What are fishing flotation pants?
Very simply they are a bib and brace with built in inherent buoyancy using closed cell foam. They can be made from nylon or PVC. They are generally rated up to 50N of buoyancy which is suitable for sheltered, calm water and are classified as a buoyancy aid, whereas a life jacket will be rated much higher and for the open sea. It is important to understand that flotation pants are not designed to roll over a wearer who is unconscious, a life jacket is designed to do that.
Fishing flotation pants are therefore suitable for certain types of inshore fishing, working around docks, fish farming pens and inland waterways.
Depending on the country, fishing flotation pants can be certified or uncertified. Our 662 fishing flotation pants are certified in the EU to EN ISO 12402-5:2006 and approved by Maritime New Zealand as a Type 403 and 405 inherently buoyant flotation device.
Benefits
The key benefit of fishing flotation pants is that you can be wearing them at all times. Accidents at sea happen when you least expect it. Too many fishermen have stories of falling overboard. For inshore fishermen they could be working alone or with one or two other crew. Fishing flotation pants can allow you to get back on board or float until safely rescued.
Choosing the right flotation pants
You will need to decide what suits you best. Nylon or PVC. You might also want something else like a floatation vest instead. Generally speaking nylon flotation suits are designed for colder conditions and include insulation. PVC based fishing flotation pants are based on a standard fishing bib and brace with built in closed cell foam.
If they are made from durable materials they can also be used as commercial fishing rain gear to keep you dry and comfortable.
Our 662 flotation pants are made for commercial fishing and include double heavy duty 650gsm PVC, double welded seams and knee pads. They are based on our best selling heavy duty waterproof bib and brace the Crew 654.
One important consideration to consider is that nearly all fishing flotation pants will use closed cell foam. This needs to be located at the front and back of your torso to enable neutral buoyancy in the water (to keep you vertical in other words). You can watch a video of them in use here.
The Stormline 662 fishing flotation pants were the most popular buoyancy aid in a project for Lobstermen run by the Northeast Center Commercial Fishing Health & Safety. They were recognised for their comfort and practicality for working fishermen.
For more information about our flotation pants, please just get in touch.
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$200.00 Select Size This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
