A clear explanation of the recent changes to the Australian Standard for lifejackets supplied by Peter Gould, Branch Commissioner (Adventurous Activities), Scouts Queensland.

Life Jackets are very topical with the changes in the Australian Standard. We have gained further advice from the State Government and I can share with you the following dot points:

• If the Jacket is marked with the new Australian Standard 4758, you do not have an issue
• If your Jacket is marked with a date of manufacturer and the jacket is more than 10 years old, then replacement needs to be planned

If the Jacket meets the old standard then the following applies:

• The current standard for lifejackets in Australia is AS 4758, originally published in 2008. Compliance with this standard was mandated in Queensland with the commencement of the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2016 (the regulation) on 1 September 2016 (see s22).
• In recognition of the fact that at the commencement of the regulation many people still had serviceable lifejackets that complied with the superseded standards, the regulation included a transitional provision, s225, that deemed these older lifejackets to be compliant with AS 4758 until the end of their serviceable life.
• To take advantage of this ‘grandfathering’, the lifejackets (used by Scouts Queensland Formations) must have been in use prior to 1 September 2016, and must still be serviceable. This information is contained on the Maritime Safety Queensland web page about lifejacket standards.
• The regulation states that the end of the serviceable life of a lifejacket occurs when the lifejacket needs to be replaced because it is irreparable, unserviceable, incapable of being restored to its original condition, or has reached the end of its serviceable life as stated by its manufacturer.
• The marine environment is harsh, and any lifejackets that are faded, torn, damaged, or that have lost buoyancy are no longer serviceable and should be replaced in the interest of safety.

In summary, (Scouts Queensland Formations may continue to use) lifejackets compliant with the superseded standards may continue to be used if they were acquired prior to 1 September 2016, and if they remain serviceable. Any lifejackets acquired after that date, and any lifejackets purchased to replace deteriorated lifejackets, must comply with AS 4758.

Peter Gould, Branch Commissioner (Adventurous Activities)

Maritime Safety Queensland

• Life jackets
• Lifejacket standards