Life jackets (PFDs) are marine safety devices designed to provide flotation and keep wearers afloat in lakes, coastal, and rough waters. Approved by the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada, they are used on boats, kayaks, personal watercraft, and during water sports. Types II, III, IV, and V serve different needs, from comfortable wear to emergency rescue and unconscious face-up flotation, for adults, youth, and infants.
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Evo 165 Inflatable Lifejacket offers a unique short "teardrop" design for enhanced shoulder mobility and comfort. Available with manual or Auto Pro Sensor UML inflation, and optional integrated harness, it features a zipped QBZ® cover, removable crotch strap, and anti-unscrew CO₂ system. Certified for users over 40 kg with chest size 55–140 cm.
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$ 157.56
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo EVO-J Junior 67360 is a lightweight, ergonomic inflatable life jacket designed for children from 15 to 40 kg. Featuring an automatic UML inflation system with anti-unscrew CO₂ bottle, integrated harness and crotch strap, adjustable belt (30–90 cm), and a 316L stainless steel buckle. ISO 12402-3 certified with 150 N buoyancy. Compatible with Ocean Signal MOB1/MOB2 and Daniamant W3 lights.
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$ 174.72
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Neo 165 Manual Inflatable Life Jacket provides 165 N of buoyancy for users over 40 kg with chest sizes from 55 to 140 cm. Designed for recreational and professional use, it features a compact coated polyamide shell with a hook-and-loop closure, fluorescent high-visibility bladder, and a manual CSR inflation system with anti-unscrewing device. Available with or without crotch strap in multiple color options.
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$ 83.98
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Neo 165 Automatic UML Inflatable Life Jacket offers 165 N of buoyancy and features automatic inflation via UML mechanism with integrated CSR anti-unscrewing system. Designed for users over 40 kg, with chest sizes from 55 to 140 cm, it is available in multiple configurations with or without harness and crotch strap. Compact, lightweight, and suitable for both leisure and professional marine use.
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$ 106.93
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P200559 Neo 165 Hydrostatic HAMMAR Inflatable Lifejacket provides 165 N of buoyancy for wearers over 40 kg, combining automatic hydrostatic inflation, integrated harness, and crotch strap. Made of coated polyamide with a compact hook-and-loop cover and fluorescent high-visibility bladder, it’s ideal for both professional and leisure boating use.
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$ 136.79
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Neo 165 Fisherman Inflatable Life Jacket offers 165 N of effective buoyancy in a 150 N-rated vest, featuring a camouflage-coated outer shell and yellow high-visibility bladder with reflective strips. Available in manual (SKU: P205981) or automatic UML (SKU: P205980) versions, it is ideal for anglers and fish farming professionals working at sea, on rivers, or lakes.
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$ 91.27
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Seapack 150 (Ref. 67327) is a manual inflatable lifejacket designed for abandon-ship emergencies, offering 165 N buoyancy and compact dimensions of 310×220×45 mm. Vacuum-sealed for long-term storage, it features a UML micro manual inflator, retro-reflective tapes, whistle, grab handle, and oral inflation tube. Suitable for all navigation categories and compliant with ISO 12402-3.
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$ 94.88
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 65850 Pilot 165N is a manual inflatable lifejacket integrated into a compact fanny pack. Ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and coastal boating. Certified ISO 12402-4 (100N), true buoyancy 165N. Lightweight, comfortable neoprene inner face, includes recovery handle, zipped pocket, and optional storage pouch. Waist: 60–130 cm. Weight: 600 g.
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$ 185.21
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo SOLAS Austral 180N Inflatable Life Jacket is a professional-grade twin-chamber inflatable lifejacket with integrated harness and crotch strap, certified to SOLAS standards. It features 180 N actual buoyancy, dual UML 5 automatic inflation systems, articulated collar, reflective cover with YKK Quickburst® zip, flashlight, anti-spray hood (on select models), and is designed for offshore, commercial, and industrial marine environments. Fits chest sizes 55–175 cm, for users over 43 kg.
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$ 359.78
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1-2 weeks delivery time Plastimo SOLAS 150N Buoyancy Aids are compact foam lifejackets compliant with MED 2014/93/EU, designed for commercial and passenger vessels. Available in two weight ranges (15–43 kg and >43 kg), they feature polyethylene foam flotation, retro-reflective SOLAS strips, a whistle (ISO 12402-8), hauling handle, and abseil toe with carabiner. Flashlight not included—must be ordered separately.
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$ 65.29
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 64950 Safety Sprayhood fits over compatible inflatable lifejackets to shield the face from water spray and waves. Fluorescent orange with reflective strips, it enhances visibility and survival chances in MOB situations. Compatible with Pilot 165/275/290, EVO 165, SL180, and other Plastimo vests.
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$ 50.99
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 27177 Signaling Mirror features a red dot sight for precise aiming of reflected light toward rescue teams. With a diameter of 86 mm, it is designed for emergency use at sea or on land, allowing users to target visual signals accurately over long distances. Compact and effective for inclusion in survival kits.
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$ 6.72
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 50524 Single Crotch Strap is designed to prevent inflatable lifejackets from riding up in the water. Compatible with Pilot 165, Neo 165, Pilot 180, and Pilot 275. Made of strong polyester webbing with plastic buckle. Color: Black.
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$ 15.36
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 65997 twin crotchstrap is designed to prevent inflatable lifejackets from riding up in the water. Made from durable polyester webbing with plastic buckles, it ensures greater safety and swimming comfort.
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$ 15.73
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 52937 is a polypropylene safety whistle designed for lifejackets with 100 N or higher buoyancy. Compliant with ISO 12402-8. Delivers 100 dB at 5 m. Dimensions: 7.3 × 1.9 × 2 cm. Weight: 5 g. Sold in pack of 10.
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$ 34.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo MOLLE® Pouch series is designed for Typhoon Navy lifejackets, offering modular storage from 10×10 cm to 17×19 cm. Durable construction with MOLLE® webbing, ideal for tools, accessories, and mission-critical gear.
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$ 15.18
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 65954 is a replacement protection pouch for Seapack 100N and 150N inflatable lifejackets. Ideal for repacking your lifejacket after deployment or replacing a damaged pouch. Ensures continued protection and compact storage.
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$ 22.56
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo 64897 Hammar Inflator Protection Flange is a rubber spare part designed for servicing inflatable lifejackets. Supplied in a pack of 10, it provides additional protection around the Hammar inflator, especially in areas where cover fabric shows signs of wear. Suitable for use in professional lifejackets and servicing stations.
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$ 28.91
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Jobe Neoprene 50N Men’s Life Vest offers certified ISO 50 N buoyancy with a snug, flexible neoprene fit for comfort and performance. Featuring soft PVC foam, front YKK zipper, dual buckles, D-ring, whistle, and water drainage system, this vest is available in Burgundy Red, Graphite Grey, Lime Green and Midnight Blue, in sizes from S to 3XL+.
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$ 125.89
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Jobe Nylon 50N Women’s Life Vest is a lightweight buoyancy aid certified to ISO 12402-5, featuring soft EPE foam covered with durable nylon for fast drying and unrestricted movement. Equipped with a front zipper, dual adjustable buckles, water drainage system, and emergency D-ring. Available in sizes S to L.
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$ 84.15
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What are life jackets and how do they function as personal flotation devices for marine safety?
A life jacket, also called a life vest or PFD, is a coast guard approved personal flotation device that provides floatation in emergency situations while swimming, during water sports, or onboard a boat. Different types of life jacket use foam or inflation to deliver required lbs of buoyancy, help turn unconscious wearers face-up, support infant life and youth life, and improve mobility for rescue. These flotation devices are designed to be worn or thrown, aiding survival, grab, and rescue in marine environments.
How do foam and inflatable life vests differ in flotation, inflation method, and mobility?
Foam life vests, commonly used as Type III or Type IV personal floatation devices, provide constant float without activation, meet USCG-approved and Transport Canada approved requirements, but can feel bulky and uncomfortable when worn for long periods or seated. Inflatable life vests, usually classified as Type V, rely on manual or automatic inflation to create floatation, offering greater mobility and comfort, while still meeting coast guard-approved standards for approved life and rescue use where flotation devices may be required.
How should PFDs be stored and handled to maintain approved life performance over time?
PFDs should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve materials and buoyancy performance over time. They should not be used as seats, crushed, or left under heavy objects, as this can reduce comfort and flotation effectiveness. Regular inspection for wear, damaged rings, or fabric issues helps ensure the device remains comfortable to wear and ready if rescue may be needed.