Vasai, Maharashtra
A paddler needs free arms, a boater needs to float face-up if thrown in, and a rafting guide needs a jacket that stays on in white water. The right jacket depends on the activity and on how far help is.
Kayaking and canoeing
Paddling needs freedom at the shoulders, so short, close-fitting jackets suit it. On sheltered water with help close by, a 50 N buoyancy aid is often used by swimmers; further out, or for anyone less confident, choose 100 N or more.
Rafting and fast water
In white water a jacket must stay on through a tumble: fasten every strap and the leg strap if there is one, and check the fit with a lift at the shoulders. More buoyancy helps a swimmer ride over waves.
Boating, jet skis and ferries
On a boat that may be some way from help, a 150 N jacket that turns its wearer face-up is the safer choice. On a fast craft, a jacket must be fully fastened, since a fall at speed hits hard. Ferries and event boats follow their operator’s rules.
Not for learning to swim
A life jacket keeps a person afloat in open water; it is not a swimming aid. Learners need supervision and the aids their swimming teacher uses.
From MM’s range
MM lists the Sea Horse at 70 N against EN ISO 12402-5, the buoyancy-aid class, the Sailor and Stellar at 120 N, and the Sigma and SUMO at 150 N. All carry reflective tape and quick-release buckles; the Sigma is a vest with a collar, the others are jacket-type.
| Model | Buoyancy | PFD type | User weight | Size | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saviour | 275 N | – | – | Adult | SOLAS LSA Code, BS EN ISO 12402:2020 |
| MMLJ | 240 N | I | Up to 140 kg | Adult | IRS Type Approval, SOLAS LSA Code |
| MMLJC | 90 N | I | Up to 43 kg | Child | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type I, CE |
| SAILOR | 120 N | III | Up to 100 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| SEA HORSE | 70 N | III | Up to 70 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| SIGMA | 150 N | III | Up to 140 kg | Adult Universal | IRS Type Approval, SOLAS LSA Code, BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| SOLDIER | Adjustable, 70–160 N | III | 60–130 kg (unequipped to heavily equipped) | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| STELLAR | 120 N | III | Up to 95 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| STERN | 120 N | III | Up to 120 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| STERN WITH HEADREST | 120 N | III | Up to 120 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| SUMO | 150 N | III | Up to 140 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| SUMO WITH HEADREST | 150 N | III | Up to 140 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, CE |
| MMWVCG | 78 N | V | Up to 56 kg | Adult Universal | SOLAS LSA Code, CE, PFD Type V |
| MMWV | 100 N | III | Up to 90 kg | Adult Universal | BS EN ISO 12402:2020, PFD Type III, SOLAS LSA Code, CE |
For clubs, camps and operators: the bulk buying checklist, or request a quote with sizes and numbers.