How to Inspect an Inflatable Life Jacket
What to check on the label, cylinder, inflator, bladder, and status indicators before counting an inflatable as serviceable.
Confirm It Is Appropriate First
Read the Coast Guard approval label and the manufacturer's instructions. Inflatable designs have user, activity, and wear limitations that differ by model, and an inappropriate device does not become suitable because its cylinder is full.
Check the wearer against the label's size and use conditions. Fasten it as designed; loosely draping an inflatable over clothing is not the same as wearing it correctly.
Inspect The Inflation System
Verify that the cylinder is the correct type, properly installed, full, and undamaged. The Coast Guard states that all inflator status indicators must be green; otherwise the device is not serviceable and does not satisfy carriage requirements.
Check the manual pull handle and inflator for damage or obstruction. Automatic components, replacement intervals, and rearming procedures vary, so follow the instructions for the specific model.
Check The Fabric And Bladder
Look for tears, punctures, abrasion, corrosion, mildew, or separated seams. Confirm that the oral-inflation tube and cap are intact and that the cover closes as the manufacturer specifies.
Perform the manufacturer's leak or oral-inflation test on its schedule. Do not create a generic interval when the label and manual provide the model-specific procedure.
Rearm And Repack Correctly
After any inflation or failed inspection, use the correct rearming kit and repack the bladder according to the manual. A mismatched cylinder or incorrectly folded bladder can defeat the design.
Store the device dry and accessible, then inspect it again before the next trip. Keep a spare safety plan while a device is awaiting parts or service; do not count unavailable equipment in the required total.