Does the airport operator make you wear the safety vest on the ramp for increased visibility
Yes, it is an airport requirement. I try to remember to remove the hi-vi vest once inside the aircraft, as in the event of a fire it would melt onto the wearer.
If intending to cross water, we do carry a liferaft, and also, lifejackets would be worn throughout the flight, ready to be inflated in event of having to exit the aircraft into water.