Your lifejacket is your most vital safety tool on the water. Looking after a life jacket with regular simple maintenance will ensures it performs in emergencies. It will also extend the lifespan of your lifejackets.

Follow our 7-step guide to life jacket maintenance and keep it top condition. Helping you to stay safe during every adventure on the water.

1. Check The Firing Mechanism

The firing mechanism is a critical part of your lifejacket, ensuring it inflates when needed. Lifejackets typically have either manual or automatic activation systems.

Automatically activated lifejackets have a mechanism that needs to be replaced from time to time. It’s a good idea to open your jacket and check if it needs a replacement.

Quick Checklist:

• Identify the firing mechanism in your lifejacket.
• Inspect for damage, wear, or corrosion.
• Check and replace any expired components.

There are three types of firing unit that are commonly used. Each looks different and they are dated differently. Below are details of how to check yours: 

United Moulders Cartridges

There are three main types of United Moulders cartridges for automatic life jackets, varying by age and compatibility:

1. Mark 5 Auto Cartridge: Activates when submerged, inflating the life jacket.
2. Pro Sensor Auto Cartridge: Fits Mark 5 life jackets, also inflates upon immersion, and features a visible status indicator that pops off when activated.
3. Pro Sensor Elite Auto Cartridge: The latest version with a different screw thread, combining previous features with enhanced moisture resistance and reliability.

Each cartridge has a 'replace by' date and should be replaced by this date or within two years of first use, whichever comes first.

Halkey Roberts Super Bobbin

Halkey Roberts Super Bobbin Life Jacket firing mechanisms activate automatically when the bobbin dissolves in water. This then releases a pin that punctures the CO2 cylinder to inflate the jacket.

These units should be replaced every three years based on the manufacture date, as fitting dates are typically unavailable. 

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HAMMAR Firing Mechanisms

HAMMAR Life Jacket firing mechanisms are hydrostatic, activating when submerged in water. This helps in preventing accidental inflation because of rain or humidity.

This system has a simple green/red indicator window, as well as a 'replace by' date. If it either shows red or the replace by date has passed, it should be replaced.

Note: Hammar units are often glued to cylinders, so consider cylinder replacement regardless of firing.

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SEE ALL RE-ARM KITS, ACCESSORIES & LIGHTS > 

2. Inspecting the Gas Cylinder

The gas cylinder is your lifejacket's powerhouse, responsible for inflation during emergencies. Regular inspections are simple to carry out and ensure its reliability. Here's how to check yours:

Visual Inspection

• Look for puncture marks at the tip, indicating prior use. Replace the cylinder if fired.
• Check for corrosion, rust, or damage. Even minor corrosion can compromise functionality.

Weigh the Cylinder

• Locate the stamped full weight on the cylinder.
• Weigh it to confirm it matches. If it’s lighter, replace the cylinder immediately.

Safety Tips

• Handle the cylinder carefully to avoid accidental punctures.
• Ensure it’s hand-tightened into its housing. A loose cylinder may fail to inflate the jacket.

Trade Secret: One common reason lifejackets don’t inflate is that the cylinder or firing unit has come unscrewed. A simple check that this is hand tight before using your lifejacket could make all the difference!

SEE ALL RE-ARM KITS, ACCESSORIES & LIGHTS > 

3. Bladder and Inflation Test

The bladder in your lifejacket is the core component that holds the CO2 and provides buoyancy during emergencies. Regular testing ensures it remains reliable and safe. Follow these steps:

How to Test Your Lifejacket Bladder:

1. Manually Inflate: Use the oral inflation tube to inflate the jacket fully.
2. Leave for 24 Hours: Check if it retains air for the full period. Deflation indicates a potential leak or faulty valve.
3. Inspect for Damage: Look closely for punctures, tears, or weak spots.

Safety Precautions:

• Remove the gas cylinder before inflating to avoid accidental activation.
• Do not pack the jacket until it is fully deflated using the oral inflation valve.

If You Find a Leak

Unfortunately, bladder leaks cannot be repaired safely. Replace the lifejacket to ensure it meets safety standards.

Perform this test annually to maintain your lifejacket’s reliability and your peace of mind.

Trade Secret:  Avoid blowing air into the bladder with your mouth when testing. This adds moisture to the bladder, which can harm it over time.

4. Straps, Webbing and Buckles

The straps, webbing, and buckles on your lifejacket are essential for maintaining a secure fit and reliable performance.

Visual Inspection Checklist

• Straps and Webbing: Look for fraying, cuts, or areas worn thin.
• Seams and Stitching: Check for loose threads, undone stitching, or splits.
• Buckles and Fasteners: Test for smooth operation and ensure no signs of cracking or damage.
• Zippers: Ensure they move freely without corrosion or blockage.

If you find any signs of damage, you will likely need to replace the lifejacket. This will ensure it meets safety standards.

Trade Secret:  A great deal of research has shown how effective crutch straps can be at saving lives. If your lifejacket is not fitted with one you can purchase these as aftermarket parts and fit them very quickly and easily. See more >

SEE ALL STRAPS, RE-ARM KITS & ACCESSORIES > 

5. Lifejacket Lights

Lifejacket lights are crucial for visibility during nighttime cruising or emergencies, such as man-overboard situations. Here’s how to check them:

Testing Your Lifejacket Light

1. Visual Check: Inspect the light for cracks, corrosion, or damage.
2. Battery Test: Turn on the light to ensure it works and hasn’t accidentally activated, draining the battery.
   • Manual lights can be easily switched on for testing.
   • Automatic lights often have a manual override for checks.
3. Check Expiry: Confirm the light and battery are within their expiry dates.

Upgrading Your Safety

If your lifejacket lacks a light, consider fitting one during your annual check-up to improve nighttime visibility. They are easy to fit and add a new level of safety and visibility to your lifejacket.

Trade Secret:  When you install a light, consider where it will be when the jacket is inflated. The higher you place it, the better the visibility will be all around.

See more >

SEE ALL LIGHTS, RE-ARM KITS & ACCESSORIES

6. Inspecting Spray Hoods

Spray hoods are essential for protecting your face from water spray and improving visibility in harsh conditions. While there’s not much that can go wrong, here’s what to check:

Inspection Tips

• Visual Check: Look for tears, holes, or worn areas in the fabric.
• Attachment Points: Ensure the hood is securely attached to the lifejacket and all fastenings are intact.
• Deployability: Test that the hood deploys smoothly without sticking or snagging.

Consider Adding One

If your lifejacket doesn’t include a spray hood, consider installing one for added protection and safety.

Spray hoods are simple but vital for comfort and survival in rough conditions.

SEE ALL SPRAYHOODS, LIGHTS & RE-ARM KITS > 

7. Safety Lines Inspections

Safety lines, or harness lines, are critical for keeping you securely tethered on deck. Here’s how to ensure they’re in top condition:

Inspection Tips

• Webbing Check: Look for frays, tears, or any visible wear. Even minor damage can compromise strength.
• Overload Indicators: If your line has an indicator, ensure it hasn’t been triggered. Replace if it has.
• Metal Components: Inspect buckles and carabiners for corrosion or stiffness. Lubricate moving parts, but replace if in doubt.
• Cleaning Advice: Rinse lines thoroughly after exposure to saltwater to prevent degradation.

Considerations

• Check compliance with safety standards (e.g., ISO).
• If you’re often in rough conditions, consider investing in double-action carabiners for added security - most safety lines have these as standard.

SEE ALL SAFETY LINES & HARNESSES > 

Regular lifejacket servicing is essential for ensuring your safety on the water. You can do many checks at home. For example, you can inspect the bladder, straps, and firing mechanism. However, if you are unsure, it’s important to get professional servicing.

At Force 4 Chandlery, we provide an easy service. Just bring your lifejacket to one of our stores. We will send it off for a complete inspection.

We suggest checking and servicing your lifejacket every year or after heavy use. This will help keep it effective and reliable when you need it most.