CE is the mark for European Norm (EN) regarding personal protective equipment. CEN (the Committee of European Norms) makes the regulations regarding personal protective equipment, and the member countries are obliged to follow these.
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) is a set of regulations within shipping, shipbuilding and trade which contributes to safety at sea. The steering wheel is the European Maritime Directive`s symbol of a product and a production place with approval according to SOLAS regulations. Notified Body refers to the technical supervisory body.
IMO (International Maritime Organization), an organization subordinated to the UN, developes and upgrades the SOLAS regulations.
BUOYANCY ABILITY - NEWTON
In order to classify the buoyancy ability of different lifejackets and buoyancy aids, the expression Newton (N) is being used. 1 kg = 9,81 N. This is an indication of buoyancy.
ISO 12402-5 / EN 393 Buoyancy aids, flotation jackets and flotation suits. Gives an upright floating position. For good swimmers only in sheltered waters with nearby help.
ISO 12402-4 / EN 395 Lifejackets with safety colour and reflectors. Should normally be able to turn a person into back position. People who are not able to swim should always use a lifejacket. Sheltered waters.
ISO 12402-3 / EN 396 Lifejackets. Coastal and offshore use with foul weather clothing. The buoyancy ability should be considered if heavy tools or equipment are carried.
ISO 12402-2 / EN 399 Inflatable lifejackets. Offshore, shipping and industry with extreme conditions. Compatible with heavy protective clothing, most survival suits and safety harness.
The weight of the body in water is far from the weight on shore. The need of buoyancy is therefore not equivalent to the body weight in kgs. A 50 N buoyancy aid should therefore normally be sufficient to keep an adult person floating.
The products in Regatta`s leisure collection are tested and approved according to European standards (EN), and fulfill the requirements of buoyancy (N).
