Facts about Inflatable Life Jackets

• Unlike an inherently buoyant (foam type) life jacket, an inflatable life jacket will not provide buoyancy until it is inflated. This imposes a higher level of responsibility on the user. Careful inspection before each use is essential to ensure all components are in good condition and will operate faultlessly.
• Newton buoyancy relates to the upward force provided by the life jacket in the water. 10 Newtons are equal to about 1kg. of buoyancy, so a 100 Newton life jacket provides about 10kg. of upward force to the wearer. The higher the Newton number, the higher the buoyancy rating.
• Most manufactures suggest that a well maintained inflatable life jacket is capable of up to ten years of reliable service. Naturally this depends on the nature and frequency of use, but generally after that time, replacement is suggested and the old life jacket should be destroyed.
• Most inflatable life jackets are constructed with internal membranes (buoyancy bladders) manufactured from high strength polyurethane film that are capable of receiving in excess of 3 times the jacket’s design operating pressure.

In the unlikely event of damage or puncture to the membrane (buoyancy bladder), it cannot be repaired and the life jacket must be withdrawn from service.  

Care & Operation

• The jacket must be deflated to fit properly. If the jacket is inflated, deflate by reversing the oral inflation tube cap and pressing against the valve in the oral tube until the jacket is deflated. Then put on as a regular jacket.
• Always close buckles and adjust the waist belt to fit the wearer as tightly as possible.
• With automatic life jackets, the jacket will inflate when fully immersed in water. Should the jacket fail to inflate automatically, pull the toggle to inflate via the gas cylinder.
• Manual life jackets are inflated by pulling the toggle when required.
• With either automatic or manual life jackets, should the jacket fail to inflate from its gas cylinder, or you need to top-up the jacket, inflate using the oral inflation tube.
• DO NOT inflate orally and then inflate using the gas cylinder.
• Gas cylinder should be checked or replaced every year after purchase.

Before Each Use

• Ensure all crewmembers are aware of how the life jacket operates, including manual activation.
• Check the signal indicator status is displaying green.
• Check the correct CO2 cylinder type and size is fitted.
• Check the CO2 Cylinder is secured hand tight.
• Check the manual firing pull tab is accessible
• Check the lever is retained in place.
• Check the automatic firing cartridge is within the expiry date printed on it.

Ensure the jacket fits correctly and is suitable for the conditions and individual wearing it.

Some state marine authorities and boating organisations require life rafts for commercial vessels under survey requirements and yachts engaged in racing to be serviced annually, bi-annually or at specified regular intervals. Great Circle Life Rafts will be pleased to advise you of your servicing requirements in these instances

Inflation Systems

Manual Operation

Inflation of the jacket is by pulling the manual inflation tag which activates a pressurised CO2 cylinder. A backup oral tube inflator is a standard component if the CO2 inflation system fails. A manual inflation system will NOT deploy if the wearer is unconscious or unable to pull the inflation tag.

Standard Automatic Operation

The jacket inflates automatically on contact with water. A backup oral tube inflator is a standard component if the CO2 inflation system fails. Virtually all lower cost inflatable life jackets use various forms of this type of moisture sensitive operating head. Beware however; the jacket can be inadvertently inflated in wet conditions including heavy humidity, rain, splashes or heavy spray of water on deck. Preferred usage is for power boating and coastal sailing and racing when there is some degree of protection from the elements.

HAMMAR Automatic Operation

Instructions for Care

• Rinse jacket in fresh water after each use. Hand wash in soapy water if soiled to remove any oil or dirt. Drip dry away from direct heat. DO NOT tumble dry.

Store in dry airy conditions.