This Mexican Official Norm set the technical specifications and test methods which must be filled by life jackets of national fabrication and for exportation, to be used in Mexican flag vessels and naval appliances, which are located in national jurisdiction waters, as well as in the modalities of nautical tourism and work activities.
The regulation establishes the classification and use of the life jackets. Type I: with a buoyancy of 275 Newton basically is designed for its use at high sea, in extreme conditions, so its use is fitted for high sea navigation, cabotage and inner waters. Type II: With a buoyancy of 150 Newton and designed for general use or be used with garments for bad weather, so is appropriate for high sea navigation, cabotage and inner waters. Type III: With a buoyancy of 100 Newton and designed for those people which must remain waiting rescue in areas relatively close in calm waters, so its use is fitted for inner waters. Type IV (Buoyancy aid) - With a buoyancy of 50 Newton and designed to be used by good swimmers or by people who are close to the shore or have some help and nearness rescue means, it’s not indicated for any type of navigation and it´s only appropriate to realize the modalities of nautical tourism and work activities, in terms of this Norm. When this life jacket had been manufactured and dedicated to use in high risks nautical sports, it should have a buoyancy of 150 Newton.
It considers the sequence of tests which will be in accordance with Annex 1, depending on the case and with the tests which must be perform to life jackets, where it defines the procedure to follow and the result which must be obtain.