How long do inflatable life jackets last?

ten years
How long do inflatable life jackets last? With regular maintenance before and after every use, you can expect your inflatable life jacket to last up to ten years before needing to be replaced.

Do inflatable life jackets require servicing?

Inflatable Life Jacket Maintenance Inflatable life jackets require more frequent maintenance than inherently buoyant life jackets. Check for leaks every two months; inflate life jacket orally and leave it overnight to check for leaks. If it leaks then it should be replaced.

When should you not use an inflatable PFD?

Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use by people less than 16 years of age or people weighing less than 36.3 kg. They are not approved for use on PWCs and those with an automatic inflator that works as soon as the operator is in the water, can not be used on sailboards.

Are inflatable PFD safe?

Because of their sleek design, inflatable life vests offer little to no protection against hypothermia. The traditional neoprene vests are bulkier and offer slightly more protection against cold waters. Inflatables must be more regularly inspected than traditional vests.

Do all gas inflating life jackets inflate automatically?

Will my lifejacket automatically inflate when I fall in the water? A. No, some lifejackets are designed to be manually activated only. All inflatable gas lifejackets will come with a manual override, make sure you know where this is and that it is accessible.

Do inflatable life vests expire?

Technically, the life jacket itself does not expire. Inflatable life jackets use a carbon dioxide (CO2) tank to inflate themselves. It’s important to check the recommended tank replacement date before purchasing an inflatable life jacket. These tanks usually have a 1-3 year life span.

How do you store inflatable life jackets?

Store inflatable life vests in a dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use. The key word here is “dry”. Case in point, a PFD that got wet from fishing in the rain, boat spray, or another moisture-related scenario should be hung to dry in an open environment before storage.

Who can use inflatable PFDs?

The rules for inflatable PFDs:

• Only approved for use by persons 16 years or older that weigh more than 36 kilograms.
• Must be worn at all times while on deck or in the cockpit of an open boat.
• Must be readily available to persons below deck on boats equipped with cabins.

What conditions must be met to allow a person to use an inflatable PFD on a pleasure craft?

Inflatable PFDs must have:

1. An undamaged inflation cartridge that is in good working condition. If not, the PFD must be worn fully inflated.
2. Compatible parts for the inflator and CO2 cylinder (see your owner’s manual). If the parts aren’t compatible, the PFD may not inflate properly.

How do you test an inflatable life jacket?

How to check your inflatable lifejacket

1. Check for visible signs of wear and damage.
2. Following manufacturer’s instructions, reveal the inflation system and oral inflation tube.
3. Use cap attached to the oral inflation tube to deflate bladder.
4. Remove CO2 cylinder and inspect.

How do hydrostatic life jackets work?

The Hydrostatic Lifejacket In this case, the lifejacket features a hydrostatic sensor that uses pressure to detect when the wearer is in the water, as opposed to simply getting wet. This type of automatic lifejacket will not go off accidentally, but will only deploy if you, as the wearer, go overboard unexpectedly.

How do self inflating life jackets work?

Every inflatable PFD has an inflator mechanism that triggers a carbon dioxide cylinder to fill the bladder with air. An automatic PFD will inflate when the water-soluble bobbin comes in contact with water releasing a spring-loaded pin that punctures the CO2.