Lifejackets on Domestic Vessels May Become Mandatory in Australia

Domestic commercial vessels have a history of reported drownings in Australia.  At least 44 people have died from 34 incidents since 2013 which warrants concern for the country.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) believes that lifejackets are a way to curb those deaths by imposing a lifejacket requirement on certain domestic commercial vessels.

Currently reviewing all aspects of the situation, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) put together a 3 point plan of options for the industry to propose for the requirements from either mandatory lifejacket wearing on all domestic commercial vessels to mandatory on specific vessels of a certain size and other factors, or no change at all.