Lifejacket clarification sought
I would like clarification on the news story in your April edition with the heading, ‘More robust lifejacket testing’. The picture alongside the article showed someone in the water in an inflated lifejacket but the article mentioned that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) had recommended further research into lifejacket testing following the tragedy of the sinking of crab boat Louisa, where the lifejackets in question were solid filled and not inflatable. The article also stated that the lifejackets on Louisa ‘failed to keep the men on their backs and keep their airways clear of the water.’ I hope that you will put readers’ minds at rest that the subsequent recommendations don’t relate to the kind of lifejackets the majority of sailing boats will carry. Marg Hardcastle
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency responds: The MCA and our European partners are considering whether, as a result of the MAIB findings on Louisa, there is any evidence that the IMO testing standards for lifejackets require review. We are keeping an open mind about all types of SOLAS lifejacket but it’s important to highlight that we’re only looking for evidence relevant to the IMO lifejacket testing standards. The reason for this approach is to better understand the issue specific to what was raised with regard to Louisa.