SAMSA Approved Lifejackets
The New Statutory Requirements and Compulsory Standards.
SANS 12402-1: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ship (level 150) Safety
requirements.
SANS 12402-2: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 2: Lifejackets for extreme offshore conditions
(Level 275) Safety requirements.
SANS 12402-3: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 3: Lifejackets for offshore conditions (level
150) – Safety requirements.
SANS 12402-4: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 4: Lifejackets for inland/close to shore conditions
(Level 100) – Safety requirements.
SANS 12402-5: Personal Flotation Devices Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) – Safety requirements.
SANS 12402-6: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 6: Special purpose Lifejackets and buoyancy aids –
Safety requirements and additional test methods.
SANS 12402-7: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 7: Materials and components Safety requirements
and test methods.
SANS 12402-8: Personal Flotation Devices -Part 8: Accessories-Safety requirements and test methods.”
The New Classes and Descriptions of Flotation Devices.
Lifejackets
These devices provide face-up flotation with levels of support sufficient for various open and rough
water uses. Lifejackets have a buoyancy distribution sufficient to turn users, when tested on users wearing
swimming costumes according to ISO 12402, to a position where the mouth has a defined freeboard
above the water’s surface, even when the user is unconscious.
Buoyancy aids
These devices should be comfortable for continuous wear and provide lift, without significant face-up
turning ability, to float the conscious user with the level of support marked on the device. Buoyancy aids
shall at least be suitable for sheltered waters, but at higher performance levels may be suitable for some users
in other waters.
Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids
These devices perform as above with different levels of support, but have modifications related to
special applications for use. These applications shall not relate to essential requirements such as in-water
performance, stability and safety in use. The specific conditions for use shall be stated on their label to
maintain essential requirements.
Performance Levels
Level 275
This level is intended primarily for offshore use under extreme conditions and by people who are carrying
significant weights and thus require additional buoyancy. It is also of value to those who are wearing clothing
which traps air and which may adversely affect the self-righting capacity of the lifejacket. It is designed
to ensure that the user is floating in the correct position with his mouth and nose clear of the surface. See
SANS12402-2. MN 37 of 2016 Page 4 of 7
Level 150
This level is intended for general application or for use with foul weather clothing. It will turn an
unconscious person into a safe position and requires no subsequent action by the user to maintain this
position. See SANS12402-3.
Level 100
This level is intended for those who may have to wait for rescue, but are likely to do so in sheltered water.
The device should not be used in rough conditions. See ISO 12402-4.
Level 50
This level is intended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to bank or shore, or
who have help and a means of rescue close at hand. These garments have minimal bulk, but they are of
limited use in disturbed water, and cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long period of time. They
do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect people who are unable to help themselves. They require active
participation by the user. See ISO12402-5.