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Re-arming kit Every lifejacket has its own kit. If you don’t have one, take your lifejacket to your favorite chandler to obtain the right kit. In each kit: a CO2 canister, the element holder, and the trigger system’s green indicator tag.

Unfolding your lifejacket...in pictures! To gain access to the inflation bladder, all you have to do is open the flap’s Velcro. To take up the least space possible, the bladder is folded in a certain way; it’s a good idea to take a photo, so you reme

Date your service On the bladder, you will find a label on which to write the service dates. Remember to note yours and any possible observations.

Checking the whistle The whistle is very useful if you fall overboard, day or night; check that it works correctly and is well-attached to the lifejacket.

Checking the bladder is in good condition Servicing time for an inflatable lifejacket is the best moment to check if it...inflates correctly! Check that the tube is flexible and inflate preferably with an inflator rather than by mouth, to avoid getting a

Deflating the lifejacket Ideally, you will leave your servicing now for 24 hours...if the lifejacket deflates before this time, it is ready...for the trash! To deflate it, position the cap upside-down in the end of the tube, and empty all the air from th

Dismantling the canister Once you have found the inflation mechanism - the weight of the canister and the trigger cord are good clues – dismantle the canister by unscrewing it.

Checking the canister A canister which has been triggered is easily seen; its top is pierced, unlike a new one.

Weighing the canister A canister which hasn’t been triggered may nevertheless be empty, though this is rare. All you have to do is weigh it – the weight with the CO? is engraved on the canister – to ensure that it is full.

Checking the capsule The end of the element holder is green when the capsule is still valid. If it is red, replace it.

Checking the trigger Pull progressively on the manual trigger cord. The green plastic tag (fragile!) is broken, to show that the system has been triggered

Reassembling the lifejacket Refit the canister and the capsule holder, ensure that the bladder is folded correctly – see your photo – and reattach the Velcro of the exterior flap. Your lifejacket is ready!

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Article published on 01/12/2016

By Emmanuel van Deth

Contact the editor Subscribers access only

published inn°151jan. / feb.

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Servicing your automatic lifejacket

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For your lifejacket to be operational – and that really is the least we can ask of it – it requires a minimum amount of care and checking. Follow the various operations with us and go out on the water with no worries!

In the last edition of Multihulls World, you were able to set out your needs concerning lifejackets, taking into account your cruising program and the age of your crew. We also reviewed the routine maintenance – cleaning, checking the stitching and the date on the canister of inflatable lifejackets. We are now going to look at servicing a lifejacket with an automatic inflation system which uses a dissolving element (which has now replaced the salt capsule). An operation to be carried out ideally once a year – every two years as a minimum – before the sailing season, for example. Re-arming an inflatable lifejacket is also necessary...when it has been triggered – by falling in the sea, or an involuntary maneuver. We will first deal ...

This article was published in the issue 151. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.