LIFEJACKET SERVICING

 

We are the world leader in the supply, inspection, testing and maintenance of safety and survival equipment. Through our network of 500+ accredited service stations, we are able to offer a truly global service covering 2,000 ports worldwide.

We have a strong reputation for reliability of service and workmanship. Our work is always of a high standard and our technical ability is continuously being upgraded with the latest equipment, facilities and training. With over 160 years’ total experience to our name, we ensure your equipment receives only the very best care and attention throughout its entire safety lifecycle.

What’s Included?

All lifejackets serviced at an approved Survitec service station will be subjected to a rigorous inspection by a fully qualified technician to ensure it is fit for purpose and maximise its performance if needed in an emergency.  Key tasks that will be carried out as part of the servicing procedure include:

  • Perform a lifejacket inspection and advise if the lifejacket can be serviced or needs to be replaced
  • An opportunity for components to be stripped down, so that all the valves and seals, normally hidden behind various components, are also tested. Any expired, worn or perished parts will be replaced (additional costs may be incurred for the parts, just like a vehicle service at your local car garage)
  • A pressure test and mechanism test will be performed to ensure the bladder is in working order
  • Any general observations that you should be made aware of will be highlighted including any service bulletins or advisories that may have occurred for this product
  • On repacking the lifjacket, the service station will pay particular attention to ensuring it is repacked correctly and will work if activated in an emergency
  • The accredited service station will keep a test report recording how the lifejacket performed. Then in the event of an issue, this test report can be consulted

FACT: In 2014, the UK Royal Naval Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) reported that out of the 6,752 lifejackets checked at their lifejacket clinics, a staggering 587 of lifejackets might not have worked as the carbon dioxide bottle had already been fired or was missing altogether - RNLI, (2014). Operational Statistics

 

  Crewsaver Lifejacket Servicing

Mandatory Requirement 

As a lifejacket manufacturer we would always recommend an annual service however depending on your operation and the approval authority you are governed by it may also be a legal requirement.   

SOLAS – If you are operating under SOLAS professional lifejacket servicing is a legal requirement and must be performed annually

ISO – The MCA state that the owner should follow the manufactures guidelines for servicing, in this case this means performing a professional service annually

 

Using an Approved Service Station

All Survitec and Survitec approved service stations are audited and approved to the highest standards of legislative organisations and government associations as well as the product original equipment manufacturer (OEM).    

When organising your lifejacket servicing owners should ensure they are using a fully approved service station for the brand of lifejacket owned. Authorised service centres will have access to the correct service manuals for your lifejacket and would have undergone all of the relevant product training.  These highly technical documents are a key tool for the lifejacket service engineer.

Not using an authorised service centre could potentially increase the risk of your lifejacket failing to perform at a critical moment.  Unauthorised service centres may not use genuine parts from your lifejacket manufacturer, and these may end up damaging your lifejacket – all lifejacket spare parts are not made equal.  If you do use a non-approved service station please note that this will not only invalidate your warranty and any liabilities, but crucially will leave you and your crew at serious risk.

 

Find Your Local Approved Service Station

Crewsaver Service Station Map
Click to see full map and find your nearest Service Station

REMEMBER: In addition to this annual service you should also be following the care and maintenance guidelines to make sure your lifejacket is action ready should the unexpected (but certainly possible!) happen. Checking your lifejacket before use should be second nature. It should be done every time you are going to be using it, and certainly before a long passage. Follow the care and maintenance guidelines in your user manual to see what you need to be looking out for!