Lifejacket Service Checklist: Don't Risk RNLI Stats

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To most of us, wearing a lifejacket just makes sense. We clip it on when we get on the boat, and head out, assuming it’ll deploy if we need it. But that complacency strikes even veteran sailors, turning trusted gear into false security when maintenance slips.

 

In the summer of 2025, three experienced sailors were rescued by the RNLI. When their boat capsized, they were lucky as the incident happened where it could be seen by the lifeboat station at Salcombe. The RNLI sprang into action to rescue them, and when they inspected the lifejackets on shore, two of the three lifejackets didn’t work – one because it had no gas in the cylinder. 

 

This shouldn’t happen – but unfortunately, this story isn’t a one-off example of poor lifejacket maintenance. The RNLI in the South West checked 803 lifejackets in 2024, and 523 had faults, and that’s just in that area – similar numbers are reported nationwide. 

 

As we’re heading towards spring and we’re all planning for race events and those first glorious days on the water, we thought we’d highlight the importance of checking your lifejacket, and why you should get your lifejacket professionally serviced each year. 

how often should you check your lifejacket? 

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You should do a quick self-check it every time you put your lifejacket on. When you buy a lifejacket, get to know it; including how to repack and rearm it, and make sure you have replacement firing heads. Bookmark, or download the user manual onto your phone, in case it is deployed when you’re out and about and need to jog your memory. 

 

Once a month (or more), you should check:

 

  • The outer cover and webbing for any tears or UV degradation – frayed straps can fail under load, potentially causing issues during rescue.
  • The firing head is tight and free of any corrosion.
  • The indicator or oral inflation valve shows green, or holds air for 24 hours.

 

Once a year, you should get your lifejacket professionally serviced. This is essential to ensure it will deploy when you need it to, but also for compliance with many racing regulations – so don’t leave annual servicing to the last minute if you’re planning race entries this year!

where can you get replacement firing heads for lifejackets?

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Stock up on replacement firing heads from your lifejacket manufacturer – they produce model-specific ones ensuring perfect compatibility, available via their website or direct order. Many chandleries will carry the most common types, but don't assume you will always be able to get them - think ahead. 

 

Always match "like with like" (check your manual's part number) or follow manufacturer guidance for switches – mismatches risk non-deployment.

When Do PLBs & EPIRBs Need Checking & Replacing?

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You should do a basic self-test monthly to ensure it is working, without draining the main battery. The user manual will have instructions on how to complete the self-test properly. 

 

Ensure you know when the battery is due to expire (typically around 5-7 years, depending on make and model) and replace it ahead of the expiry date. 

 

If you’ve activated your PLB, ensure you get it serviced and the battery tested or replaced. This will ensure it will provide the full capacity of operation in a future emergency. 

 

It is not recommended to service PLBs yourself – home servicing won’t maintain the waterproof integrity, or regulatory compliance. 

 

Replace your PLB if it has been damaged, shows signs of physical damage that could compromise the waterproof seal, or electronics. The manufacturer will also recommend when to replace the device, but it is worth replacing it sooner, especially if you’re heading out on a lengthy voyage, or you’ve a busy sailing season when replacing it might get forgotten. 

 

Don’t forget to register your PLB or EPIRB with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, (or appropriate authority in your country) and update your registration when any details change. 

how often should you get your lifejacket professionally serviced?

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We recommend that the majority of leisure users that are going out occasionally with their TeamO lifejackets have servicing done every two years. 

 

For heavier use, or anyone who is commercial, you need servicing at least once a year. Regular professional servicing includes: 

 

  • 24-hour inflation test: Confirms no leaks under pressure.
  • CO2 cylinder check: Weighs for full charge; swaps dented units.
  • Firing head/capsule inspection: Cleans, tests auto/manual triggers.
  • Light/battery function: Verifies strobe activation/expiry.
  • Wear/tear assessment: Replaces frayed webbing, bladder patches.

 

DIY checks miss many of these – so get your servicing booked during the winter months. 

 

See what Oscar has to say about lifejacket servicing in this short video!

What's The Difference Between DIY Checks & Professional Servicing?

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DIY catches visuals (tears, green indicators, 24-hour oral inflation hold) but misses pressure faults that only hydrostatic testers can reveal. Professionals can also check fabric integrity, replace expired parts, and certify compliance – which is essential for RORC offshore regs. Skip professional servicing, and like those in the story from the RNLI, you're gambling – even if you’re not going far offshore. 

where can i get my lifejacket professionally serviced?

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Many lifejacket manufacturers offer in-house servicing – TeamO does for lifejackets bought from us. You don’t even need to live near our Southampton base to drop it off, as you can ship it to us and we’ll ship it back. 

 

There are plenty of approved testing centres for lifejackets worldwide. In the UK, approved service stations for International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)-standard inflatable life-saving appliances (LSAs) can be found on the government website. 

 

Servicing slots fill up early, and if you leave it as late as March, you may end up needing to wait – so book in as soon as you can. 

where can i get advice about my lifejacket?

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When it comes to TeamO lifejackets, we’re happy to help! We’ve provided rearming guides and repacking guides, but if you have a question that we’ve not covered on the website then you can email us or call us for personalised help on servicing, compatibility, and troubleshooting. 

 

If your lifejacket is a different brand, then contacting the manufacturer or the chandlery that you got it from would be the first thing to do, as they may have recommended servicing locations. 

 

If that’s not possible, then the RNLI offers advice at local lifeboat stations – contact them to find out when they are offering checks and advice. 

 

You can also find advice in community forums – search "[your brand] lifejacket advice UK" – just be aware that not everyone who comments will be a pro, so tread carefully when considering advice on them. 

 

Smooth sailing starts with well-maintained kit. All set? Happy sailing. 

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