Checking your Lifejackets

[chris moody]

Just seen this photo on a Facebook post by Ocean Safety, who are a company that services lifejackets, life rafts, and other marine safety kit.

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(Photo from Ocean Safety)

This was from a lifejacket they recently had in for service.

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Don't forget to check your lifejackets so they are ready for the boating season. Items to check are:

* Weigh the cylinder and check against the minimum weight stamped on it

* Check the cylinder for corrosion

* Check the cylinder has not been fired (will have a hole in the end if used)

* Check dates on auto firing mechanism if fitted

* Check the auto firing mechanism has not been set off (if fitted)

* Check manual activation indicator clip is still present

* Inspect the bladder for tears, abrasion, mildew, etc

* Check light works (if fitted)

* I like to inflate the bladder via a pump on the oral inflation tube and leave overnight to check bladder for leaks

* Deflate and repack bladder

* Refit gas cylinder

* Make sure the manual activation toggle is hanging out the bottom or side of the jacket and not tucked up inside

[Sarah]

Great advice, this pic is a stark visual reminder isn't it!

[chris moody]

On own boat training if the client wishes to wear their own lifejacket instead of a training school supplied one I always insist we open their lifejacket up and do the above checks (missing out the inflation and weighing items) before we leave the dock or pontoon. It's surprising how many of the clients own lifejackets checked have a fault that would likely render them useless if they entered the water.

I also check the school jackets in front of the students on day one, and then get the students to do the same checks on day two of a PB2 course.

[PeterM]

Same here Chris - Day 1 morning classroom - a quick lifejacket check & explain before getting on the boat.

Can be good fun to 'use' my old expired lifejacket tablets every so often when I swim off the boat . Luckily I baby my jackets - always kept dry , indoors , aired etc - so they have always worked on testing I also have a specific 'test' jacket for getting salty in this way !


The real world jackets get the inflation test and left on the spare bed for the weekend. I've never used a LJ for real, but fell off the Jetski twice last time out ! ;)

[Froglet]

When I bought my lifejackets I checked them, opening them up and inflating them manually, although I didn’t leave them up that long. They use the United Moulders cartridges and are stamped good until 2022 so it’s going to be a while before I get to test fire them and replace. Although I may still give one a go in the summer, just to feel how quick (or not) the auto-inflation is. Re-arming kits seem to come in around the £17 mark.

Mine have never been wet, not even rain or spray. That’s down to sedate river use so far. Consequently they still look pristine.

A few years ago I did manage to put myself overboard while out with my son, despite being fairly experienced and careful so I’m a strong advocate of lifejackets and kill cords. I was wearing both that day and it made the experience a laugh rather than tragic.