What is the function of life jackets on a vessel?

The function of life jackets on a vessel is primarily to keep individuals afloat in the water. Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy and support, ensuring that a person remains on the surface of the water, which is critical in emergency situations where someone may find themselves in the water after an accident or operation. They are filled with materials that displace water, creating a buoyant effect that helps keep the head above water, allowing for easier breathing and the potential for rescue.

While life jackets may also offer some degree of thermal protection against hypothermia by insulating wet bodies, their main purpose is flotation. They are not designed to improve swimming efficiency or serve as a buoy for the vessel itself. Instead, their primary goal is to provide safety by helping individuals stay buoyant until they can be rescued or reach safety. This functionality is crucial for maritime safety protocols as outlined in the STCW standards.