Which lifejacket do you need?
It depends on three things: where you sail, what you wear and what the weather is like. Here's what the approval marks and Newton classes mean.
How to recognise an approved lifejacket
Every Besto lifejacket is independently tested and approved. The approval mark depends on how it will be used: water sports and work, or maritime.
CE mark – ISO 12402PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425
For water sports, inland navigation and work on or near the water. Tested to the ISO 12402 standard; the CE mark shows that the lifejacket meets European requirements.
The standard divides lifejackets into Newton classes: the higher the Newton value, the more buoyancy and the tougher the conditions the lifejacket can handle.
View the Newton categories →Wheelmark – SOLAS/MEDMED 2014/90/EU · Red Ensign (UK)
For lifejackets on board seagoing vessels, platforms and offshore installations covered by the SOLAS convention. They are tested to the IMO's international LSA Code. The Wheelmark (EU) or the Red Ensign mark (UK) shows that they are approved.
More about SOLAS/MED →Which class suits you?
Newton (N) is the unit of buoyancy: 10 N keeps roughly 1 kilo afloat. The key difference: a buoyancy aid (50N) helps you stay afloat while you swim yourself, whereas a lifejacket (100N and higher) turns you onto your back with your mouth clear of the water, even if you can no longer do this yourself.
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Buoyancy aidCE EN ISO 12402-5
- Water
- Sheltered water, with help close by
- Who it's for
- Confident swimmers from 30 kg
- Ideal for
- Dinghy sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, water skiing, jet skiing
Light and allows freedom of movement, but it won't turn you onto your back. This is not a lifejacket.
View the 50N buoyancy aids → Not safe if you are unconscious -
LifejacketCE EN ISO 12402-4
- Water
- Inland and sheltered water
- Clothing
- Light leisure clothing
- Weather
- Calm
- Who it's for
- Swimmers and non-swimmers, children from 5 kg and adults
Turns you onto your back with your mouth above water. With heavy or waterproof clothing, this doesn't always work.
View the 100N lifejackets → Limited safety with waterproof clothing -
LifejacketCE EN ISO 12402-3
- Water
- Open water and coast
- Clothing
- Light waterproof clothing
- Weather
- Rougher weather too
- Who it's for
- Swimmers and non-swimmers, children and adults
The all-round choice for sailing and boating. Also turns an unconscious wearer onto their back, except sometimes in heavy waterproof clothing.
View the 150N lifejackets → Suitable for open water -
LifejacketCE EN ISO 12402-2
- Water
- All waters, including offshore
- Clothing
- Heavy (waterproof) protective clothing
- Weather
- Extreme conditions
- Who it's for
- From 40 kg
The most buoyancy. Turns you onto your back even in heavy clothing and high waves.
View the 275N lifejackets → Safe if you are unconscious in almost all conditions
| At a glance | 50N | 100N | 150N | 275N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Buoyancy aid | Lifejacket | Lifejacket | Lifejacket |
| Sailing area | Sheltered, help nearby | Inland and sheltered water | Open water and coast | All waters, including offshore |
| Clothing | – | Light | Light waterproof | Heavy waterproof |
| Turns you onto your back | No | Limited | Yes, usually | Yes |
| Do you need to be able to swim? | Yes, well | No | No | No |
| Who it's for | From 30 kg | From 5 kg | From 5 kg (foam) or 15 kg (inflatable) | From 40 kg |
Can't decide between two classes? Choose the higher one. Waterproof clothing traps air and can hinder a lifejacket from turning you. Also read how to get the best performance from your lifejacket.
ISO lifejackets by application
- Leisure & WatersportsAll products are ISO 12402 approved.
- Shipping & IndustryWork, inland shipping and industrial lifejackets are ISO 12402 approved (SOLAS lifejackets excepted).
- Emergency Services & AuthoritiesISO 12402 approved, depending on use.
- Parts & AccessoriesISO 12402 approved, depending on use.
For maritime, offshore and cruise ships
Besto SOLAS lifejackets comply with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU and are tested in accordance with the IMO LSA Code. There is a complete range for merchant shipping, offshore, wind farms and cruise ships.
SOLAS lifejackets do not have a Newton rating. Their buoyancy is still tested, and it must be suitable for the way the lifejacket will be used on board.
Dual MED + ISO approval
In professional shipping, a lifejacket is often worn all day long. That is why Besto offers inflatable lifejackets that are approved to both MED and ISO 12402: safe for sea and comfortable to work in.
SOLAS/MED lifejackets by segment
Not sure which lifejacket is right for you?
Take a look at the frequently asked questions, browse the Leisure brochure or Professional brochure, or ask for personal advice.