Irish legislation

Under Irish legislation, an appropriate personal flotation device (lifejacket or buoyancy aid appropriate for the use it is intended) must be carried for everyone on board all vessels.  If the craft is under 7m, personal flotation devices must be worn at all times on an open vessel or on deck on a vessel with accommodation. Anyone under the age of 16 years must wear their personal flotation device at all times on an open boat or on deck on a vessel with accommodation, irrespective of the size of vessel. The legislation does not require wearing of personal flotation devices when a vessel is moored alongside or at anchor or if those aboard are swimming from the vessel for recreation. Appropriate personal flotation devices are also required when being towed or skiing behind a powered craft.

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