Best Lifebuoys UK
Best Lifebuoys UK — What to Buy and Where to Mount It
A lifebuoy is the most immediately deployable piece of MOB equipment on any vessel. When someone goes overboard, the first action is always throw the lifebuoy — it gives them something to hold onto while you execute the recovery.
But not all lifebuoys are equal and not all are mounted where they can actually be reached in an emergency.
What Makes a Good Lifebuoy?
SOLAS approval — for commercial vessels, equipment must meet SOLAS standards. For recreational vessels, SOLAS-approved equipment is the quality benchmark worth aiming for.
Size — the standard recreational lifebuoy is 24 inches in diameter. Smaller buoys provide less flotation. Larger ones are harder to throw accurately.
Water-activated light — a lifebuoy without a light is difficult to see at night and in poor visibility. A water-activated LED light that activates automatically when the buoy hits the water is a significant safety enhancement.
Drogue — a small drag device attached to the buoy that slows its drift away from the person in the water in wind conditions. Useful in any open water use.
High visibility colour — bright orange or yellow for maximum visibility against the water.
Where to Mount It
This is where most vessels get it wrong. A lifebuoy stored below decks or in a locker is a lifebuoy that cannot be deployed in time. The lifebuoy must be on deck, in a bracket that releases it immediately, accessible from the cockpit.
Typical positions — cockpit transom, stern rail, or pushpit. Wherever the person at the helm can throw it instantly without leaving the helm. Mount it where it is immediately visible and immediately accessible.
Our Recommended Lifebuoys
Gael Force Lifebuoy
This SOLAS Lifering, also known as a lifebuoy, is manufactured in blow moulded polyethylene. Filled with expanded polyurethane. Meets SOLAS 74 (83). Fitted with retro tape.
Inside diameter: 45cm.
Outside diameter: 70cm.
Baltic Firm Horseshoe Buoy Kit
This firm horseshoe buoy kit fits most holders. Includes SOLAS approved LED light, plus bracket manufactured from plastic and aluminium. This kit can be fitted horizontally or vertically to the pushpit.
Supplied with 6mm polyester safety line and available in 3 colour options.
Trem Solas Floating Life Buoy LED Light
This Floating Life Buoy LED Light complies with SOLAS 74. Light activates when turned upright. Brilliant white light output.
Requires 4 x alkaline 1.5 batteries. D size. (not included)
FAQs
Is a lifebuoy legally required on a recreational boat?
For recreational vessels under 13.7 metres in UK waters, there is no specific statutory requirement for a lifebuoy. For commercial vessels, requirements vary by class and area of operation. The MCA and RYA strongly recommend one for any vessel used offshore.
How far can I throw a lifebuoy accurately?
In calm conditions a competent thrower can get a lifebuoy 10 to 15 metres accurately. Attached to a floating line, it can then be pulled further from the vessel. In windy conditions, accuracy decreases significantly — mount the buoy where the thrower can reach the person with the line as well as the buoy.
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