different types of lifejackets, also called personal flotation devices (PFDs) and when to use them.

Expert tip: Have the right lifejacket

Maritime NZ

Choosing the right lifejacket 
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Choosing lifejackets for kids 
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Lifejackets for open waters

There are two types of lifejackets for open waters.

 

Type 401 – inflatable

 

A type 401 inflatable lifejacket:

  • achieves buoyancy by either a water‑activated switch or a manual pull cord

  • may include a mouthpiece

  • should include thigh or crotch straps

  • is designed to keep the wearer upright if unconscious (if the lifejacket is inflated)

  • is comfortable and convenient to wear at all times

  • must provide at least 150 newtons of buoyancy.

type 401a lifejacket

Download nationally agreed guidelines explaining how to choose the right inflatable lifejacket and how and when to service it.

Guidelines for inflatable lifejackets
PDF: 281kB, 5 pages
Download

Type 401 – semi-rigid

A type 401 inflatable lifejacket:

  • achieves buoyancy with semi‑rigid foam

  • is designed to keep the wearer upright while unconscious

  • has a minimum buoyancy rating of 100 newtons (adult-size)

  • is not suitable for continuous wear on pleasure craft

  • is best suited for emergencies.
Type 403 lifejacket

Standards that substantially comply with type 401 include: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type I PFD offshore life jacket; AS 4758 level 150; ISO 12402‑3; EN 396.

Lifejackets for inshore waters

Type 402

 

A type 402 lifejacket:

  • must have a buoyant collar

  • is not guaranteed to keep an unconscious person’s face above water

  • provides at least 71 newtons of buoyancy (adult size)

  • is comfortable and convenient to wear all the time

  • is compatible with a crotch strap

  • is not suitable for rough conditions.

Type 402 lifejacket

Standards that substantially comply with type 402 include: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type II PFD near‑shore buoyant vest; AS 4758 level 100; AS 1512 PFD type I; ISO 12402‑4; EN 395.

Specialist lifejackets and personal flotation devices

Type 403

A type 403 lifejacket:

  • has no collar

  • is lower buoyancy than other lifejackets

  • provides lower levels of support and safety than other models

  • usually has no reflective or bright materials

  • Is useful for some aquatic sports for example, sailing dinghies, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding and jetskis

  • must provide at least 53 newtons of buoyancy (adult size).
Type 403 lifejacket

Standards that substantially comply with type 403 include: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type III PFD; AS 4758 level 50; AS 1499 PFD type 2; AS 2260 PFD type 3; ISO 12402‑5; EN 393.

   

Buoyancy aid wetsuit - Type 404 

A type 404 is a wetsuit with added buoyancy in specific areas.  

 

They are suitable for some sporting activities where the user is likely to fall into the water 

Buoyancy garment – Type 405

A type 405 buoyancy garment:

  • has no collar

  • has lower buoyancy than other lifejackets

  • provides lower levels of support and safety than other models

  • useful for some aquatic sports, for example sailing dinghies, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding

  • has reflective material and bright colours.

 

Type 405 lifejacket

 

Standards that substantially comply with type 405 include: ANSI/UL 1123 and 1177 type III PFD; AS 4758 level 50; AS 1499 PFD type 2; AS 2260 PFD type 3; ISO 12402‑5; EN 393.

Specialist PFD – Type 406

 

A type 406 specialist PFD:

  • may have a collar

  • is not intended for use at night

  • often used in white water rafting, power boat racing or endurance racing

  • may not be suitable for all conditions.
Type 406 lifejacket