Looking after your lifejacket
Lifejackets need care and maintenance. Inflatable models must be serviced regularly to ensure they work when needed. Here’s what you need to know.
Cleaning and storing lifejackets
Lifejackets are exposed to heat, sun and salt, which means they damage easily. Look after your lifejackets by:
- rinsing off salt with fresh water and checking for damage after use
- storing lifejackets in a dry, well-ventilated area out of sunlight
- not using your lifejackets as cushions or fenders (bumpers)
- keeping lifejackets away from oil and fuel
- removing new lifejackets from their plastic wrapping before storing.
Checking foam lifejackets
Make sure your foam lifejacket is in good shape by checking it before heading out on the water. If a foam lifejacket is damaged it may not keep you afloat risking your life.
- Check the straps for any fraying or wear
- Check for any damage to the foam or covering
- Ideally try it out in water in a controlled environment like a pool. Try floating on your back to see if it keeps you afloat.
- Best practice is to replace lifejackets every 10 years – if it is showing an older standard such as AS 1512, AS 1499 or AS 2260 it is likely to be older than ten years. Look at upgrading to the new standard AS 4758 lifejacket now.
- Remember from 1 January 2025 lifejackets that meet older Australian Standards AS 1512, AS 1499 and AS 2260 will no longer be acceptable in South Australia.
This lifejacket is damaged so should not be used
Checking and cleaning inflatable lifejackets
Inflatable lifejackets need extra care. An inflatable lifejacket can only help you if it's in working order. If it's not, you or one of your passengers could drown. Check your lifejacket before wearing and service it regularly in line with manufacturers instructions. Marine Safety SA recommends servicing your inflatable lifejacket at least once a year and after every inflation.
Check before wearing
First, check there are no visible signs of general wear and tear. Next, check that the CO2 cylinder is not pierced and is screwed in firmly (hand tight).
If you have an auto-inflating lifejacket, check the auto-inflation cartridge is hand tight and that it's still in date. Cartridges must be replaced by the expiry date shown.
Finally, check the pull cord is free and ready to use.
Cleaning after use
After use, remove the cartridge and rinse the lifejacket with fresh water. Dry the lifejacket and reconnect the cartridge before storing.
Servicing inflatable lifejackets
A regular service makes sure the bladder, inflation mechanism and CO2 cylinder are in good working order. You should service your lifejacket regularly in line with manufacturer’s instructions or outsource the servicing to a store or service centre. Find a service centre or store near you. Marine Safety SA recommends servicing your inflatable lifejacket at least once a year and after every inflation.
If you cannot remember when your lifejacket was last serviced, we recommend you get it serviced straight away. Keep receipts and certificates as evidence of servicing by a service centre or store. You must also keep a record of the date your lifejacket was serviced by a service centre or store or when you have self-serviced it. There is generally a spot to write down the service date on the inside of your lifejacket.
You must show the service record on the inside of your lifejacket if asked by a South Australian Marine Safety authorised officer or police.
Watch this video to hear how to look after your lifejacket: Life Jacket Safety - YouTube.
How to self-service inflatable lifejackets
You can self-service a lifejacket by following the manufacturer's instructions or outsource the servicing to a store or service centre. Find a service centre or store near you. Servicing instructions are either supplied with the new lifejacket, printed on the lifejacket itself, or available on the manufacturer's website. Marine Safety SA recommends servicing your inflatable lifejacket at least once a year and after every inflation. The following steps are general in nature and act as a guide to assist you servicing your inflatable lifejacket. Please ensure you follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of the lifejacket being serviced.
Step 1 - Check for visible signs of wear and damage
Make sure all fastenings and buckles are in good working order.
Check all fastenings are working
Step 2 - Inflate the bladder and check for pressure loss
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, reveal the inflation system and oral inflation tube. Inflate the bladder using the oral inflation tube and leave overnight. If the bladder loses pressure overnight, take the lifejacket to an accredited service agent. Do not repair it yourself.
Inflate the bladder with air to check it does not lose pressure
Step 3 - Deflate the bladder
Deflate the bladder by inverting the cap on the oral inflation tube and pressing down on the valve inside the tube. Do not insert anything into the top of the tube as it may damage the valve. Roll or press the lifejacket to deflate it fully.
After you’ve checked the bladder, deflate it using the cap on the tube
Step 4 - Remove and inspect the CO2 cylinder
It should not be rusted or corroded. Weigh the cylinder on scales – it should be the minimum gross weight shown on the cylinder, or within two grams. While the cylinder is removed, test that the pull cord and firing pin are functional.
If the cylinder is rusted, corroded, has been pierced or is not the correct weight, it should be replaced.
On auto-inflating lifejackets, make sure all auto components are armed (ready for use) and not expired. Refit the cylinder to the inflation system and tighten it by hand until just firm.
Remove the cylinder to check its weight and condition
Step 5 - Repack the lifejacket
Repack the lifejacket as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the pull cord is free, accessible and unlikely to catch on anything when worn.
When you repack the lifejacket, make sure the pull cord is accessible
Step 6 - Record the date
Record the date when your lifejacket was serviced on the inside of your lifejacket.