The regulations: SOLAS lifejackets come under Directive 96/98/EC of the European Union, which refers to the obligatory marine equipment on EU vessels. In addition to lifejackets, this regulation also includes all types of personal life saving appliances that may be required on-board community ships. The lifejackets in this category are approved to the SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations and should always bear the relevant certification, in this case the ship's wheel mark. SOLAS lifejackets can save a person's life anywhere and irrespective of most weather conditions. Therefore, the tests that these lifejackets are subjected to, are far more demanding. Much greater empahsis is given on thier effectiveness as lifesaving appliances than on their asthetic appeal.