Regulations apply to flights over water when aircraft are considered to be vulnerable to ditching. When required, aeroplanes flying over water are required to be fitted with one life jacket or vest with individual floatation device adjusted.

The vests are inflatable and must remain uninflated while still in the aircraft. This is because inflating the life vest inside the aircraft could impede evacuation, obstruct movement or cause difficulties in getting through the exits.

By waiting until after exiting the aircraft to inflate the life vest, passengers ensure a safer and more efficient evacuation process.