Safety Note

Published 13:22 on 18 Feb 2026

This Month's Focus: PFD and Buoyancy Aids

Key Points:

Checking buoyancy aid fit

Sold in several sizes from child to XXL, buoyancy aids need to be a snug fit to work properly. A simple test is to try lifting the jacket or vest at the shoulders. If it lifts more than 50mm (two inches) its too big. Buoyancy aids are not available for babies or children under 25kg. 

If your buoyancy aid has crotch straps, make sure that they are properly secured and not left loose or undone.

Checking your buoyancy aids condition

There are some simple checks that you can do to make sure your buoyancy aid is in good condition. Check that there are no rips in the fabric and that there none of the webbing straps are frayed. You should also check that zips work and that theres no damage to buckles or clips. 

Foam can compress and deteriorate over time. Feel around the buoyancy aid to check that no bits of foam have broken off. If the foam has become compressed, it may have lost buoyancy. If this is the case, its time to replace it. 

Checking your life jacket fit and condition

The lifejacket collar should be placed over your head and sit comfortably around your neck. Once the straps are free from any twists and tangles you can begin securing them in place with the clips. 

Once the clips are secure, your lifejacket should fit tightly but have enough space between your chest and the jacket to comfortably fit a fist. Next fasten the crotch straps, semi-tight, so you can still move comfortably. If you do end up in the water, the crotch strap can be further tightened to stop the lifejacket from riding up. 

Checking your lifejackets condition 

Throughout the season, check your lifejacket regularly for signs of damage to the bladder cover, webbing straps, stitching, clips and buckles. Also make sure any lifed parts are in date. If you notice any damage, get it looked at. 

Depending on the type of lifejacket (manual, automatic or hydrostatic) you wear, different components will need checking. 

Screw-in CO2 bottles can often work themselves loose and are a common cause of lifejacket failure. To prevent this, they should be checked for tightness regularly. Many lifejackets now have indicators showing the condition of bottle and trigger mechanisms. 

Make sure you check the CO2 bottle for corrosion. A heavily corroded bottle should always be replaced. Also check any material that has been in contact with a rough cylinder to make sure the fabric isn't damaged. CO2 bottles are not life' d and provided they are free from corrosion and weigh as much as the weight marked on them, they should be ok.

Its worth thinking about what you will do if your or another crew members lifejacket accidentally inflates. You should carry spare lifejackets or rearming kits, or both.  If you carry rearming kits make sure you know how to use them ahead of time. Its also important to repack lifejackets properly to ensure they work as intended.

Service your lifejacket regularly 

RNLI lifejacket clinics have found that 30% of lifejackets brought in for inspection would not have worked in an emergency. 

Regular servicing will help make sure that your lifejacket works when you need it. RYA, RNLI and MCA all advise servicing your lifejacket at the manufacturer recommended interval by an approved service station.  

For many professional and commercially used lifejackets, annual servicing is a legal requirement. 

Last updated 13:22 on 18 February 2026