Lifejacket Light
A lifejacket light is a small waterproof flashing light fixed to a life jacket so that rescuers can find a person in the water at night; the usual reason it fails is a battery past its expiry date.
What to check on a Lifejacket Light.
4 models from Daniamant in Lifejacket Light. Below: the full model list.
What makes this type
A lifejacket light is a small, waterproof, battery-powered light fixed to the shoulder or chest area of a life jacket. Its only job is to make a person in the water visible at night or in poor visibility, so that rescuers and nearby vessels can find them quickly. On ships that carry SOLAS life jackets, each jacket must be fitted with a light of an approved type.
Main components
Light source and lens
A bright LED or xenon flasher behind a lens that spreads the light over the upper hemisphere, so it can be seen from any direction above the wearer. Most lifejacket lights flash instead of burning steadily, which saves energy and is easier to spot on a dark sea.
Power source
A primary battery, often lithium, or a water-activated cell that only starts to work on contact with water. The battery has an expiry date marked on the light and is not meant to be recharged in service.
Read the full guide
Activation
Many lights switch on automatically when immersed, through a water sensor or a water-activated cell; others have a manual switch, sometimes in addition. The type of activation decides how the light is tested, stowed and replaced.
Attachment
A lanyard, clip or holder fixes the light to the jacket in the position the manufacturer specifies, so that it stays with the wearer and points upward.
SOLAS and recreational lights
The LSA Code sets a minimum luminous intensity in the upper hemisphere and a burning time of at least 8 hours for lifejacket lights, and the light must carry the approval required by the flag state, usually the Marine Equipment Directive wheelmark on EU-flagged ships. Lights sold for recreational jackets, often used with jackets made to ISO 12402, are often smaller, may burn for a shorter time and usually carry no marine approval. They suit a yacht, but they are not a substitute where the regulations call for an approved SOLAS light.
Regulations and class
- SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code require a light on each life jacket that has to meet the SOLAS requirements, with a defined minimum intensity and burning time.
- Approval is shown by a type-approval certificate for the specific model, such as an EU MED wheelmark certificate or a flag-state approval.
- The condition of the light and its battery expiry date are checked at the annual life-saving appliance service and at survey.
Maintenance
- Check each light during safety rounds: lens clean and unbroken, housing dry, attachment secure.
- Replace the battery, or the whole light where it is sealed, before the expiry date marked on it. An expired light is a deficiency even if it still flashes.
- Test only in the way the manufacturer describes. A water-activated light that has been triggered by accident usually has to be replaced.
- Keep spare lights of the same model so that a failed unit can be exchanged at once.
Typical faults
- Battery past its expiry date or run flat, so the light does not flash when it is needed.
- Water in the housing or corroded contacts after accidental activation or rough handling.
- Cracked lens or housing, which lets water in and reduces the visible light.
- Clip or lanyard broken, so the light hangs loose or has been lost from the jacket.
- A recreational light fitted to a SOLAS jacket in place of an approved one.
What to look for in a supplier
- Approval documents for the exact light model, accepted by the vessel's flag state and class.
- A clearly marked battery expiry date with a long remaining life at delivery.
- A light that fits the jackets on board, with the right clip or holder.
- Spare lights and batteries available for the model in use.
Check the battery expiry date on every lifejacket light during safety rounds, not only at the annual service; a light past its date may look intact and still fail at the moment it is needed.
Models in this type.
The best-documented model of each manufacturer first, then the next — 4 of 4 models in Lifejacket Light. Every row links to full specifications, documents and service notes.
Manufacturers.
All 11 manufacturers with models of Lifejacket Light. Names with a manufacturer page open it; the others open a search across the full library.
All manufacturers in the libraryAlso in Life Jackets & MOB Equipment.
The other equipment types in this category.
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Questions that come up with this equipment.
Is Lifejacket Light data free?
Yes. Every model page, every guide and every datasheet for this type is readable without an account. An account adds saved searches and requests, nothing is taken away.
My model is missing — what now?
Send us the nameplate. We identify it by hand, add it to the library, and if you need a part or a service, the request is already on our desk.
Can you source a Lifejacket Light part?
Yes. Tell us the manufacturer, the model and what you need — a person reads every request and replies by e-mail.