INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 12402-3

First edition
2006-09-01
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Personal flotation devices —

Part 3:
Lifejackets, performance level 150 —
Safety requirements
Équipements individuels de flottabilité —
Partie 3: Gilets de sauvetage, niveau de performance 150 — Exigences
de sécurité

Reference number
ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

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Contents Page

Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ iv
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ v
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative references ........................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................... 1
4 Classification......................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 Classes .................................................................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Performance levels ............................................................................................................................... 4
5 Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 4
5.1 General................................................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Combination of lifejackets and accessories ...................................................................................... 5
5.3 Types of buoyancy ............................................................................................................................... 6
5.4 Conspicuousness ................................................................................................................................. 7
5.5 Strength ................................................................................................................................................. 7
5.6 Performance .......................................................................................................................................... 8
5.7 Multi-chamber buoyancy systems ...................................................................................................... 9
6 Marking .................................................................................................................................................. 9
6.1 General................................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2 Information on the lifejacket ................................................................................................................ 9
7 Information supplied by the manufacturer ...................................................................................... 11
8 Consumer information at point of sale............................................................................................. 11
8.1 General................................................................................................................................................. 11
8.2 Plain text version ................................................................................................................................ 11
8.3 Data list ................................................................................................................................................ 14

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8.4 Pictograms .......................................................................................................................................... 15
8.5 Colour-code......................................................................................................................................... 15
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 12402-3 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 162, Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets, in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 188, Small craft, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).

ISO 12402 consists of the following parts, under the general title Personal flotation devices:

⎯ Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety requirements

⎯ Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety requirements

⎯ Part 3: Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety requirements

⎯ Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety requirements

⎯ Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements

⎯ Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids — Safety requirements and additional test methods

⎯ Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test methods

⎯ Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods

⎯ Part 9: Test methods

⎯ Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation devices and other relevant devices

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Introduction
ISO 12402 has been prepared to give guidance on the design and application of personal flotation devices
(hereafter referred to as PFDs) for persons engaged in activities, whether in relation to their work or their
leisure, in or near water. PFDs manufactured, selected, and maintained to this standard should give a
reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to a person who is immersed in water.

Requirements for lifejackets on large, commercial seagoing ships are regulated by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). ISO 12402-1
addresses lifejackets for seagoing ships.

ISO 12402 allows for the buoyancy of a PFD to be provided by a wide variety of materials or designs, some of
which may require preparation before entering the water (e.g. inflation of chambers by gas from a cylinder or
blown in orally). However, PFDs can be divided into the following two main classes:

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⎯ those which provide face up in-water support to the user regardless of physical conditions (lifejackets),
and

⎯ those which require the user to make swimming and other postural movements to position the user with
the face out of the water (buoyancy aids).

Within these main two classes there are a number of levels of support, types of buoyancy, activation methods
for inflatable devices, and auxiliary items (such as location aids), all of which will affect the user‘s probability of
survival. Within the different types of buoyancy allowed, inflatable PFDs either provide full buoyancy without
any user intervention other than arming (i.e. PFDs inflated by a fully automatic method) or require the user to
initiate the inflation. Hybrid PFDs always provide some buoyancy but rely on the same methods as inflatable
PFDs to achieve full buoyancy. With inherently buoyant PFDs, the user only needs to put the PFD on to
achieve the performance of its class.

PFDs that do not require intervention (automatically operating PFDs) are suited to activities where persons
are likely to enter the water unexpectedly; whereas PFDs requiring intervention (e.g. manually inflated PFDs)
are only suitable for use if the user believes there will be sufficient time to produce full buoyancy, or help is
close at hand. In every circumstance, the user should ensure that the operation of the PFD is suited to the
specific application. The conformity of a PFD to this part of ISO 12402 does not imply that it is suitable for all
circumstances. The relative amount of required inspection and maintenance is another factor of paramount
importance in the choice and application of specific PFDs.

ISO 12402 is intended to serve as a guide to manufacturers, purchasers, and users of such safety equipment
in ensuring that the equipment provides an effective standard of performance in use. Equally essential is the
need for the designer to encourage the wearing of the equipment by making it comfortable and attractive for
continuous wear on or near water, rather than for it to be stored in a locker for emergency use. Throwable
devices and flotation cushions are not covered by this part of ISO 12402. The primary function of a PFD is to
support the user in reasonable safety in the water. Within the two classes, alternative attributes make some
PFDs better suited to some circumstances than others or make them easier to use and care for than others.
Important alternatives allowed by ISO 12402 are the following:

⎯ to provide higher levels of support (levels 100, 150, or 275) that generally float the user with greater water
clearance, enabling the user’s efforts to be expended in recovery rather than avoiding waves; or to
provide lighter or less bulky PFDs (levels 50 or 100);

⎯ to provide the kinds of flotation (inherently buoyant foam, hybrid, and inflatable) that will accommodate
the sometimes conflicting needs of reliability and durability, in-water performance, and continuous wear;

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⎯ to provide automatically operating (inherently buoyant or automatically inflated) PFDs that float users
without any intervention on their part, except in initially donning the PFD (and regular inspection and
rearming of inflatable types), or to provide user control of the inflatable PFD’s buoyancy by manual and
oral operation; and

⎯ to assist in detection (location aids) and recovery of the user.

PFDs provide various degrees of buoyancy in garments that are light in weight and only as bulky and
restrictive as needed for their intended use. They will need to be secure when worn, in order to provide
positive support in the water and to allow the user to swim or actively assist herself/himself or others. The PFD
selected shall ensure that the user is supported with the mouth and nose clear of the water under the
expected conditions of use and the user’s ability to assist.

Under certain conditions (such as rough water and waves), the use of watertight and multilayer clothing, which
provide (intentionally or otherwise) additional buoyancy, or the use of equipment with additional weight (such
as tool belts) will likely alter the performance of the PFD. Users, owners and employers need to ensure that
this is taken into account when selecting a PFD. Similarly, PFDs may not perform as well in extremes of
temperature, although fully approved under this part of ISO 12402. PFDs may also be affected by other
conditions of use, such as chemical exposure and welding, and may require additional protection to meet the
specific requirements of use. If the user intends taking a PFD into such conditions, she/he has to be assured
that the PFD will not be adversely affected. This part of ISO 12402 also allows a PFD to be an integral part of
a safety harness designed to conform to ISO 12401, or an integral part of a garment with other uses, for
example to provide thermal protection during immersion, in which case the complete assembly as used is
required to conform to this part of ISO 12402.

In compiling the attributes required of a PFD, consideration has also been given to the potential length of
service that the user might expect. Whilst a PFD needs to be of substantial construction and material, its
potential length of service often depends on the conditions of use and storage, which are the responsibility of
the owner, user and/or employer. Furthermore, whilst the performance tests included are believed to assess
relevant aspects of performance in real-life use, they do not accurately simulate all conditions of this. For
example, the fact that a device passes the self-righting tests in swimming attire, as described herein, does not
guarantee that it will self-right an unconscious user wearing waterproof clothing; neither can it be expected to
completely protect the airway of an unconscious person in rough water. Waterproof clothing can trap air and
further impede the self-righting action of a lifejacket.

It is essential that owners, users and employers choose those PFDs that meet the correct standards for the
circumstances in which they will be used. Manufacturers and those selling PFDs have to make clear to
prospective purchasers the product properties, alternative choices and the limitations to normal use, prior to
the purchase.

Similarly, those framing legislation regarding the use of these garments should consider carefully which class
and performance levels are most appropriate for the foreseeable conditions of use, allowing for the higher risk
circumstances. These higher risk circumstances should account for the highest probabilities of occurrence of
accidental immersion and the expected consequences in such emergencies. More information on the
selection and application is given in ISO 12402-10.

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 INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

Personal flotation devices —

Part 3:
Lifejackets, performance level 150 — Safety requirements

1 Scope
This part of ISO 12402 specifies the safety requirements for lifejackets, performance level 150. It applies to
lifejackets used by adults or children.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 12402-5:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50) — Safety requirements

ISO 12402-7:—1), Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and
test methods

ISO 12402-8:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 8: Accessories — Safety requirements and test methods

ISO 12402-9:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods

IMO Resolution A.658 (16), Use and fitting of retro-reflective materials on life-saving appliances, International
Maritime Organization2)

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
personal flotation device
PFD
garment or device which, when correctly worn and used in water, will provide the user with a specific amount
of buoyancy which will increase the likelihood of survival

3.2
inherently buoyant material
material which is permanently less dense than water

1) To be published.
2) IMO is an institution with domicile in London issuing regulations which are then published as laws by its Member
States.

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3.3
automatically operating PFD
PFD in which buoyancy is provided by permanent means (inherently buoyant material) or by suitable means
(gas inflation) effected by a system which automatically activates upon immersion and which, except for the
inspection and rearming of inflatable types, when correctly donned requires no further action by the user

3.4
automatically inflated PFD
PFD in which inflation is effected as a result of immersion without the user carrying out any action at the time
of immersion

3.5
manually inflated PFD
PFD in which inflation is effected as a result of the user operating a mechanism

3.6
orally inflated PFD
PFD inflated by mouth to produce buoyancy

3.7
PFD with secondary donning
PFD for which additional donning or adjustment is needed to place the PFD in its functioning position from the
position it is normally worn

NOTE Pouch-type devices are examples of the type of PFDs which usually require such additional positioning.

3.8
vest-type PFD
PFD covering the upper trunk of the user like a vest

3.9
yoke-type PFD
PFD in a style worn around the back of the neck and secured by a waist strap

3.10
emergency light
device which emits light so as to increase the chances of a user being located

3.11
multi-chamber buoyancy system
system that divides the buoyancy provided by an inflatable lifejacket into two or more separate compartments,
such that if mechanical damage occurs to one, others can still operate and provide buoyancy so as to aid the
user when immersed

3.12
deck safety harness and safety line
device that allows a user to be securely attached to a strong point on a vessel or on shore, so as to prevent
him from falling into the water, or, if he does fall into the water, to prevent him from being separated from the
vessel or shore

3.13
buddy line
length of cord which can be tied or otherwise fixed to another person or to that person's PFD or other objects,
so as to keep a user in the vicinity of that person or object with a view to making location and thus rescue
easier

3.14
lifting loop
device which facilitates manual recovery of a person from water

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3.15
sprayhood
cover brought or placed in front of the airways of a user in order to reduce or eliminate the splashing of water
from waves or the like onto the airways and thereby to promote the survival of the user in rough water
conditions

3.16
protective cover
cover that is normally in place over the functional elements of a PFD in order to protect them from physical
damage, or snagging on external objects

NOTE 1 The protective cover may be designed to provide additional properties, i.e. to make the PFDs suitable for use
when the subject is exposed to additional hazards, e.g. significant abrasion, molten metal splash, flame and fire.

NOTE 2 The inflatable chamber of an inflatable PFD is an example of a functional element.

3.17
overpressure relief valve
valve which may be used in an inflatable system to avoid the likelihood of destruction caused by overpressure

3.18
whistle
device which, when blown by mouth, produces an audible sound which can aid in the location of the user

3.19
hybrid-type PFD
PFD of combined buoyancy types, i.e. inherent and inflatable

4 Classification

4.1 Classes

4.1.1 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 most 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.

4.1.2 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.

4.1.3 Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids

These devices perform as in 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 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.

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4.2 Performance levels

4.2.1 Level 275

This level is intended primarily for offshore use under extreme conditions. 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 ISO 12402-2.

4.2.2 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 this part of ISO 12402.

4.2.3 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.

4.2.4 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 ISO 12402-5.

5 Requirements

5.1 General

A lifejacket, performance level 150, shall meet the requirements specified in Clause 5 when tested in
accordance with ISO 12402-9. The temperature cycling test and the rotating shock bin test shall be
considered as reliability against wear and tear and shall be conducted prior to the appropriate physical
properties test.

Materials and components used for a lifejacket, performance level 150 shall comply with ISO 12402-7.

An inflatable lifejacket complying with this part of ISO 12402 shall have automatic, manual and oral inflation
that allows for full compliance with all performance requirements of this part of ISO 12402. Each chamber of
the inflatable lifejacket shall have at least manual and oral inflation. The inflatable lifejacket shall meet the
performance requirements of this part of ISO 12402 with any one chamber deflated. Inflatable lifejackets shall
be tested against inadvertent inflation according to ISO 12402-7:—3), 4.11 and ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.11.

3) To be published.

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5.2 Combination of lifejackets and accessories

5.2.1 General

Accessories used on lifejackets, performance level 150 shall comply with ISO 12402-8 as specified in Table 1.

A combination of a lifejacket and accessories shall not impair the performance of either item. This shall be
proved during the test required for the lifejacket as well as accessories. If necessary, the test sequence has to
be arranged accordingly. Requirements and test methods for accessories are specified in ISO 12402-8.

Table 1 — Accessories for lifejackets, performance level 150

Accessory Mandatory (M) / Optional (O)

Emergency light O
Whistle M
Lifting loop M
Buddy line O
Retroreflective material M
Deck safety harness O
Overpressure relief valve O
Multi-chamber system O
Protective covers O
Sprayhood O

Lifejackets can be equipped with further accessories. Such accessories shall comply at least with
ISO 12402-8.

5.2.2 Lifting loop

A lifejacket, performance level 150, provided with a lifting loop shall be tested according to ISO 12402-9:2006,
5.5.1.4.

The lifting loop shall be affixed to the lifejacket in front of the chest anterior to two lines, each axial to the
midline between the lower end of the sternum and the umbilicus and no more than 100 mm to the side of the
midline.

The minimum length of the loop shall be 150 mm, measured from attachment to end of the loop.

The lifting loop shall have a minimum width of 20 mm and shall be of a colour distinctive from that of the
lifejacket.

The lifting loop shall be conspicuous when the user is floating normally.

See also 5.5.

5.2.3 Whistle

The lifejacket shall be provided with a whistle. The whistle shall comply with ISO 12402-8:2006, 5.2.

5.2.4 Sprayhood

If any form of hood or sprayhood is fitted to cover the face in whole or in part, it shall comply with
ISO 12402-8:2006, 5.5 and be marked as specified therein.

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5.3 Types of buoyancy

5.3.1 General

5.3.1.1 The amount of buoyancy shall be such that the in-water performance required by this part of
ISO 12402 (freeboard, turning capacity, stable floating position, etc.) is met.

The minimum amount of buoyancy for a lifejacket as specified in Table 2 can be provided by inherently
buoyant material, chambers inflated by gas or by a combination of the two.

5.3.1.2 If the lifejacket is of a hybrid type, it shall provide, by its inherent buoyancy alone, the buoyancy
required of an equivalently sized device of level 50.

5.3.1.3 Inflatable lifejackets which are manufactured for use by children under 30 kg in body mass and/or
less than 6 years of age shall be automatically inflated. If a hybrid type is used, it shall have a minimum
inherent buoyancy in accordance with ISO 12402-5:2006, 5.3.

5.3.2 Inflatable buoyancy chambers

5.3.2.1 Inflatable buoyancy chambers shall be capable of withstanding an internal pressure of 70 kPa
without damage or permanent deformation when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.6 at a
temperature of − 5 °C and + 30 °C for 2 min.

If a device is operated with an overpressure relief valve, the valve has to be blocked and tested in accordance
with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.6 with 40 kPa.

5.3.2.2 Gas-inflated lifejackets shall withstand the inflation test in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006,
5.5.10 before the buoyancy test in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9 is performed.

5.3.3 Inherently buoyant material

5.3.3.1 Any inherently buoyant material used to provide buoyancy shall be capable of withstanding
compression and movement in normal wear without sustaining permanent loss of buoyancy. The maximum
loss of buoyancy when three samples are tested in accordance with ISO 12402-7:—4), 4.8 and 4.10 shall not
exceed 10 % in any foam material providing inherent buoyancy.

5.3.3.2 Any inherently buoyant material shall prove to have a thermal stability in accordance with
ISO 12402-7:—4), 4.8 and 4.10 in which the maximum loss of volume in any sample shall not exceed 5 %.
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5.3.4 Total buoyancy provided

5.3.4.1 For the purpose of assessment in accordance with this part of ISO 12402, items of different size
are to be accompanied by stated minimum and maximum user’s mass, which shall conform to the marked
size ranges.

The primary means of indicating the device's size as regards fit shall be one which is appropriate and
meaningful to the prospective user, for instance the statement of mass and girth ranges.

5.3.4.2 When tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9, the minimum buoyancy provided by
the different levels shall be as specified in Table 2.

4) To be published.

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Table 2 — Minimum buoyancy

User
Parameter
Child Adult

User’s mass, m (kg) m u 15 15 < m u 30 30 < m u 40 40 < m u 50 50 < m u 60 60 < m u 70 m > 70

Minimum buoyancy (N) 45 60 75 90 110 130 150

5.3.4.3 If the lifejacket is intended for two or more mass categories, the buoyancy shall be at least as
specified for the heavier category.

5.3.4.4 The buoyancy of the lifejacket shall be tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9. The
difference between the initial measurements and the measurement after 24 h shall not exceed 5 % of the
original buoyancy.

The buoyancy measured in any test carried out for the purpose of ascertaining conformity with this part of
ISO 12402 shall not be less than that claimed on the marking of the lifejacket, nor less than that required in
5.3.4.2.

5.3.4.5 The two lifejackets which were subjected to the test in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9
shall be used to measure the total buoyancy.

5.4 Conspicuousness

5.4.1 Colour

The colour of the exposed portions (excluding components such as webbing, zippers and other fittings) of the
lifejacket when deployed in the normal floating position shall be in accordance with ISO 12402-7:—5), 4.3.3.

For search and rescue, yellow–orange and red–orange shall be favoured, preferably fluorescent paints which
are superior in detectability.

5.4.2 Retroreflective material

There shall be affixed to the surface of the lifejacket at least 300 cm2 area of material which is retroreflective
of light and conforms to the specification in IMO Resolution A.658(16), Annex 2.

When supporting the user at rest in the water, approximately the same amount of material shall be visible from
all directions around and above the lifejacket and the material shall be located above water level.
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In case of a reversible lifejacket, the minimum area and arrangement shall be complied with no matter which
way the device is donned.

5.5 Strength

The strength of the device shall be tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.1. No damage shall
occur which would result in the lifejacket failing to function in accordance with this part of ISO 12402. The
means of adjustment shall not have a slippage exceeding 25 mm when subjected to the test.

The horizontal load shall be no less than 3 200 N for adults and 2 400 N for children. The vertical load shall be
no less than 900 N for adults and 700 N for children.

The horizontal load value shall also apply for the lifting loop tested according to ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.1.4.

5) To be published.

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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

5.6 Performance
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5.6.1 General

5.6.1.1 When worn, the lifejacket shall not be unduly bulky, heavy or uncomfortable when tested in
accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5 and 5.6.

5.6.1.2 The lifejacket shall not unduly restrict the vision, hearing, breathing or movement of the user
when worn both ashore and in the water and tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6. It shall allow
easy tightening and loosening of all essential adjustments both ashore and in the water. The lifejacket shall
not interfere with vision when worn both ashore and in the water and shall allow sufficient comfort, and head
and limb movement to preclude it from being removed because of encumbrance or discomfort during
emergency use both ashore and in the water.

5.6.1.3 The lifejacket shall not contain any component nor use any method of component attachment
which in normal use is likely to cause injury to the user or damage the lifejacket when tested in accordance
with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5 and 5.6.

5.6.1.4 The lifejacket shall not significantly hinder dexterity. The user shall be able to swim whilst using
the lifejacket, climb a ladder, and board a platform when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9. At least two-
thirds of subjects who can accomplish the task specified in ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6 without the lifejacket shall
also be able to perform it with the lifejacket.

5.6.1.5 The lifejacket shall withstand all tested conditions of normal storage and use. The lifejacket shall
remain serviceable when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5 and 5.6.

5.6.1.6 The lifejacket shall not form channels having a tendency to direct water into the face or to the
head of the user. The test panel shall witness this by visual inspection during the in-water performance tests.

5.6.1.7 Automatic inflatable lifejackets shall be tested against inadvertent inflation in accordance with
ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.11.

5.6.2 Donning, adjustment and fit

5.6.2.1 The lifejacket shall have a proper fit and adjustment. It shall be easy to don. Ties and fastenings
necessary for proper performance should be few and simple.

5.6.2.2 Donning shall be obvious and simple on the briefest of instructions. It shall be possible without
assistance, except children’s lifejackets. The ease in donning and discarding the lifejacket shall not be unduly
affected by adverse conditions in use such as poor light, cold or wet. When tested in accordance with
ISO 12402-9, donning by all means of securing the lifejacket required to meet the in-water performance
requirements shall take not longer than 1 min.

5.6.2.3 When tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9, the means of adjustment within the stated size
range shall ensure a secure fit. Security of fit shall not be dependent upon highly elastic material. If crotch
straps or other non-elastic devices for improving the security of fit and retention are provided, and it is possible
(without physically damaging the lifejacket) to wear the lifejacket with and without the straps or devices, the
tests in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.4 and 5.6.5 shall be performed with and without the straps or
devices in place.

5.6.2.4 The user shall not slip out of the lifejacket when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9.

5.6.2.5 Manual and oral inflation shall be tested both in and out of water in accordance with
ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.5 and 5.6.7.

8
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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

5.6.3 In-water performance

5.6.3.1 A lifejacket shall provide lateral and occipital support of the user’s head so that the mouth of a
relaxed individual is held clear of a still water surface, with the trunk of the body inclined backwards from the
vertical at an angle of at least 30° and not more than 90° and a face plane angle of at least 40° and not more
than 90°, when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6. Lifejackets for small children shall be tested
in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6. A manikin can be used as a supplementary tool, in which case the
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test procedure according to ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.9 shall be followed.

The test subjects have to be able to swim. They are only wearing swimming costumes. Each test subject has
to be made familiar with each of the tests, particularly the requirements regarding relaxing and exhaling in the
face-down position. The test subjects have to don the lifejacket, unassisted, using only the instructions
provided by the manufacturer.

The freeboard measured in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.2 shall be not less than 100 mm for any
subject.

5.6.3.2 When the lifejacket is in an operational condition, it shall turn the test subject to the position
required by 5.6.3.1 within 5 s when tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.

5.6.3.3 The user shall have the possibility to maintain a stable position and not turn face down, when
tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.6.

5.6.3.4 When tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.5, the lifejacket shall not be damaged so
as to affect the lifejacket’s in-water performance or buoyancy.

The lifejacket shall not become dislodged, cause harm to the test subject or be damaged so as to affect its in-
water performance or buoyancy.

5.6.3.5 When tested in accordance with ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.6.2, the lifejacket shall bring the test
subject to rest with the mouth clear of the water by at least the required freeboard.

Without repositioning of any part of the body, the freeboard shall meet the relevant requirements.

5.7 Multi-chamber buoyancy systems

Multi-chamber buoyancy systems shall meet the performance requirements of this part of ISO 12402 with any
one chamber deflated. Multi-chamber systems shall conform with ISO 12402-8:2006, 5.7.

6 Marking

6.1 General

The lifejacket shall be permanently and legibly marked with the information given in 6.2, which shall be given
at least in the official language(s) of the country of destination. Information shall be given preferably as
pictograms, or as text combined with pictograms, or, if defined pictograms do not exist, as text alone.

6.2 Information on the lifejacket

Information on the lifejacket shall include the following items:

a) identification of the manufacturer – at least the name of the manufacturer or representative and their
mailing address;

b) the class of the PFD and the performance level according to 4.2;

c) the statement that it is not a PFD until fully inflated (only on an inflatable PFD);

d) the size range of the lifejacket, e.g. range of chest girth and user’s body mass;

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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

e) the minimum buoyancy provided and amount of inflatable buoyancy, if a hybrid type;

f) storage, care, cleaning and maintenance instructions in brief;

g) simple donning and adjustment instructions;

h) simple instructions for use;

i) if inflated by gas, the correct size and charge of the cylinder;

NOTE This information appears near the place where the cylinder is actually fitted.

j) if inflated by gas, a warning that gas cylinders are dangerous goods, and that they shall be kept away
from children and not misused;

k) the manufacturer’s model, designation, serial number, and quarter (or month) and year of manufacture;

NOTE Months are given as Arabic numerals (1 to 12), and quarters as Roman numerals (I to IV) in order,
starting from 1st January.

l) the number of this part of ISO 12402;

m) pictograms or words indicating other risks catered for or not provided for;

n) the text “Do not use as a cushion”;

o) the text “Train yourself in the use of the device”;

p) the text “Teach the child to float in this lifejacket”, if intended for children;

q) the text “For children less than 6 years of age use automatically operating devices only”, if intended for
children;

r) the range of its specific application;

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s) the expected servicing interval assuming average use, and a space for servicing dates to be marked,
including additional items (gas bottles, bobbins, retroreflective tapes, etc.) and their replacement;

t) compatibility with safety harnesses, clothing or additional equipment as relevant;

u) the text “Full performance may not be achieved using waterproof clothing or in other circumstances. Refer
to the leaflet.”;

v) the text “Warning: Do not apply diapers which provide buoyancy when using the lifejacket”.

NOTE This warning is only required for lifejackets for users with a body mass up to 15 kg.

The label bearing this information shall be permanently affixed to the lifejacket, shall be resistant to salt water
and stand at least 10 washes carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The label shall
not shrink so as to affect the appearance or performance of the lifejacket or its own legibility.

Special ‘lace up’ pictograms showing the manufacturer’s exact recommendations for webbing (narrow fabric)
lacing through the buckle and fastening combination of the ‘cow-tail’ and the text “Practice and training are
required with this device before use” shall be placed on the lifejacket and in the accompanying information.

10
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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

7 Information supplied by the manufacturer

The lifejacket shall be supplied with an explanatory leaflet, containing at least the following items:

a) items given in 6.2;

b) the recommendation that the user should try out the lifejacket to ascertain its performance before use;

c) full instructions for donning and use (also instructions for whistle and light if fitted);

d) details of the recommended limitations on use, including sea conditions, temperature limits, life span and
any other pertinent information;

e) a description of any spare parts and their replacement, instructions for servicing, maintenance, and
packing, if applicable;

f) such other general advice on the care and use of the lifejacket as the manufacturer sees fit.

8 Consumer information at point of sale

8.1 General

A plain text version (see Figures 1 and 2) and/or a pictogram version (see Figure 3) shall be applied for
consumer information.

8.2 Plain text version

The information shall be clearly visible and legible when the device is presented ready for sale, either by
ensuring visibility of a marking on the lifejacket itself or by additional labelling on the packaging.

If the presentation of information is divided in various sections, they shall be given in such a way that the
consumer can perceive all sections together (“Survey on the entire PFD-system”). The layout of the labels
given in Figures 1 and 2 is recommended, whereas the content is mandatory.

If the plain text version is chosen, the information shall be laid out in accordance with Figure 1. The minimum
dimension of the information shall be 75 mm × 75 mm. Colours for the text and the label may vary, but shall
always contrast with the background.

NOTE 1 Information in row (8) may be given by plain text data or by representing the supplier's logo.

NOTE 2 The label shown in Figure 1 may form the left side of a complete label presenting all stipulated data from the
data list (see Figure 2).

The layout of the right part of the label in Figure 2 is optional. For the contents, see data list. The entries in the
table are examples.
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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

ISO 12402-2
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE to (1)
ISO 12402-6
Performance
Application (2)
level
Offshore, extreme conditions, special protective
275 (3)

lifejackets
clothing, heavy equipment
Offshore, foul weather clothing 150 (4)
Sheltered waters, light clothing 100 (5)

buoyancy
Swimmers only, sheltered waters, help at hand,

aids
50 (6)
limited protection against drowning, not a lifejacket

all
Special purpose device performance (7)
levels
............................................................................
Manufactured by: ........................................, .................................. (8)
...........................: .............................................
WARNING:
FLOTATION DEVICES ONLY REDUCE
(9)
THE RISK OF DROWNING
THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE RESCUE

Figure 1 — Label specification

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12
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 --`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Provided by IHS under license with ISO

SPECIAL FEATURES Integrated emergency light and spray cap
ISO 12402-2
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE to SPECIAL APPLICATION Use in extreme climate conditions (−50 °C)

Copyright International Organization for Standardization

ISO 12402-6
OPERATION MODE DESIGN

No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS

Amount of Amount of Use with
Auto- Oral Multi-
Performance Manually inflatable inherent Integrated harness

© ISO 2006 – All rights reserved

Application matically inflation chamber
level operated buoyancy buoyancy harness
operating only system yes no
(N) (N)
Offshore, extreme conditions, special protective
275
clothing, heavy equipment
Offshore, foul weather clothing 150 √ √ 90 70 √ √

lifejackets
Sheltered waters, light clothing 100

Swimmers only, sheltered waters, help at hand,

limited protection against drowning, not a 50

aids
lifejacket

buoyancy

Not for Resale

all
Buoyancy for specified body mass
Special purpose device performance
(N)
levels Chest Body mass
Size
..................................................................... (cm) (kg)
Manufactured by: ......................................., ............................ Actual value Nominal value
..............................: ...................................
WARNING:
FLOTATION DEVICES ONLY REDUCE
Medium 70 160 150
THE RISK OF DROWNING
THEY DO NOT GUARANTEE RESCUE

Figure 2 — Complete label for consumer information, including additional features and criteria for selection

13
ISO 12402-3:2006(E)
 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

8.3 Data list

If the layout of the recommended label is not used, the following details, including all variable data, shall be
given in such a way as to inform the consumer coherently about the performance and the size of the lifejacket.

a) generic terms;

b) statement of the relevant standard and performance level;

c) any special features;

NOTE Special features are given if the lifejacket offers more than the equipment and performance required by
the standard, e.g. integrated spray cap, special emergency equipment.

d) any special application;

NOTE Description of special applications, e.g. applicable for sports in white water or fire-fighter tactics or
performance under extreme climatic conditions, etc.

e) whether the buoyancy is provided by

⎯ inherent buoyant material,

⎯ gas or air,

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⎯ inherent buoyant material and gas or air;

f) whether the lifejacket is

⎯ fully automatically operating,

⎯ manually operated,

⎯ only orally inflatable;

g) amount of buoyancy

⎯ in total,

⎯ as parts of inherent and inflatable buoyancy;

h) whether a safety harness

⎯ is integrated in the lifejacket,

⎯ can be worn on the body with the flotation device above;

i) size of the lifejacket

⎯ by ticking in the relevant size of a size table,

⎯ by giving the relevant body dimension of the person concerned (body height, chest circumference or
body mass or an adequate combination of them), see right side of the label in Figure 2.

NOTE All data shown as contents of the list may be given as shown in Figure 2 or by another format and layout.

If the recommended label as shown in Figure 2 is applied, the presence of data shall be marked and, where
relevant, their quantity given by inserting the appropriate figures.

14
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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

8.4 Pictograms

The section ‘Application’, rows (2) to (6) of Figure 1 may be replaced by the relevant pictogram shown in
Figure 3. The minimum dimensions of these pictograms shall be 50 mm × 50 mm. The remaining contents of
rows (1) and (7) to (9) of Figure 1 shall be presented in accordance with 8.3.

The designation of the relevant standard and the meaning of the performance levels may be added under the
pictogram for a period of introduction and transition of five years from the publication of the standard. The text
shall be identical with the standard wording of rows (3) to (6) in Figure 1.

Figure 3 — Pictograms

8.5 Colour-code

The background coloration of rows (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the label specified in Figure 1 and the pictograms are
optional. If a colour-code is used the following colours shall be applied:

a) blue for row (3) on the label and for the pictogram ‘275’;

b) turquoise for row (4) on the label and for the pictogram ‘150’;

c) light brown for row (5) on the label and for the pictogram ‘100’;

d) pink for row (6) on the label and for the pictogram ‘50’.
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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

Bibliography

[1] ISO 12401, Small craft — Deck safety harness and safety line for use on recreational craft — Safety
requirements and test methods

[2] ISO 12402-1, Personal flotation devices — Part 1: Lifejackets for seagoing ships — Safety
requirements

[3] ISO 12402-2, Personal flotation devices — Part 2: Lifejackets, performance level 275 — Safety
requirements

[4] ISO 12402-4, Personal flotation devices — Part 4: Lifejackets, performance level 100 — Safety
requirements

[5] ISO 12402-6, Personal flotation devices — Part 6: Special purpose lifejackets and buoyancy aids —
Safety requirements and additional test methods

[6] ISO 12402-10, Personal flotation devices — Part 10: Selection and application of personal flotation
devices and other relevant devices

[7] International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, International
Maritime Organization6)

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6) IMO is an institution with domicile in London issuing regulations which are then published as laws by its Member
States.

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 ISO 12402-3:2006(E)

ICS 13.340.70
Price based on 16 pages

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