Lifejackets need regular checking to ensure reliability. Servicing should be in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations but basic maintenance is within the capability of the average sailor.
Every six months (or sooner) inflate the lifejacket (by hand pump to avoid moisture build up inside the bladder) and leave for 24 hours to ensure they hold pressure. Check all seams, straps and stitching for wear or damage.
More frequently check visually for wear and damage, particularly where bladders are creased or folded when deflated. Check also the security and condition of the CO2 gas inflation bottle. They can become loose or corroded and also loose pressure, so check the weight as stamped on the cylinder.
If subjected to salt water, such as spray from heavy weather sailing, the salt will need to be washed off to prevent the salt crystals from causing damage to the fabric or metal parts such as the cylinder. Open the jacket up and sponge clean with fresh water.. Take care NOT to activate the inflation of an automatic lifejacket! Allow the lifejacket to fully dry before repacking it and store in a dry well ventilated area.
Carry a rearming kit so that should the lifejacket be used or accidentally inflated it can be rearmed and prepared for service again. To do this a new CO2 bottle is easy to screw into place and, in the case of an automatic lifejacket, an activation capsule is a similar screw fit, usually below the CO2 bottle. Some ‘Hammer’ automatics are not so easily serviceable in this way and should go back to an approved service centre.
When not in use, over winter perhaps, partially inflate the jacket (with a pump) to remove the folds and hang on a plastic coat hanger.
Most of these maintenance tasks apply equally to the non inflatable types of lifejacket as well.
Finally, NOTHING LASTS FOREVER !! With care and regular maintenance a lifejacket will last many years but, if in doubt, get a new one!
Lifebuoys, Danbuoys, Rescue Slings, Jackstays etc all require similar regular checks for serviceability. Batteries go flat or corrode, cloth and plastic deteriorate due to the effects of U/V light. A webbing jackstay left on deck all summer can, assuming we get a bit of sunlight, lose half its strength in just one season due to U/V light. When not required put them away to preserve both their looks and strength.
Sails and Rigging need maintenance. Salt crystals left to dry on cloth, rope and metal fittings WILL shorten their life. A fresh water wash greatly extends their life and helps prevent jamming of roller reefing systems.
Stainless steel rigging cannot be reliably tested for age related weakening. Even high-tech electronic testing cannot predict what will happen to the rigging next week, let alone next year! That’s why the insurance companies usually require new s/s rigging every 10 to 12 years in leisure use and much more frequently if used for heavy weather cruising or racing.
