SOLAS approved lifebuoys
In the SOLAS lifebuoys product group you will find lifebuoys approved according to the international SOLAS 74/83 standard, which meet stricter requirements than ordinary lifebuoys intended for pleasure boating - SOLAS approval is mandatory in commercial traffic and also recommended for pleasure boaters going on longer sea voyages. The range includes a 2.5 kg SOLAS 74/83 approved lifebuoy and a lifebuoy light to be attached to it (Nawa and Trem brand holders and lights).
The SOLAS standard sets precise requirements for the buoyancy, material and durability of the ring in cold water – requirements that are significantly stricter than those for lighter recreational lifebuoys. The lifebuoy light is an important accessory for use in the dark: the light is attached to the ring and is automatically activated upon contact with water, which helps to find a person who has fallen into the water and the ring thrown to them in the dark much faster.
The lifebuoy should be placed in a place on the boat where it can be quickly reached in an emergency – not locked in a storage space but on a visible, easily removable holder, for example on a railing. Check the condition of the lifebuoy and its attachment regularly, as UV radiation and salt water will weaken the material over time.
The material and structural requirements for SOLAS-approved lifebuoys are significantly stricter than for standard recreational boating lifebuoys – the standard specifies, among other things, the minimum buoyancy of the buoy, durability in cold water and the fire resistance of the material, which is why the SOLAS buoy is the recommended choice not only for commercial use, but also for recreational boaters going on longer offshore sailings or voyages who want to ensure the best possible level of safety.
A lifebuoy’s light is typically activated automatically upon contact with water, which is a critical feature in a dark-time emergency – a lifebuoy thrown to a person who has fallen into the water without a light can be very difficult to find in the dark or fog. It is a good idea to choose a location on the boat where the lifebuoy can be removed in one motion without locks or complicated fastenings – in an emergency, even seconds are valuable. Check the condition of the lifebuoy, buoyancy and the strength of the fastening regularly, as UV radiation and salt water slowly but steadily weaken the material over the years.
Consider purchasing a second lifebuoy for a larger boat so that in an emergency, you have a spare on both sides of the boat in addition to the first one.
Mark the inspection date of the lifebuoy, for example with a sticker, so that the entire crew knows when the next inspection is due during the season.
Change the battery in your lifebuoy light regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the light comes on exactly when you need it.