What is the primary purpose of life jackets on a vessel?

The primary purpose of life jackets on a vessel is to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. Life jackets are designed to keep a person afloat in water, significantly increasing their chances of survival in emergencies. They work by trapping air in their materials, which helps maintain positive buoyancy even when the wearer may be incapacitated or unable to swim.

In a variety of situations, especially when someone ends up in the water unexpectedly, a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death. It allows individuals to conserve energy while keeping their heads above water, which is crucial in preventing fatigue and drowning.

Other options, while related to safety and vessel operation, do not accurately capture the main function of life jackets. For instance, providing entertainment during emergencies is not a relevant function of life jackets. Similarly, life jackets do not stabilize a vessel against capsizing, nor are they intended to serve as flotation devices for cargo. Thus, the focus on buoyancy and drowning prevention is fundamental to the design and application of life jackets in marine safety.