LEARN HOW TO CHECK AND SERVICE YOUR LIFEJACKET

WEAR A LIFEJACKETTHERE’S A LIFEJACKET FOR EVERY OCCASION

Lifejackets come in many styles. Whether you are a kayaker, sailor or enjoy fishing, there’s a modern lifejacket to suit your specific need. Styles include auto-inflating and foam lifejackets, kayaking vests, yokes and bum bag lifejackets.

AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL INFLATING LIFEJACKETS

Inflatable lifejackets are less cumbersome to wear than non-inflatable (foam) lifejackets. Auto-inflating lifejackets inflate as soon as they come into contact with water. Be aware that a large amount of spray may also activate this type of jacket while on deck. Manually-inflated lifejackets must be activated by hand. For this reason, it is recommended that children under 12 years do not wear them.

SERVICING GUIDE

Your inflatable lifejacket should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Unless otherwise specified, it must be serviced annually. You should also check it regularly between services.Servicing will ensure all parts of the lifejacket including the bladder, inflation mechanism and C0

2 cylinder are in good working order.

SKIPPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

If you’re a skipper providing inflatable lifejackets to your passengers, you must make them aware of their capabilities and how they function. IIt’s also your responsibility to make sure that all lifejackets have been serviced annually, self-checked regularly and are in good working order.

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY INFLATABLE LIFEJACKETS?

Store them in a dry, well-ventilated place. After each use remove the auto-inflation cartridge (if your jacket has one) and rinse the jacket with fresh water. Dry the jacket thoroughly and reconnect the auto-inflation cartridge prior to storage. The lifejacket manufacturer may have other requirements, so please read the instructions on the lifejacket.

HOW DO I COMPLETE A PRE-WEAR CHECK?

Firstly, check there are no visible signs of general wear and tear. Next, check the CO

2

cylinder is full and screwed firmly in (hand tight). Check the auto cartridge (if an auto-inflating model) is firmly screwed in (hand tight). Lastly, check the pull cord is not obstructed and ready for use.

WHAT IF MY INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET HAS BEEN ACTIVATED?

Once activated, the C02 cylinder is pierced

and cannot be used again. If you’re using an auto-inflating lifejacket, the auto-inflating components may also need to be replaced. It’s a great idea to always have spare components on your vessel.

For more information visit: maritimemanagement.transport.nsw.gov.au

WEAR IT • INSPECT IT • SERVICE IT

©Transport for NSW March 2020 Stock No. 45072116

TNSWWN0023_LIFEJACKET_BROCHURE_A4_V07.indd 1TNSWWN0023_LIFEJACKET_BROCHURE_A4_V07.indd 1 3/19/20 6:40 PM3/19/20 6:40 PM

5 STEPS TO SELF-SERVICE YOUR INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET

STEP 1Check for visible signs of wear or damage. Ensure all fastenings and buckles are in good working order.

STEP 2Following manufacturer’s instructions, reveal the inflation system and oral inflation tube. Inflate the bladder using the oral tube and leave overnight. If the bladder loses pressure, take the lifejacket to an accredited service agent for further tests. Do not attempt to repair your lifejacket yourself.

STEP 3Deflate the bladder by inverting the cap on the oral inflation tube and pressing down on the valve inside the tube. Do not insert other objects into the top of the tube as they may damage the valve. Roll or press the lifejacket to deflate fully.

STEP 5Repack the lifejacket as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the manual inflation toggle is free of obstruction, is accessible and unlikely to catch on anything when worn.

STEP 4Remove and inspect the CO

2 cylinder.

It should be intact with no rust or corrosion. Weigh the cylinder on scales — it should be the minimum gross weight engraved on the cylinder, or within 2 grams. If the cylinder is rusted, corroded, has been pierced or is not the correct weight it should be replaced. On auto-inflating lifejackets, ensure all auto components are armed and not out-of-date. Refit the cylinder to the inflation system, tightening it by hand until just firm. Do not over-tighten it.

8 OUT OF 10 PEOPLE WHO DROWNED WHILE BOATING IN NSW WEREN’T WEARING A LIFEJACKET

An inflatable lifejacket can only help you if it’s in working order. If it’s not, you could drown.It’s important to regularly check your lifejacket’s condition. This includes treating your lifejacket with care and following the advice in this guide. It may just save your life.

TNSWWN0023_LIFEJACKET_BROCHURE_A4_V07.indd 2TNSWWN0023_LIFEJACKET_BROCHURE_A4_V07.indd 2 3/19/20 6:41 PM3/19/20 6:41 PM