This section provides an overview for inflatable life jackets as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 inflatable life jacket manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked inflatable life jacket companies as of November, 2024: 1.China Deyuan Marine Fitting Company Limited, 2.Ningbo Grand Ocean Marine Co.,Ltd., 3.Dongtai City Xingdun Marine Equipment Co., Ltd.
Table of Contents
An inflatable life jacket is an emergency escape device designed for water-related accidents.
While lifeboats and life rafts are intended for the evacuation of multiple individuals, inflatable life jackets primarily aim to protect individual lives. These life jackets come in various forms, including inflatable waist belts, shoulder-worn (vest) types, and fixed designs. Wearing them helps mitigate the risk of drowning.
The use of life jackets is mandated in many countries, and in Japan, as of February 2018, all occupants of small vessels must wear inflatable life jackets.
Inflatable life jackets play a crucial role in ensuring safety on the water. They are utilized during boat or ship boarding, marine sports, water-related work, and recreational activities along water bodies.
Moreover, the inflatable design allows for convenient storage when not in use, making them valuable for vessels, airplanes, and other confined spaces. Serving as vital tools to protect lives during water accidents or disasters, inflatable life jackets find wide application in various scenarios.
The principle behind inflatable life jackets involves a gas cylinder integrated into the jacket's back or chest. Pulling a cord or water sensing triggers the cylinder to puncture, injecting compressed air or carbon dioxide into the jacket.
Regular inspection and replacement of components such as cartridges and cylinders are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of inflatable life jackets.
Inflatable life jackets are classified into manual and automatic types.
This type requires the wearer to manually pull a cord to activate the gas cylinder when immersed in water. It is more affordable than the automatic type and allows for easy cleaning since there is no need to remove the inflation device.
While the manual type prevents accidental activation of the inflation device, it may pose challenges in situations where the wearer cannot freely move their hands after falling into the water.
Automatic inflatable life jackets incorporate a cylinder within the jacket, and they automatically inflate when water is detected. Their compact shape facilitates storage without taking up much space.
The reassurance of automatic inflation during emergencies is a significant advantage. However, this type requires periodic gas cylinder replacement and may inflate inadvertently when exposed to water during rain or washing, presenting a drawback.
In choosing an inflatable life jacket, various manufacturers offer a range of products. It is essential to select one based on its intended use and environment.
Waist Belt Type
Worn around the waist like a fanny pack, this type allows the upper body to remain free, making it suitable for activities involving repeated upper body movements, such as fishing.
Easy to put on and take off, these jackets come in various designs. However, as they inflate around the waist, they may offer less security compared to shoulder-worn types.
Shoulder-Worn (Vest) Type
Known for its snug fit and ease of movement, shoulder-worn inflatable life jackets are ideal for maintaining comfort during water immersion. As the wearer's posture elevates the back of the head during a fall, breathing is facilitated.
While they may feel less maneuverable during swimming compared to waist belt types, the larger contact area provides stability and buoyancy. This type is recommended for those prioritizing safety.
When purchasing a life jacket, color is a crucial consideration. In the event of drifting at sea, it may go unnoticed without vibrant colors like red, yellow, or orange. Opting for conspicuous colors is advisable.
Additionally, for rainy days or nighttime, where flashy colors might be less visible, confirming the presence of reflective materials and a whistle is equally important.
The cherry blossom mark is stamped on life jackets verified for safety by the government, and its use is mandatory for small vessel occupants. There are four types: "Type A," "Type D," "Type F," and "Type G." A "Type A" life jacket covers all navigation areas for small vessels, providing peace of mind for users.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, established in 1960 in Esbjerg, Denmark, is a manufacturer of advanced maritime safety equipment. The company manufactures a broad spectrum of products, including life rafts, life jackets, immersion suits, and evacuation systems, all designed to meet the rigorous quality and safety standards of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. Its maritime safety equipment finds application in various industries, including shipping, offshore drilling, fishing, and commercial maritime operations, allowing for the safety and survival of crew and passengers in emergency situations at sea.
China Deyuan Marine Fitting Company Limited, established in 2009 in Zhuhai, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of marine and offshore equipment. In 2013, it expanded further by establishing Deyuan Marine Co., Ltd (Zhuhai City Deyuan Import and Export Company Limited) as its subsidiary. The company’s product line includes marine life saving equipment, marine fire fighting equipment, environment protection equipment, marine mooring equipment, and marine power and propulsion equipment engines. Its products comply with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and are approved by various Classification Societies, including ABS, CCS, DNV, and IRS.
Chongqing Jinbo Marine Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd, was founded in 2013 in Chongqing, China, and is a supplier of marine and offshore equipment for the marine industry. It supplies mooring tools, shipbuilding steel, power and propulsion tools, and navigation systems. Its product catalog for the offshore industry includes personal transfer baskets, mooring chain cables and fittings, platform lifting baskets, and grab baskets. The company's products meet the DNV, RINA, IRS, CCS, and ABS International Class Society Standards.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | China Deyuan Marine Fitting Company Limited |
22.2%
|
2 | Ningbo Grand Ocean Marine Co.,Ltd. |
18.5%
|
3 | Dongtai City Xingdun Marine Equipment Co., Ltd |
14.8%
|
4 | SOS Marine |
11.1%
|
5 | Chongqing Jinbo Marine Equipment Import & Export Co., Ltd. |
11.1%
|
6 | iOCEAN |
7.4%
|
7 | Ningbo Zhenhua Electrical Equipment Co.Ltd |
7.4%
|
8 | Dräger Nederland B.V. |
3.7%
|
9 | LALIZAS |
3.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the inflatable life jacket page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 2 | 66.7% |
Denmark | 1 | 33.3% |