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Inflatable or foam, there's nothing eternal about lifejackets. Material wear, storage conditions or the simple passage of time can alter their reliability. For automatic lifejackets, servicing is essential, but not limited to a visual inspection.
A lifetime governed by strict rules
Ten years: this is the maximum recommended lifespan for an inflatable lifejacket, according to the recommendations of the FSR (German Association of Marine Safety Equipment Manufacturers). The reason for this limit is simple: coated fabrics, seams, strikers and floats age, even without use. Beyond that point, manufacturers can no longer guarantee product integrity.
Biennial inspection: an obligation for responsible sailors
Over the period of use, automatic vests must be inspected every two years. This frequency is increased to one year from the ninth year, and only the manufacturer is authorized to carry out overhauls after ten years. These inspections are marked by an FSR-service sticker affixed to the vest. The sticker indicates the month and year of the next service.
On board, this visible trace is often requested during safety inspections, particularly in offshore sailing programs or yacht races. If you forget, you may not be allowed to set sail.
What you can check for yourself, without making a mistake
Before each boarding, the boater can (and should) check several points: the straps for signs of wear, the condition of the outer fabric, the position of the CO2 cartridge, and the expiration date of the automatic trigger. For the most meticulous, the cartridge can be weighed to ensure that it has not been punctured.
It's also useful to check that the vest inflates properly in the mouth and remains inflated for several hours. This test can be carried out dry, provided the float is properly dried afterwards.
But beware: this check-up does not replace a real overhaul.
What only professionals can guarantee
Unlike a simple visual inspection, a Secumar-approved overhaul includes technical operations: sixteen-hour leak test, immersion firing pin check, change of seals and cellulose pellet, check of seams and neck, cartridge weighing, and ISO 9001-compliant documentation. Nothing an amateur can't do properly.
It's also an opportunity to detect micro-defects invisible to the naked eye, which would be critical in the event of a trigger. The station also updates optional elements (fire, hood, etc.). Last but not least, repackaging with the validity label avoids any dispute during an inspection at sea.
In a nutshell
A lifejacket is not a passive accessory. It's a piece of technical safety equipment, with a defined lifespan and maintenance obligations. Knowing what you can do yourself gives you peace of mind, but there's no substitute for servicing by a trained professional, especially for inflatable models. The price of an overhaul is modest compared with the cost of a breakdown at sea.
