Lifejacket maintenance reminder

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) has reported received a number of photos and queries about lifejackets that are well past their prime, with serious problems and dire ramifications should they be required. Often, the issue with lifejackets stems from safety gear being stowed out of sight and out of mind.

By far the most common query the TSV reports revolves around servicing inflatable lifejackets. The big problems are:

>> Corroded CO2 cylinders
>> Air leaks
>> Deteriorating fabric
>> Broken bladder weld

Check sheets and self inspection requirements are set by the lifejacket manufacturers and can be found on their websites.

You need to be aware that the requirements vary between manufacturers, so having the correct information specific to your inflatable jacket is vital in ensuring it's maintained correctly.

INDUSTRY CONCERNS
There have been industry concerns over the lack of inflatable lifejacket maintenance. TSV says one lifejacket manufacturer recently voiced concerns that, although the transition to inflatable lifejackets is a positive for wearability and also in-water performance, there is an extended risk that self inspection is not performed correctly and that the product is not compliant. Bottom line: it might not be safe.

When your lifejacket is returned to an authorised service facility it is thoroughly inspected including PSI readouts from the pressure of the inflated chamber; the o-rings are inspected and replaced on the operating head; and a full structural inspection takes place to be certified as compliant, TSV adds in its safety newsletter.

Your boatsales crew has looked into the cost of lifejacket servicing by authorised service operators and the cost can be such that it's almost cheaper to just buy a new one at about $70 each. Either way, make sure your lifejacket is working.

LIFEJACKET CARE TIPS
If you intend to use old-school inherently buoyant lifejackets, remember, they need to be cared for as well. TSV reports finding more and more lifejackets with perished stitching, which leads to broken straps.

Don’t keep lifejackets in their original packaging where moisture and salt could accumulate and rot the material.

Remember, lifejackets should not be stowed away when they’re still wet, because this can rot the stitching and webbing.

Try to keep them out of direct sunlight, because the UV rays can deteriorate the materials. If you are not checking your lifejackets regularly, you may find that during your time in need, they may actually let you down.

Take a look at your lifejacket, search the brand name online and follow the care instructions specific to that manufacturer.

If you have an inherently buoyant lifejacket, remember to care for that too.

Wash the lifejacket, let it dry, then stow it out of direct sunlight.

If an inflatable lifejacket, check that it manually inflates and holds pressure for a period of time by inflating it using the mouthpiece.