A lifejacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on board. Like any life-saving device, it must be regularly inspected and serviced to ensure it will perform correctly when needed most. Annual servicing by an approved service station should be considered an essential part of responsible ownership, not an optional extra.
For many sailors, professional lifejacket servicing is also required to comply with racing regulations. The latest World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) for the standards expected for lifejackets used in racing environments, reinforcing the importance of maintaining equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Standards required for lifejackets used in the commercial sector are dictated by the SOLAS standard from the IMO.
Why Professional Lifejacket Servicing Matters
A lifejacket may appear to be in good condition from the outside, but hidden issues can develop over time. Exposure to UV light, moisture, saltwater and general wear can all affect the performance of critical components.
Professional servicing provides a thorough inspection and functional assessment that goes far beyond a visual check. It ensures the lifejacket remains fit for purpose and can operate correctly in an emergency and provides the user/operator with an approved certificate of service
Approved Technicians and Service Centres
The servicing process begins by the user/operator confirming that the technician, service station and lifejacket are all approved and properly equipped to carry out the work.
Only technicians who have received direct training from Ocean Safety’s Head of Training are authorised to service Ocean Safety lifejackets. This ensures each technician has a detailed understanding of the product’s original design, construction and approved servicing procedures. The approval doesn’t stop with the technician; the service station itself has to be approved by Ocean Safety and if the lifejacket is a SOLAS/MED/MER approved product then the service station must be approved by the MCA as well.
Using approved service station helps ensure that servicing is carried out consistently and in line with manufacturer specifications.
Detailed Inspection of Components
Integral with the service is a comprehensive inspection of both the external and internal components of the lifejacket.
This includes checking:
- The firing mechanism and inflation system
- The oral inflation tube
- The bladder
- The cover and fastening systems
- Harnesses, straps and webbing
- Buckles, D-rings and attachment points
Technicians are trained to identify signs of wear, deterioration or damage and determine whether components can be repaired or require replacement. Where replacement parts are needed, only genuine manufacturer-approved components and tools are used.
Safe Opening and Internal Examination
The lifejacket is carefully opened using the correct procedure.
While this may seem straightforward, incorrect handling can damage critical safety components or affect the lifejacket’s ability to deploy correctly.
Bladder Pressure Testing
One of the most important stages of the service is the bladder pressure test.
This involves much more than simply inflating the lifejacket until it feels firm. The bladder is inflated to a specified pressure and left for a predetermined period. During this time, the technician monitors pressure levels and assesses whether any reduction has occurred.
Temperature fluctuations and atmospheric pressure changes are also considered, providing a far more accurate indication of the bladder’s ability to retain air over time.
This test helps verify that the lifejacket will remain inflated when someone’s safety depends on it.
Replacing Faulty Components
If faults are identified during the inspection process, affected components can be replaced using approved manufacturer parts and servicing procedures.
Using genuine components is essential to maintaining the performance, certification and reliability of the lifejacket.
Correct Repacking and Final Checks
Once all inspections and testing have been completed, the lifejacket is repacked exactly as specified by the manufacturer.
There may be several ways to fold a lifejacket, but only the approved packing method ensures the bladder, inflation system and cover will deploy correctly during use. This is especially important if PLB’s or AIS units are fitted to the jacket which rely on the inflation of the jacket to activate the units. Ocean Safety work closely with Ocean Signal to ensure all the jackets are compatible.
Professional servicing also provides an opportunity to identify poor packing from previous inspections and correct any issues that could affect deployment.
Is Self-Inspection Enough?
Many owners are comfortable carrying out basic maintenance tasks on their own equipment. However, a professional lifejacket service provides a level of inspection and testing that cannot be replicated through a simple visual check. Most importantly it provides a recognised ‘Service Certificate’ which will be required in certain circumstances.
A lifejacket service works in much the same way as a car MOT. While owners can inspect their lifejacket visually, only a trained technician can properly assess its condition, conduct bladder integrity testing, inspect internal components and verify that it has been packed correctly.
Give Yourself Confidence When It Matters Most
When a lifejacket is needed, there is no opportunity for a second attempt.
Annual professional servicing by an approved service station helps ensure your lifejacket remain reliable, compliant and ready to perform in an emergency. Whether you sail recreationally, race competitively or work on the water, regular servicing provides confidence that your lifejacket will function exactly as intended when it matters most.
For sailors participating in organised racing, it is also advisable to review the latest World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for Inshore Racing and ensure all personal safety equipment meets the required standards.