You are legally required to service your inflatable lifejacket in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (in Australia). Unless the manufacturer specifies and permits a longer period, you should get your lifejacket serviced at least once a year. If you’re buying a new inflatable lifejacket, you should have it serviced within a year from the day you bought it. You should also keep all your servicing receipts and certificates of servicing as evidence of the service.

That way, you can always verify the servicing if you ever need to. If you do not, you could be falling short of the safety equipment requirements as well as putting both yourself and your passengers at risk.

You might also like to think about keeping a safety equipment log for your vessel. It is a good way to help you record when your equipment needs to be replaced or serviced. Care should also be taken when purchasing an inflatable jacket to ensure that it conforms to Australian Standards. Inflatable jackets conforming to Australian Standards meet (lifejacket Type 1) or AS 4758 (Level 150 or Level 100); or some overseas standards. This will be clearly marked on the jacket.

When they are serviced, checks will be carried out to ensure the bladder, reflective tapes, buckles and straps are in working order, and that the inflation system and oral inflation tube are operating correctly. It is important to check jackets regularly, prior to wearing.

This list of websites compiled by www.oceantimemarine.com below will be useful when checking self-servicing requirements of your lifejackets. Inflatable PFD Commercial inflatable life jackets service requirements

• RFD Annual servicing recommended to be done by the manufacturer
• Ultra PFD Annual service by owner and every 3 years by the manufacturer
• Burke PFD

PFD’s in commercial use inspections should only be performed by an accredited service agent. Stormy There are some annual self-checks that can be undertaken by the owner, however, in many recreational circumstances (and most professional circumstances) any inflatable life jacket must be checked and approved by a certified servicing agent. Marlin PFD’s in commercial use inspections should only be performed by an accredited service agent. Hutchwilco Commercial users require servicing to be carried out annually by a manufacturer approved service centre.

Before you buy – Check whether it is an approved PFD . – Wear the PFD to ascertain whether it provides the comfort & mobility you require. Remember that you have to wear it for the duration of your activity. Hence, the weight of PFD on your shoulder and around the neck is an important factor for comfort. The lighter PFD will provide better comfort. – Open up the valise of the PFD to look at the bladder design. The volume distribution of the front and head of the bladder may provide you with an idea which way the PFD will float you. – Check the thickness of the Polyurethane coating on the bladder and also the width of the weld bar used. – Check whether the brand will provide after sale technical support. – Check whether the PFD you intend to purchase is service & repair friendly. In many cases, a repair may cost as much as a new PFD. – Check also cost of servicing and part replacements.

The laws and regulations for the professional servicing of inflatable life jackets are different in different countries and states, please check with your local maritime authority to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.