Care and Maintenance your life jacket

INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET

How often do I need to inspect my inflatable life jacket and what steps need to be taken?

It is recommended you replace the water-sensing element each year. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends you test the automatic inflation system in water at the beginning of each season.

• Remove CO2 cylinder and yellow bobbin (auto only) before performing inspection.
• Visually inspect device for abrasion, rips, tears, and punctures. Inspect outer shell fabric by “pinching” the fabric. Fabric should not fray or tear. Devices with fabric, which has faded, torn or deteriorated should be removed from service and replaced.
• Perform leakage test: Orally inflate the chamber until firm. Let stand overnight. If loss of air occurs (becomes less firm) the following day, repeat procedure to validate the result. If leak occurs, remove the life jacket from service and replace device.
• Confirm oral inflation valve is properly functioning: Inflate the device and hold the oral inflation valve underwater. If bubbles appear, repeat procedure to validate the result. If a leak occurs, remove the life jacket from service and replace device.
• Inspect yellow bobbin (auto only): White, water-soluble substance should be intact with no signs of cracks or breaks. Replace bobbin if manufacture date is over three years from today’s date.
• Inspect CO2 cylinder: If there is a hole in the piercing face or cylinder is rusted or corroded, replace cylinder.
• Follow repacking and re-arming instructions.

Periodically during the boating season…

Perform “beginning of season maintenance” every two-to-three months for light to moderate users, more often if used frequently or in humid climate.

Before each outing…

• Remove CO2 cylinder and yellow bobbin (auto only) before performing maintenance.
• Visually inspect device for abrasion, rips, tears, and punctures. Devices with fabric which has faded, torn or deteriorated should be replaced.
• Inspect yellow bobbin (auto only). White, water-soluble substance should be intact with no signs of cracks or breaks. Replace bobbin if manufacture date is over three years from today’s date.
• Inspect CO2 cylinder. If there is a hole in the piercing face or cylinder is rusted or corroded, replace cylinder.
• Follow repacking and re-arming instructions.

Cleaning Instructions - How do I clean my inflatable life jacket?

Remove the CO2 cylinder and if an automatic device, remove yellow bobbin. Hand wash in warm soapy water, using mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Hang dry in a well-ventilated area – away from direct sunlight and/or heat sources. Ensure life jacket is completely dry before re-arming, repacking or stowing away. Do NOT machine wash or dry, commercial dry-clean or use solvent-based cleaners or bleach.

Storage Instructions - Where should I store my life jacket when not in use?

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area – away from direct sunlight. Remove CO2 cylinder and automatic bobbin when stored for long periods of time.