Harmonized Life Jackets Explained…
What are harmonized life jackets?
The United States and Canada are currently transitioning to one harmonized standard for recreational life jacket approvals. These life jackets meet the carriage requirements of both the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada and may be used in both countries.
What is the new rating system?
Instead of using the ‘legacy’ USCG rating system (Type I, II, III, IV or V) or Transport Canada ratings (Life Jacket or PFD), new harmonized life jackets will be designated as Level 50, 70, 100 or 150 based on their level of performance.
Ex. A USCG Type III PFD will now be designated as a Level 70 Buoyancy Aid.
What you need to know…
- Harmonized life jackets are approved for use in the United States and Canada
- Level 70 Buoyancy Aids meet the same carriage requirements as ‘legacy’ USCG Type III life jackets and ‘legacy’ PFDs for Canada
