15/05/2026
Updated World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations 2026-2027 mean that every crew member shall have a gas-inflated lifejacket compliant with ISO 12402, with strict requirements around fit, features, certification, and servicing. The regulations now stipulate that lifejackets must be serviced and certified in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendation, this means that self-service is no longer an option. Owners and skippers should also note that most lifejacket manufacturers will not allow certification once the lifejacket reaches its 10th year.
Key points to check:
• Correct specification including crotch or thigh straps
• Manufactured after 2011
• Correctly sized for the wearer
• Fully certificated service history and available for inspection
• Serviced annually by a manufacturer approved service station
Responsibility sits with the Person in Charge to ensure all lifejackets on board are compliant and in date.
Ocean Safety is here to support racing crews with:
• A wide network of approved service centres across the UK
• Fast-track servicing for Ocean Safety products, subject to availability
• A full range of compliant lifejackets, including Ocean Safety Sport, Sport ADV, XF, and Spinlock ranges
Make sure your crew is compliant, serviced, and ready for inspection.
Contact your local Ocean Safety branch to book servicing ahead of your next race.