Deep Dive: The 2026-2027 OSR Lifejacket Standard

Christopher Maier
Jan 6
4 min read

Updated: Jan 17

Introduction

With the introduction of the 2026-27 OSRs from World Sailing, we have been going through them looking for changes and trying to wrap our heads around what they mean. Below is a bit of a deep dive into what is said about Lifejackets, or PFDs and the systems that surround this vital piece of equipment. Namely, we will mention tethers and harnesses. Sail Canada has at present not updated its website with their prescriptions. We are eagerly awaiting that document, and will update this post once we go through it.

EDIT: 17 Jan 2026 We have subsequently gone through this post to update it with the 2026/27 Sail Canada Prescriptions.

Common Requirements

General Thoughts: The OSR in question is OSR 5.01, and comes in under the heading "Each crewmember shall have." This is a clear requirement under the rule. Sailors and the OSR often say "lifejacket," but for OSR 5.01 the accurate term in the Canadian context is PFD. We use PFD here for clarity.

Your PFD must be gas inflatable under OSR 5.01. It may be manually inflatable or automatically activated. It must have 150n of buoyancy.

It must fit the wearer properly and include a ride-up prevention system (crotch straps).

Construction: PFDs must be manufactured after 2011 and be compliant with ISO 12402-3, including all fitted equipment. Sail Canada has included UL 1180 or UL 1180C as acceptable construction standards. It is important to note that the ISO standard may not meet the Transport Canada Standard. Compliance with the OSR does not alleviate the need to comply with the Canadian Legal standard.

Look for the ISO 12402-3 and UL marking stamped or printed inside the PFD. Check that every required item is present and serviceable.

International standards like ISO are private and not publicly available. Use the stamp and World Sailing OSR as your practical equipment checklist.

Category 3 Lifejacket Requirements

Category 3 PFDs do not have many requirements, but importantly they have more requirements than a simple standard inflatable PFD that might be found in a fishing store.

For Category 3, PFDs require and Sail Canada prescribes that each PFD has:

A whistle secured by a cord or line
Retro-reflective material
Ride-up prevention system (crotch or thigh strap)
emergency position indicating light
spray hood
An integrated harness.
The crew member's name written in indelible ink.

Category 2 Lifejacket Requirements

For Category 2 races, the PFD standard is now, as far as we can tell, identical to that of the Category 3 requirement.

AIS MOB Beacons: Compliance with OSR 4.22 is required for Category 2 boats. OSR 4.22.1: Each crewmember is required to have a personal crew overboard (COB) beacon with AIS location and transmission.

These AIS beacons are purchased separately from the PFD, but are usually stored in and activated by the PFS. They require careful installation to ensure that they are activated with the PFD and that they do not impinge on the proper functioning of the inflation system. Some will also require some configuration.

Tethers

Canada has not made any prescriptions to the harness and tether section.

Both harnesses and tethers must comply with ISO 12401.

Maximum tether length is 2m. The OSR permits a two-tether system: one at 1m and one at 2m.

Tethers must have a self-closing hook or hooks.

Each tether must have an embedded overload indicator flag in the stitching.

Tethers must be newer than the year 2000. Replace older gear immediately.

Note: the OSR is silent on release-under-load from the sailor’s side only that it meets the ISO. There are strong opinions about sailor side release, and sailors must be comfortable with how their gear works. If you are looking at a non-releasable tether, make sure it meets the ISO. The other area of silence is on the self-closing hook performance under side-load. There has been a lot of work on self-closing hooks—please research side-loading concerns online; it deserves careful thought. Any internet search on the subject will give you plenty to consider. Consider reputable sources that conduct testing and measurement.

Maintenance and Spares

The OSR requires PFDs to be inspected and serviced annually by an approved service station. This is usually recorded on the PFD, often in an inspection log written in indelible marker.

Sail Canada has prescribed that when the manufacturer of your PFD permits, the owner/user is permitted to perform the recommended servicing. This is a great cost saving measure.

The required servicing interval must not be exceeded. The person in charge must verify that servicing has been completed and recorded.

For Category 2 and Category 3 boats, carry a spare gas cylinder and activation system for each type of PFD onboard. These are often sold together.

For Category 2 boats, carry a spare lifejacket as well.

Final Thoughts:

You will learn a lot about all of this on a personal offshore survival course. National prescriptions are important and we are waiting for the Sail Canada release. In the meantime, BC Sailing has their harmonisation rules for Category three. Finally, read the rules!

Disclaimer: The safety information and advice shared in this article are for general guidance and information only. Every skipper and vessel operator is solely and ultimately responsible for the safety of their crew, boat, and decisions made on the water. All skippers must ensure they are fully informed, exercise their own judgment, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and race rules. Readers should do their own research and consult with qualified professionals as needed, as situations on the water can vary widely and may require different actions.