From understanding the technology to maintaining your lifejacket, find everything you need to know about TeamO in one place. 

Watch product demonstrations, rearming guides, safety tips, and more.

BackTow Technology

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What is BackTow Technology? 

BackTow is a simple concept; a harness that tows you backwards through the water instead of forwards.

 

All conventional lifejacket harnesses have a fixed attachment point on the front of the jacket. This can be clipped to a safety line to ensure that the user is kept (ideally on) but at least with the boat if they fall over. With the harness point attached at the front a user in the water is dragged in a forward facing position by their safety line as shown below.

 

This forward facing position makes breathing and self recovery almost impossible as the casualty is buffeted by the torrent of oncoming water. Even at speeds as low as 4kts tests have shown that breathing can become impossible and the chances of secondary drowning are significantly increased. By towing a person in a backwards position the face is turned away from the oncoming water, greatly improving the chances of survival. Now in a stable BackTow position with the head clear of the water, the need for a instant recovery is reduced buying precious seconds for those on the boat.   

What inspired BackTow? 

TeamO was founded after a fatal UK accident exposed flaws in traditional safety harnesses, which drag users face-down and make recovery almost impossible.  
 

After four years of design, testing, and patenting, the BackTow lifejacket harness launched in 2017 with ISO approval. It quickly earned innovation awards and industry acclaim. Today, BackTow leads harness technology, offering a proven solution for safer recovery from moving vessels.

How Does BackTow Work?

BackTow is a simple concept: it tows you backwards through the water instead of forwards.  

 

Conventional harnesses clip at the front, dragging users face-first and making breathing or recovery almost impossible, even at 4kts. BackTow reverses this, pulling you backwards with your face clear of the water, improving stability and survival time.

 

In normal use, the BackTow lifejacket looks and functions like any other. You clip your safety line to the front attachment as usual.  
 

If you fall into the water, the jacket inflates automatically (or manually) and exposes the BackTow handle near the oral tube. Pulling this handle transfers the tow point over your shoulder into the BackTow position, forming a strong A-frame behind your head that doubles as a recovery strop for lifting you safely from the water.

See BackTow in Action

How To Video Guides

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Re-Arming Guides - Offshore 170N Pro-Sensor Elite

Learn how to repack your TeamO Offshore 170N Pro-Sensor Elite lifejacket - we cover everything from changing the bottle and cartridge, flaking and securing the cover, as well as re-arming the BackTow.

Re-Arming Guides - Ocean 275N

Learn how to repack your TeamO Ocean 275N lifejacket - we cover everything from changing the bottle and cartridge, flaking and securing the cover, as well as re-arming the BackTow.

Re-Arming Guides - Micro 170N Automatic

Learn how to repack your TeamO Micro 170N Automatic lifejacket - we cover everything from changing the bottle and cartridge, flaking and securing the cover, as well as re-arming the BackTow.

Re-Arming Guides - Coastal 170N Automatic

Learn how to repack your TeamO Coastal 170N Automatic lifejacket - we cover everything from changing the bottle and cartridge, flaking and securing the cover, as well as re-arming the BackTow.

Re-Arming Guides - Offshore 170N Hammar Mk3

Learn how to repack your TeamO Offshore 170N Hammar Mk3 lifejacket - we cover everything from changing the bottle and cartridge, flaking and securing the cover, as well as re-arming the BackTow.

Re-Arming Guides - BackTow Harness Release System

Learn how to repack your TeamO BackTow Harness Release mechanism. It might look complicated, but it really isn't!

Fitting Crotch Strap Extensions

Discover how to fit TeamO's crotch strap extensions for all dog bone style crotch straps.

TeamO Lifejacket User Manuals

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Ocean 275N BackTow Lifejacket

Click to download and print the User Manual, or simply view below.

Offshore 170N BackTow Lifejacket

Click to download and print the User Manual, or simply view below.

Coastal 170N BackTow Lifejacket

Click to download and print the User Manual, or simply view below.

Micro 170N Automatic Lifejacket

Click to download and print the User Manual, or simply view below.

FAQs

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What is the difference between a 170N and a 275N lifejacket?

People often ask us if they should make their lifejacket choice based on their body weight, but in reality it is more to do with the type of sailing you are planning. For overnight sailing, offshore weekend racing, coastal passages and cruising etc the 170N will be suitable for the majority of sailors. If you are heading off to do deep ocean crossings or sailing in very cold climates, we would recommend you consider the 275N lifejacket.

 

Both sizes of jacket are ISO approved, and they both are supplied within the same cover (this means that they are both the same size) It is what is inside the lifejacket that is different:

 

The 170N lifejacket has a bladder inside that will inflate automatically upon submersion (unless you have a Manual jacket system, in which case you must pull the yellow toggle to inflate your lifejacket) and it will provide 170N worth of buoyancy in the water. It uses a 38g CO2 cylinder for inflation. This will turn the wearer face-up if they are floating free in the water. It is approved for use in inshore and offshore sailing, worn in combination with foul weather clothing. It is suitable for use in all but the most severe conditions.

 

The 275N lifejacket has a larger bladder inside and requires a larger (60g) Co2 bottle to inflate it. It will also inflate automatically upon submersion in water. It is intended primarily for offshore use in extreme conditions. It is also useful for sailors in very cold climates where you may be wearing extra clothing that could trap air around the body and adversely affect the self-righting capability of a smaller jacket.

Which TeamO lifejacket is right for me?

The TeamO Lifejacket range is named after the type of sailing the lifejacket is most suited for:

 

The Ocean Lifejacket with BackTow Deckharness - This is our highest spec lifejacket deckharness which comes with all of the premium safety features for a lifejacket that will be worn in extreme weather conditions. This 275N lifejacket is designed for sailors doing deep ocean or trans-ocean sailing and can be worn in combination with survival suits or foul weather gear and for people who may be carrying heavy tools or equipment on their person. 

 

If you're sailing across the Atlantic, doing the Sydney-Hobart, the Cape 2 Rio Race, the Rolex Fastnet Race or other long distance sailing and racing, this may be for you.

 

The Offshore Lifejacket with BackTow Deckharness - This lifejacket deckharness has the same high spec as the Ocean model, but offers 170N of buoyancy instead of the larger size seen in the Ocean lifejacket. This is suitable for sailors undertaking offshore sailing and racing, and is suitable for use in extreme weather conditions in combination with survival suits or foul weather gear. 

 

If you are planning to a Rolex Fastnet campaign, undertaking weekend offshore races, doing the Rolex South China Sea Race, racing a Figaro or running a Mini TransAt campaign, this lifejacket may be the best choice for you.

 

The Coastal Lifejacket with BackTow DeckHarness - We introduced this lifejacket for the 2021 sailing season, for customers want the BackTow technology but do not need all of the extra safety features as they are only intending to undertake short offshore journeys such as an overnight passage or shorter weekend offshore race. The Coastal lifejacket does not include a Sprayhood or SOLAS light as standard features, which allows us to offer the BackTow system at a more pocket-friendly price. It is possible to retrofit those items later to upgrade your lifejacket to the full Offshore spec. 

 

The Micro Lifejacket - Launched in Spring 2021, the Micro lifejacket is the smallest, lightest lifejacket available on the market (as tested against the 5 leading lifejacket brands in the UK). This is designed for day sailors, sportsboat teams, power boats, SUP paddle boarders and fishing/anglers. It's so light you barely feel you are wearing it, and it is low profile so it will not get in your way or impede movement. 

 

The Inshore Lifejacket - Coming soon! A simple lifejacket for day sailors - ideal for beginners just getting started in sailing who need a reliable lifejacket, but do not need a deckharness yet.

How does a TeamO lifejacket inflate? Which are the different inflation systems offered?

Offshore Lifejacket and Ocean Lifejacket 

 

Manual: the wearer must manually pull the handle to inflate the lifejacket. 

 

Automatic: there are two options to choose from.

 

Option 1: ProSensor Elite: The ProSensor Elite firing head works using a water activated system. A compressed paper capsule is contained within the firing head. When it becomes wet it dissolves and releases a spring which fires the CO2 cylinder and inflates your lifejacket. The firing head is designed so that water must travel upwards inside the unit to dissolve the paper pellet. It is then also protected by the lifejacket cover. This means that spray and rain will not cause accidental inflation.

 

Option 2: Hammar: The Hammar inflation system works by using water pressure to release a spring and inflate the lifejacket. Unlike the Pro-Sensor described above, the Hammar firing head requires immersion in water to activate - the cap needs to be approximately 10cm underwater to achieve enough water pressure to activate the unit. 

 

The Hammar system is intended for use in more extreme sailing conditions and is therefore often favored by sailors doing offshore sailing as it is less likely to inflate accidentally in weather when there is a lot of water and spray washing over the deck. 

 

Coastal Lifejacket

 

Manual: the wearer must manually pull the handle to inflate the lifejacket. 

 

Automatic: Mark 5i. Please see description above about the Mark5i unit functionality. 

 

Micro Lifejacket:

 

Manual: the wearer must manually pull the handle to inflate the lifejacket. 

 

Automatic: Mark 5i. This inflation system works on the 'paper pellet' system (a coil of paper inside the unit dissolves when submerged in water, triggering the inflation system within 3 seconds of getting wet). The Mark 5i firing head requires a 38g CO2 cylinder and is widely available at most chandleries. 

Do you make children's inflatable lifejackets? 

We get this request a lot - and unfortunately, we can't at the moment. Children's lifejackets require special ISO certification to ensure the lifejacket design takes into account their height and weight. We can't offer to make a custom one for you either. We are working on this though, so watch this space!

Do you make lifejackets for dogs? 

Unfortunately we cannot make dog lifejackets. Because dogs' sizes and shapes vary so widely, creating a lifejacket that fits properly whilst still providing in-water performance and comfort for your pet is not easy to get right.

 

Oscar and a number of the TeamO Marine management have dogs, and we understand the need to keep pets safe around water. 

 

This is a design project TeamO hopes to take on in the future - when we have a spare minute!

Can you ship to my country?

Yes, we can! You can find all the delivery information you need on our Shipping page. 

Can I fly with my TeamO lifejacket?

Yes, you can. Our Flying guide has everything you need to know, including documents you can download to help you get to your destination without a hitch. 

What certification do TeamO lifejackets have?

TeamO lifejackets are approved to the ISO12401 and ISO12402 standards, which cover lifejackets and deckharnesses. They also carry the CE mark, which means that TeamO lifejackets meet all of the requirements of the relevant recognised European harmonised performance and safety standards. 


TeamO lifejackets have not yet been tested under the USCG certification system but this is something that we are planning to do as soon as possible.

How do I know when to service my lifejacket?

Most TeamO lifejackets will require annual servicing. However, it depends on how often you're using your TeamO lifejacket, how often it is inflated, and if you encounter any issues with your lifejacket - you may need to service your lifejacket more frequently. 

 

The easiest way to know when your lifejacket is due a service is to register your lifejacket with us. Doing so means we will send you email reminders when your servicing is due - so you'll never miss a service, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that our experts have carried out all the relevant checks, and replaced any worn parts, to ensure your lifejacket is functioning correctly. 

What if I need to make a warranty claim?

TeamO products are made to a very high standard, and so we tend to receive very few warranty claims. However, should you need to contact us about a problem with your lifejacket under the terms of our Warranty, then please complete our Warranty Claims form. If you encounter any issues, or are unable to complete the form for any reason, then please get in touch on info@teamomarine.com or call us on +44 (0)4189 776000.