The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a new ordinance that expands the requirement to wear lifejackets on small vessels. Effective February 1, 2018, captains have a duty to ensure all passengers on decks outside the cabin wear lifejackets in principle. The goal is to prevent deaths and disappearances from falling overboard. Failure to comply will result in two penalty points assessed against the captain's boating license, with the potential for suspension if enough points accumulate. This mandatory lifejacket policy aims to change boating behavior and save lives.

1. 1
Lifejackets and the Duty to Wear
February 2, 2017
Tokyo, Japan-
From the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as a principle, to prevent the disappearance
of boating deaths from falling into the sea; as a principle, to prevent the disappearance of a life. The
Ordinance of the Ministry enacts a new order to amend a part of the original rule, and it was recently
issued as an update.
As of February 1, 2017
It is the duty of the captain to wear a life jacket on the deck of a small ship, in principle, on the deck of a
small vessel. (Since February 1, 1, the point of violation is 2 points on the individuals boating record.)
Ship staff and part of the Enforcement Regulations of Small Ship Operator Law.
Ministerial ordinance to be revised and was promulgated.
~ In principle for all small ships
Wearing a life jacket is mandated ~
Public: February 1, Heisei 30
Implementation: February 1, Heisei 30
As a result of this amendment, in principle, it is obligatory for the captain of a small ship to wear a life
jacket on "all aboard boat outside the cabin". If you do not wear it, two points of violation are given to the
captain, and if the points of violation accumulate, you will receive disposition such as suspension of your
boating license.
This is the only way to change how people use their lifejackets by enforcing mandatory wear.
WEAR IT! The National Safe Boating Council Wear It! Campaign is saving lives around the world. Maris
and K38 Japan are proud partners in this worthy lifesaving behavior. Our wonderful participants in the
Wear It! program honor their actions by wearing their lifejackets while boating in respect to drowning
prevention. We appreciate the Ministries attention to drowning prevention and lifesaving.
http://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/maritime_fr6_000018.html

2. 2
ライフジャケットの着用義務拡大
公益財団法人マリンスポーツ財団
国土交通省は2月1日、海中転落による死亡・行方不明を防止するため、原則としてすべての小型船
舶乗船者にライフジャケットの着用を義務化する内容の「船舶職員及び小型船舶操縦者法施行規則
の一部を改正する省令」を公布しました。

3. 3
平成30年2月1日以降、小型船舶の船室外の甲板上では、原則、すべての乗船者にライフジャケット
を着用させることが、船長の義務になります。（平成34年2月1日以降、違反点2点が付されます）
ライフジャケットの着用義務拡大 改正の概要はこちらです！
http://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/maritime_fr6_000018.html
WEAR IT! https://www.facebook.com/wearitproject