In what situation is it mandatory to wear a life jacket?

Wearing a life jacket is mandatory when operating a vessel that is under 4.8 meters in length due to increased risks associated with smaller boats. Smaller vessels are typically less stable and more susceptible to capsizing, and they may not have the same safety features or buoyancy as larger vessels. As such, regulations are established to ensure that individuals on these smaller boats are protected in case of emergencies, such as capsizing or sudden shifts in water conditions.

While there are various circumstances in which wearing a life jacket is advisable, such as during rough waters or when swimming from a boat, the specific legislation requiring a life jacket is based on the overall safety of individuals on smaller vessels. Therefore, the law mandates that occupants of boats under 4.8 meters must wear life jackets to enhance safety measures, especially since these boats can often encounter challenging conditions that may lead to accidents.