Servicing your life jacket regularly is crucial for ensuring it functions correctly when needed. Based on common recommendations, servicing involves a few key steps to check its condition and inflation system.
According to the provided reference, servicing your life jacket can be broken down into the following essential steps:
Steps for Servicing Your Life Jacket
Here are the key steps to follow when servicing your life jacket, ensuring it remains in good working order:
- Step 1 - Check for visible signs of wear and damage.
- Inspect the outer cover, straps, buckles, and stitching. Look for tears, fading, fraying, or any other signs of deterioration that could affect the life jacket's integrity.
- Step 2 - Inflate the bladder and check for pressure loss.
- For inflatable life jackets, inflate the bladder fully, either manually (using the oral inflation tube) or using the automatic/manual inflation mechanism (though you should replace the cylinder/bobbin afterward if using this method).
- Leave it inflated for at least 24 hours indoors.
- After 24 hours, check if the bladder has lost any significant pressure. Some minor pressure loss in varying temperatures is normal, but substantial deflation indicates a leak.
- Step 3 - Deflate the bladder.
- Completely deflate the bladder using the oral inflation tube, ensuring all air is expelled.
- Step 4 - Remove and inspect the CO2 cylinder.
- Ensure the CO2 cylinder is the correct size and type for your life jacket.
- Check the cylinder for corrosion or damage.
- Verify the cylinder has not been previously used (indicated by a piercing mark on the top).
- Step 5 - Repack the lifejacket.
- Carefully repack the life jacket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the inflation cord is accessible and the bladder is folded correctly to allow for proper inflation.
Following these steps helps ensure your life jacket is ready for use in an emergency. For detailed guidelines, including specific manufacturer instructions, always refer to the documentation that came with your life jacket.
You can find more information on life jacket care via resources like the NSW Government's Waterways Safety guide.
Summary Table of Service Steps:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check for wear and damage | Ensure structural integrity |
| 2 | Inflate bladder & check for pressure loss | Test for leaks |
| 3 | Deflate bladder | Prepare for repacking |
| 4 | Inspect CO2 cylinder | Verify readiness of inflation mechanism |
| 5 | Repack lifejacket | Ensure correct function upon activation |
Regular servicing is a vital part of life jacket maintenance, contributing significantly to your safety on the water.
