Maintaining your lifejacket

Check the gas cylinder is tightly screwed in
The screws in CO2 cylinders in lifejackets can work themselves loose and should be checked for tightness every month. Always carry re-arming kits for each type of lifejacket you have onboard. If a lifejacket is accidentally inflated, you will be able to get it ready for use again straight away.

Check the gas cylinder for corrosion
Check the CO2 bottle for corrosion every 3 months. Rusty cylinders should be replaced. Also check any areas of material that were in contact with a rusty cylinder as the fabric may have been damaged.

Check the webbing
Every 3 months check the webbing and the stitching that holds the webbing together. A lifejacket with a colour thread that strongly contrasts with the webbing makes it much easier to spot worn stitching. Also check zips, buckles and other fastenings.

Check for leaks
Every 6 months inflate the lifejacket manually with a hand pump (use a hand pump to avoid moisture build-up inside the lifejacket). Leave it inflated for 24 hours to ensure there are no leaks or damage. Repack the lifejacket according to the manufacturer's folding instructions.

Out of season the lifejacket should be partially inflated (which removes creases in the material) and stored on a non-metal coat hanger.

CO2cylinder maintenance

The CO2 cylinder should be checked for corrosion and tightness atleast every three months as these cylinders may become loose andfail to operate and corrosion may cause the cylinder toleak. A monthly tightness check and a three-monthly bottle examination should be carried out.

• Remove the cylinder and check the operating head.
• Test the operation by pulling the lanyard and checking that the firing pin travels forward and returns freely and the pin is not worn or bent.
• Take care with the plastic safety clip, which is designed to break when operated, and may need to be replaced
• .If the cylinder thread is corroded with white powdery deposit, brush it off with a stiff nylon brush and blowout excess particles prior to spraying with a water-repellent lubricant.
• Also, wipe the cylinder surface with lubricant.
• Any part of the jacket that was in contact with a rusty cylinder should be checked for damage and may need to be repaired by the manufacturer.
• On lifejackets fitted with a hydrostatic trigger, the hydrostatic device must be replaced at the correct intervals and particular care must be taken to ensure that the gas cylinder is correctly tightened, as there have been reported instancesof the cylinder becoming detached on this type of jacket.
• IF ANY PART OF THE CYLINDER HAS A RED, RUSTY SURFACE, IT MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY
• It is advisable to carry a spare re-arming kit onboard in case the lifejacket is accidentally activated.
• If you are at all unsure about maintaining your lifejacket, then it should be serviced annually by a qualified agent.