An inflatable life jacket is a piece of high-tech safety equipment. Unlike foam jackets, these require regular “health checks” to ensure they will actually inflate when you need them.

In New Zealand, it is recommended to self-service your jacket at the start of every season and have it professionally serviced every 2 years (or as specified by the manufacturer).

1. The Visual Inspection

• Check the Outer Shell: Look for any fraying, tears, or heavy UV fading.
• Buckles & Straps: Ensure all buckles click securely and the webbing (straps) has no cuts or “fuzziness” that suggests it’s weakening.
• Reflective Tape & Whistle: Ensure the tape isn’t peeling and the whistle is still attached and working.

2. The Bladder Leak Test

This is the most critical step. You need to ensure the “lung” of the jacket holds air.

• Inflate Manually: Use the oral inflation tube (the red or clear straw) to blow up the jacket until it is firm.
• The 12-Hour Wait: Leave the jacket inflated in a room with a stable temperature for at least 12 hours.
• Check Firmness: If the jacket has lost pressure or feels soft the next day, the bladder is compromised and the jacket must be replaced or professionally repaired.
• Deflate: Invert the cap on the oral tube to depress the valve and squeeze out all the air before repacking.

3. The CO2 Cylinder Check

• Unscrew the Cylinder: Remove the metal gas canister.
• Check for Corrosion: If you see rust or “pitting” on the cylinder, replace it immediately. Corrosion can weaken the metal or block the firing pin.
• Check the Seal: Look at the top of the cylinder. If there is a hole, it has been fired and is empty. It must be replaced.
• The Weight Test: Every cylinder has a “Gross Weight” (GR.WT) stamped on the side. Weigh it on a digital kitchen scale; if it is more than 2 grams under the stamped weight, the gas has leaked and you need a new one.

4. Firing Mechanism & Sensors

• Check Expiry Dates: Automatic jackets have a “bobbin” or “cartridge” (often a small plastic transparent piece). Check the expiry date printed on it—if it’s expired, it may not trigger in water.
• Green Means Go: Most modern jackets have green plastic clips or indicators. If any part of the indicator is red, the system is not armed.

5. Repacking

• Follow the Folds: Always repack the bladder according to the manufacturer’s original fold lines. Never “roll” the bladder unless the instructions specifically say so, as this can prevent it from opening correctly.
• Toggle Access: Ensure the manual pull-cord (the “jerk to inflate” toggle) is hanging outside the cover and is easy to reach.