Q. How often should I get my lifejacket serviced

A. Crewsaver advises that all lifejackets must be serviced annually at an approved service station. It is recommended that you contact the service station direct to arrange the service of your lifejackets. CLICK HERE to find your nearest service station.

DID YOU KNOW…

In 2014, the 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

Q. In addition to getting my lifejacket serviced, is there any other recommended checks that I should be doing?

A. Yes, your lifejacket is an important item of technical safety equipment. The working life of the lifejacket will be prolonged by following the care and maintenance guidelines highlighted in your user manual. If you’re not confident in how to do any of the checks or suspect your lifejacket may be damaged, then please refer to your closest Crewsaver approved service station for advice.

• Regularly check the firing mechanism is in good working order and that all components are securely tightened, in-date and ready for action.
• Ensure manual toggle (found on all gas inflatable lifejackets) is accessible
• Periodically check all fabrics, webbings and buckles for signs of fatigue or damage
• Periodically leak test the lifejacket’s bladder and oral inflation valve

Q. How do I know that my CO2 gas cylinder is safe to use?

A. Ensure there is no corrosion on the thread or main body of the cylinder. There is minimum weight stamped on the cylinder, as long as the cylinder weighs at least this, it is fine. Just as importantly please check that the correct gas charge is used, the size will be marked on the bladder next to the firing mechanism.

Q. How do I remove my CO2 gas cylinder from my Hammar lifejacket?

A. There is no need to remove the Hammar head to inspect the gas cylinder unless you know that the lifejacket has inflated, the expiry date of the head has been reached or there has potentially been other damage caused. It is recommended to check the CO2 cylinder is fully secured into the backplate, this can be done by placing your hand around the firing mechanism and feeling the cylinder through the bladder fabric. Should you need to replace a Hammar head, the rearming kit comes with a key which unlocks the mechanism. You can then remove the unit from the lifejacket which will also include the CO2 cylinder. The rearming kit or replacement mechanism will be packaged with further instructions on how to rearm the lifejacket.

Q. When to replace a capsule?

A. The capsule should be replaced per the date shown on the capsule or if it has been fired.

Q. What are the torque settings for my replacement CO2 gas cylinder

A. Put a cloth over the operating mechanism and firmly screw the cylinder in by hand.

Q. My auto capsule doesn't fit my Automatic Head?

A. If your auto capsule does not fit the firing it head, it would suggest that an incorrect capsule has been selected. To ascertain this, you need to find out the serial number of your lifejacket which is normally located on the servicing label that is attached to the lifejacket. If it starts with an ‘L’ then the capsule you need will be black. If the serial numbers starts with ‘0-9’ or ‘R’ the capsule should be blue.

Q. How do I remove my CO2 gas cylinder from my Hammar lifejacket?

A. There is no need to remove the Hammar head to inspect the gas cylinder unless you know that the lifejacket has inflated, the expiry date of the head has been reached or there has potentially been other damage caused. It is recommended to check the CO2 cylinder is fully secured into the backplate, this can be done by placing your hand around the firing mechanism and feeling the cylinder through the bladder fabric. Should you need to replace a Hammar head, the rearming kit comes with a key which unlocks the mechanism. You can then remove the unit from the lifejacket which will also include the CO2 cylinder. The rearming kit or replacement mechanism will be packaged with further instructions on how to rearm the lifejacket.

Q. When to replace a capsule

A. The capsule should be replaced per the date shown on the capsule or if it has been fired.

Q. What does it mean to be #LifejacketSafe?

A. Crewsaver is determined to bring about change in people’s attitudes towards lifejacket safety, not wearing a lifejacket in the most extreme cases can be fatal; equally wearing a lifejacket that has not been looked after correctly or is not fit for purpose can also be very damaging. Often boaters are spotted out on the water either not wearing a lifejacket at all, wearing a damaged lifejacket or one that is incorrectly fitted.

The #LifejacketSafe campaign aims to increase safety awareness by highlighting the importance of not only wearing a personal flotation device, but also making sure it is worn correctly and is well maintained. So, if the worst should happen, you are well equipped and can rest assured that your safety equipment is not going to let you down. Answer the following questions to gauge whether you are #LifejacketSafe.

Do you…

• Wear a lifejacket and wear it correctly?
• Get your lifejacket serviced annually?
• Wear the right lifejacket for your activity?
• Follow care and maintenance guidelines?

TOP TIP: All Crewsaver lifejackets come with a user manual. It is highly recommended to familiarise yourself with its contents and keep it somewhere accessible for it to be referenced when needed. Contents include handy top tips, how-to guides and instructions into how to keep your lifejacket action ready.

Can’t find what you need?  Follow Crewsaver on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for weekly #LifejacketSafe top tips. Alternatively, please contact crewsaver.sales@survitecgroup.com and we will endeavour to assist with your enquiry as soon as possible.