Author: Boat Accessories Australia Date Posted: 11 August 2026
It is your responsibility to stay informed about when to wear a life jacket and to provide the correct gear for your passengers. Failing to follow the latest life jacket laws in Australia can result in significant on-the-spot fines, but more importantly, it puts lives at risk.
Before you head out, you need to understand that not all life jackets are suitable for all waters. Under the current Australian Standard AS 4758, jackets are classified by their buoyancy level:
While the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) oversees national marine orders, each state manages its own PFD requirements. Here are the current rules for 2026:
Agency Name: Roads and Maritime Services
PFD Requirements: Every person must wear an approved life jacket on vessels under 4.8 metres when alone, at night, or on alpine waters. On open waters or when crossing a coastal bar, life jackets are mandatory for everyone in an open boat of any size. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times on any vessel under 4.8 metres and when in the open area of a larger vessel.
Agency Name: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Life Jacket Requirements: All vessels must carry at least one approved life jacket for every person on board. Level 100+ jackets are required for open and intermediate waters, while Level 50 is sufficient for inland waters. It is highly recommended that all passengers wear their jackets at all times while the vessel is underway.
Agency Name: Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)
Life Jacket Requirements: As of late 2025, all life jackets in Queensland must meet the AS 4758 standard. It is now compulsory to wear a life jacket in open boats under 4.8 metres when underway at night or when boating alone. Children aged 1 to 12 must wear a life jacket on any open area of a boat while underway.
Agency Name: Department of Planning & Infrastructure
Life Jacket Requirements: Since January 2025, only AS 4758-compliant life jackets are legal in SA. Older standards like AS 1512 are now prohibited. Life jackets must be worn by everyone on vessels under 4.8 metres when underway. In unprotected waters, Level 100+ is the minimum requirement for all occupants.
Agency Name: Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)
Life Jacket Requirements: It is compulsory for everyone on a motorboat under 6 metres to wear a life jacket while under power. Furthermore, children under 12 must wear a life jacket in a motorboat of any length while the vessel is under power. All jackets must meet the current AS 4758 standard.
Agency Name: Safe Transport Victoria (STV)
Life Jacket Requirements: On coastal and sheltered waters, all occupants on vessels under 4.8 metres must wear a Level 100+ life jacket while underway. On inland waters, a Level 50S+ is the minimum requirement for vessels of this size.
Agency Name: Department of Transport
Life Jacket Requirements: A life jacket must be carried for every person on board. In unprotected waters, everyone on a vessel under 4.8 metres must wear a Level 100+ life jacket when more than 400 metres from the shore. This aligns with the new 2026 safety equipment changes regarding GPS-enabled beacons.
Following the life jacket regulations is the simplest way to keep your family safe while enjoying the water. If your current gear is faded, has broken buckles, or still uses the old AS 1512 standard, it is time for an upgrade. We invite you to browse our extensive range of life jackets and PFDs to find the perfect fit for your specific boating needs.
If you are confused by the different levels or need help matching a jacket to your local life jacket laws, the team at Boat Accessories Australia is here to help. Contact us on 1300 308 161 or via our website for expert advice on staying safe and compliant this season.
PFD. To suit all states
By: Trevor cartwright on 15 January 2025Hi
I’ve got an 8 mtr trailerable house boat it’s registered for 8 people but my refit is really for two and a dog ,can I carry 6 pfd or do I have to carry the 8 ?also what would you recommend to cover all states ?
Trevor
Boat Accessories Australia Response
Hi Trevor,
This blog is centered around motorboats, so not sure if house boats have different regulations.
You only need to carry 1x lifejacket per person on board a motorboat. Most states require a Level 50 lifejacket or higher for enclosed waters, and Level 100 or higher for offshore.
I highly recommend getting in touch with your local government to confirm the rules for your state for houseboat specifically. You could then hope the rules are the same for other states, or just contact each state government you are travelling in, to ensure you are following the correct rules everywhere you go.
Regards,
Alison
When to wear a type 1 lifejacket
By: Glen Rolfe on 22 June 2023How far offshore do you need to be to wear a type 1 vest in open waters in NSW and if there is more than 1 person onboard do you have to have them on or just in the boat ?
Kind regards
Glen Rolfe
Boat Accessories Australia Response
Hi Glen,
It seems there is not a specific distance (in kms) offshore when you need to wear a type 1 (now labelled Level 100) lifejacket, they just say to wear one "in open waters”. Everyone on board must wear this type lifejacket at all times in these waters.
Please see below a bit more information copied from the NSW gov website:
• Enclosed Waters are navigable waters enclosed by land or a port. They include inland and coastal rivers and lakes, creeks and lagoons, enclosed coastal bays, ports and harbours, estuaries, dams and all alpine waters.
• Open Waters are navigable waters that are not enclosed by land or not within a river, bay, harbour or port. They include coastal and ocean waters.
On powerboats of any size, you must have the following type of lifejackets for each person on board:
• Enclosed Waters: Level 50s+ (similar to the former Type 3)
*You must wear a lifejacket when you're alone on your boat (including when you have children aged under 12 on your vessel) or at night (between sunset and sunrise)
• Open Waters: Level 100+ (similar to the former Type 1)
*Everyone must wear a lifejacket at all times
For more info visit the NSW gov website or contact them directly: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment
Thanks, Alison
Thank you
By: Paul Hulford on 27 January 2020Super reference.
Best Paul
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