Help the child slip their arms through the vest.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and SOLAS regulations require that . Manufacturers like EVAL design their lifejackets specifically to meet this demanding standard, which is why their donning procedures are designed to be intuitive.
Hold the lifejacket with the front facing up.
Find the attached EVAL marine whistle and the water-activated SOLAS light. eval lifejacket donning instructions
For inflatable models, check the clear inspection window. Ensure the status indicator is green, confirming the CO2cap C cap O sub 2
By familiarizing yourself, your crew, and your passengers with these EVAL lifejacket donning instructions, you ensure maximum readiness for any emergency at sea. Safety at sea begins before you leave the dock.
Before donning the jacket, remove it from its storage location. If you are a passenger on a ferry, your lifejacket is likely stored in an airtight, vacuum-sealed bag under your seat to protect it from the elements until it's needed. The donning instructions for the ferry jacket are often stenciled on the front of its packaging or on the jacket itself. Help the child slip their arms through the vest
If your model features a central zipper, pull it up completely to close the vest.
: These premium offshore lifejackets are suitable for extreme weather conditions with full weather clothing. The 275N model provides maximum buoyancy and safety with two inflation bladders—the first inflates manually or automatically, with a manually activated backup bladder for emergency.
Store your lifejacket in an accessible “grab bag” or hang it on a “lifejacket station.” Time how quickly you can retrieve it and fully don it. Any delay over 45 seconds indicates a need for better storage or more practice. Hold the lifejacket with the front facing up
Many EVAL commercial models feature additional chest or collar ties. Tie these using a secure, easily releasable knot (like a double bow) to prevent the top of the jacket from shifting. Step 6: Verify Safety Accessories
SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code mandate that all passengers and crew receive safety orientation including the proper method of donning lifejackets. Ships are required to conduct abandon-ship drills at least monthly, during which lifejacket donning is practiced. Additional SOLAS performance tests require that at least 75% of test subjects can correctly don a lifejacket within 1 minute.
Alternatively, slip the collar loop over your head if using a horseshoe-style yoke model.