A lifejacket is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can make the difference between life and death on the water. But like any gear, it requires regular maintenance to remain effective. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend kayaker, proper care of your lifejacket is essential.
Here are five practical tips to help you keep your lifejacket in top condition and ready when you need it most:
1. Perform Regular Visual Inspections
Start with a quick but thorough check before and after each use:
- Look for visible damage such as rips, tears, or worn stitching.
- Inspect buckles, straps, and zippers to ensure they work smoothly.
- Check for mold or mildew, especially if the lifejacket was stored damp.
For inflatable lifejackets, make sure the bladder isn’t creased or punctured and that the cover is intact.
2. Check Inflation System
UML (United Moulders Ltd.) inflation systems are commonly used in automatic lifejackets. To ensure your UML system works correctly:
- Confirm the CO₂ cylinder is securely fitted and hasn’t been pierced.
- Check the indicator window—green means it’s armed; red or missing means it needs attention.
- Look at the expiry date on the cartridge and replace it if it’s out of date.
A faulty or expired UML cartridge can render the lifejacket useless in an emergency, so stay up to date.
3. Conduct an Annual Inflate Test
At least once a year, manually inflate your lifejacket using the oral inflation tube:
- Leave it inflated for 12–24 hours to check for leaks.
- If it deflates during this period, it may have a puncture or faulty valve that needs repair.
- After testing, rinse the bladder with fresh water and let it dry thoroughly before repacking.
This simple test can reveal issues that aren’t visible during a quick visual inspection.
4. Store It Properly
Lifejackets hate poor storage conditions. To maximize their lifespan:
- Always dry them completely before storing to avoid mold and mildew.
- Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Avoid compressing or folding inflatables tightly, as this can weaken the bladder over time.
Proper storage protects both the outer fabric and internal inflation components.
5. Get Professional Servicing
Even if your lifejacket looks fine, it’s wise to have it professionally serviced:
- Most manufacturers recommend a service every 1–2 years, especially for automatic inflatables.
- Certified service centers can pressure-test the bladder, inspect the UML inflation system, and replace worn components.
- Keep a log of service dates for reference.
Regular servicing ensures your lifejacket meets safety standards and is always ready for action.
Final Thought
Your lifejacket is only as good as its condition. With these five maintenance tips, you can extend its lifespan, ensure reliability, and most importantly, protect yourself and your crew on the water. Make inspections and servicing a part of your routine—it’s a small effort with a big payoff in safety.
Stay safe, stay afloat.