Queensland laws requires lifejackets to be worn on boats when crossing a designated coastal bar, if the boat is under 4.8m in length (persons under 12 years of age are required to wear a life jacket at all times in boats under 4.8m long). 

In partially smooth waters (off coast) a Level 50 (L50) life jacket is required. In smooth waters (lakes and in land rivers) a Level 50 special purpose(L50S) life jacket is allowed.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Queensland Maritime Safety.

In NSW, when using a personal watercraft (PWC), everyone must wear a Level 50S (L50S) or higher at all times. Inflatable life vests are not recommended in this case. L50S or higher are also required for anyone being towed. When crossing coastal bars or in open water in a canoe or kayak the same rule applies.

As per QLD rules, children under 12 must wear a lifejacket on all vessels up to 4.8m long at all times.

L50S lifejackets come in a wider range of colours and styles and are popular for wakeboarding and water skiing.

L50 lifejackets are mainly used in enclosed waters and are made with high vis colours to make it easier to see you in the water if a rescue is needed. 

For a full list of all the rules, please visit NSW Government

Maritime Safety Victoria have a helpful lifejacket selector to help you determine which type is required depending on your vessel, where you are going and what you are doing. They have clearly defined areas that are considered “enclosed waters” and an easy to follow guide to what type of life jacket is required based on vessel type and type of waters this is being used.

For anyone using a (personal watercraft) PWC or in a powered vessel up to 4.8m long (or up to 12m long during times of heightened risk, either an L50 or L50S life jacket can be used in enclosed or inland waters.

It should be noted, anyone under 10 years of age is required to wear a life jacket at all times when on an exposed part of the vessel.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Maritime Safety Victoria

Marine & Safety Tasmania advise an approved life jacket must be provided for each person on board and worn in any recreational motor boat or motor propelled tender under 6m; kayaks, canoes, SUPs and tenders.

All children under 12 years much wear a life jacket while under power.

Level 50 (L50) life jackets are to be used only in smooth water and can be used while kayaking, on PWCs in sheltered areas or while being towed (on a ski or wakeboard, etc). L50S life jackets can also be worn while kayaking, on PWC in sheltered areas or while being towed. Specific standards must be met.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Marine & Safety Tasmania

In the Northern Territory, a Level 50 (L50) or higher is required for inland waters. You may be fined if you are being towed or are towing someone behind a pleasure craft without wearing a life jacket.

A comprehensive list of rules and helpful information on anchoring, beacons and navigation lights, sailing rules; how to use important safety equipment and requesting assistance can be found at the NT Government website.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Northern Territory Government

South Australia advises that a Level 50 (L50) or Level 50S (L50S) are suitable for use for waterskiing/wakeboarding. An L50S is also appropriate for personal watercraft (PWC) use. It should be noted everyone on board a motor vessel 4.8m or less must wear a lifejacket at all times when the vessel is underway or at anchor.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Government of South Australia

When using a personal watercraft (PWC) in Western Australia, you are required to wear a life jacket – an L50 or L50S are ok to use within protected waters or within 400m from an unprotected shoreline.

The Government of Western Australia’s Department of Transport offers a “Make A Difference” program that helps water users learn the difference between, maintain and how to wear life jackets and much more.

For a full list of all the rules, please visit Government of Western Australia