What an approval demands.

• From MM’s own film of the jump test.
• 4.5 mThe wearer jumps into the water from at least this height, without injury and without the jacket coming off or being damaged.
• 5 sTurns an unconscious wearer from any position until the mouth is clear of the water.
• 120 mmHolds the mouth of an exhausted or unconscious person at least this far clear of the water.
• 24 hSubmerged in fresh water, it may lose no more than 5% of its buoyancy.
• 1 minAt least 75% of people who have never seen it put it on correctly, with no help.
• 2 sWrapped in fire; it does not go on burning or melting.
• 3,200 NHeld on the body fastening for 30 minutes after a soak, with no damage. 900 N at the shoulder.
• 240 NMMLJ buoyancy, for wearers up to 140 kg, in MM’s listing.MM’s figure
• 150 kgThe wearer in MM’s filmed 4.5 m jump test, as stated by MM.MM’s figure

See the MMLJSee the SigmaSee the SOLAS life jacket tests, explained

• A generated illustration, made from MM’s photograph of the lifebuoy.
• 30 mDropped into the water from its stowage height or 30 m, whichever is greater, and still fit for use.
• 14.5 kgOf iron, held up in fresh water for 24 hours.
• 2.5 kgMinimum mass, so it carries when thrown. MM lists 2.8 kg and 4.0 kg.
• 800 mmLargest outer diameter allowed; 400 mm the smallest inner. MM lists 720 and 420 mm.
• 2 sWrapped in fire; it does not go on burning or melting.
• 9.5 mmGrab line, four times the ring’s outer diameter long, fixed at four points.
• 180 NBuoyancy in MM’s listing.MM’s figure

See the MMLB lifebuoySee the lifebuoy ring rules, explained

• A generated illustration, made from MM’s photograph of the light.
• 2 cdWhite light of at least this intensity in every direction of the upper hemisphere.
• 2 hMinimum burn time. MM lists 8 hours on its lithium battery.
• 50–70Flashes a minute, if it is a flashing light. MM lists 70.
• 30 mThe same drop into the water as the lifebuoy it serves.
• WaterCannot put it out: it is built so water cannot extinguish it.
• On contactWater-activated, and rises above the surface when immersed, in MM’s listing.MM’s figure

See the MMLBL lightSee the SOLAS light rules, explained

• A generated illustration, made from MM’s photograph of the whistle.
• 100 dB(A)Sound level to exceed, measured 5 metres directly in front of the whistle.
• 2 kHzPredominant pitch, within 1 kHz either way, and multi-tone, so it cuts through noise.
• WetSounds in air immediately after being held under fresh water.
• 0Moving parts. Non-metallic, robust and free of burrs.
• On a cordTied to the jacket, long enough to reach the mouth.
• Either way upWorks whichever way it is held, in MM’s listing.MM’s figure

See the MMLJW whistle

• MM’s MMB42 buckle.
• 3,200 NThe load the jacket’s body fastening holds in the SOLAS strength test, with no damage.
• 30 minHow long that load stays on.
• 2 minIn water first, so it is tested wet.
• 900 NThe same test at the shoulder of the jacket.
• 3000 N+The buckle’s own breaking load to ISO 12402-7, as stated by MM; a separate test from the jacket’s.MM’s figure

See the MMB42 buckle

• The penetration test. A generated illustration.
• 5 kNMost force allowed through to the head when a 3 kg striker falls 1.5 m onto the shell.
• 3 mA 500 g steel cone is dropped point-first; it may not touch the headform.
• 5 sAfter 10 seconds in a flame, the shell stops burning within this time.
• 2,000 VApplied for one minute; no more than 3 mA may leak through.
• 93 °CFor 15 minutes, with no distortion or softening.
• 5%Most water the shell may take up, by mass.
• 50 / −10 °CConditioned hot, cold or under running water for 4 hours before testing.
• 345 gCH01 weight, approx., in MM’s listing; the standard allows up to 400 g.MM’s figure
• Flame hood test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.
• Penetration and drop test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.
• Voltage and salt spray test. MM’s photograph, enhanced for clarity.

See the Safety helmetsSee the IS 2925 helmet tests, explained