TeamO FAQs

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Here you’ll find the answers to the most common questions about BackTow lifejackets, safety gear, orders, and using your kit on the water. Click on a question below to open up helpful information and practical tips, so you can spend less time searching and more time sailing. 

 

If your question isn't answered below, get in touch.

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. Du to regulations, we can't offer to make a custom one for you either. We are working on this though, so watch this space!

Are inflatable lifejackets safe for children? 

A number of brands do make inflatable lifejackets for children, and so they can be safe; but given the number of factors that could go wrong, we'd recommend thinking carefully about the child's individual situation. For younger children, or those that are less competent swimmers, a foam lifejacket may be more appropriate. The RYA offers great, detailed advice about buying lifejackets for children. Always ensure the lifejacket you choose for a child fits them now, rather than one they will grow into. 

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.

Can inflatable lifejackets inflate accidentally?

Yes, but it tends to be the case that they have been accidentally put into conditions that would normally trigger the firing mechanism, rather than the lifejacket itself being at fault.

 

Lifejackets with manual firing mechanisms in them will only inflate if the toggle has been pulled. So they will typically only inflate accidentally if the toggle has got caught on something. 

 

Lifejackets with ProSensor Elite firing mechanisms may inflate accidentally if they are stored in very wet and humid conditions, or if they have been accidentally exposed to water entering the mechanism from below - such as when you're washing your lifejacket, or in exceptionally heavy seas when spray or waves may hit from below. 

 

Lifejackets with Hammar firing heads are less likely to fire accidentally - unless they are dropped into water that leaves the firing head to 10cm (4 inches) under water. Accidentally dropping your lifejacket into water this deep could trigger your lifejacket to fire automatically. 

 

For lifejackets with all types of firing heads, old or expired cartridges are more likely to inflate the lifejacket accidentally. Check it regularly and ensure you replace before the expiry date to avoid accidental inflation.

Can you reuse an inflatable lifejacket after deployment?

Yes, absolutely. To be able to use your lifejacket after it has been deployed, you'll need to rearm it correctly, and fit a new arming kit. You can find repacking and rearming guides for TeamO lifejackets on our user manuals page. Ensure you follow the instructions for your specific model of lifejacket carefully. 

Do inflatable lifejackets work if you're unconscious?

It depends on whether you're wearing an inflatable lifejacket with a manual inflation mechanism, or with an automatic inflation mechanism. 

 

Starting with the easy one - a well-maintained lifejacket with an automatic inflation system should turn you over and maintain your airway, even if you are unconscious when you enter the water. 

 

Inflatable lifejackets with a manual firing mechanism need you to be conscious to pull the toggle and inflate the lifejacket. So if you are unconscious when you enter the water or are otherwise unable to pull the toggle, your lifejacket won't inflate as you need it to. This is why we recommend lifejackets with automatic firing mechanisms - either ProSensor or Hammar - over manual. 

Are inflatable lifejackets safe for non-swimmers?

This question depends on the circumstances. A well maintained inflatable lifejacket with an automatic firing head will keep a non-swimmer afloat once it has been deployed; but this is in perfect conditions. If an inflatable lifejacket fails to inflate due to an expired cartridge or otherwise, the person in the water won't get any buoyancy at all from it. 

 

We'd absolutely never recommend an inflatable lifejacket with a manual firing head to a non-swimmer. The toggle needs to be pulled to fire the mechanism in a manual lifejacket, and typically non-swimmers will tend to panic if they fall into water accidentally; they may not have the presence of mind to pull the cord or remain calm while the lifejacket inflates.

 

With so many "what if" scenarios, non-swimmers may prefer to wear a traditional foam lifejacket. 

 

It is also important to note that there are no guarantees when it comes to safety at sea. A non-swimmer that enters the water wearing an inflatable lifejacket in calm waters and where visibility is good, close to help will have a different experience to one who is in rough seas. 

What happens if an inflatable lifejacket doesn't inflate?

There's a number of things that you can do if your inflatable lifejacket doesn't inflate. Firstly, you'll need to remember not to panic - which is easier said than done in a scary overboard situation. Then, pull the manual inflation cord. This should bypass the water sensor and inflate the bladder. If this doesn't work, use the oral inflation tube. The one-way valve traps air in the bladder, and just 2-4 breaths will help to generate enough buoyancy to keep you afloat. 

 

If the bladder has been compromised and won't hold any air, then you need to float to live, as the RNLI advises. It is well worth reading their campaign, and knowing how your body floats best - practicing in a safe swimming pool will help you be prepared if you need to float in an emergency situation. 

Can you wear an inflatable lifejacket under waterproofs?

Absolutely not. Your inflatable lifejacket should always be the outermost layer. There are several factors at play here: 

 

When the lifejacket inflates with intense pressure, you may find it hard (or impossible) to breathe, or at worst, it may fracture a rib if it is trapped inside a tight fitting waterproof jacket. 

 

If the jacket holds against the force of expansion, then the lifejacket bladder may burst - or may not inflate enough to keep your head above water. 

 

Air may be trapped inside your waterproof coat, and if your lifejacket is also inside your coat, you may be forced into a position that makes it hard to breathe in - in some cases, you may be forced face down. 

 

If your lifejacket is inside your waterproof coat and it is zipped up, you won't be able to access the manual pull cord, or the oral inflation tube - so if the lifejacket doesn't inflate automatically, it will be extremely difficult to access these, especially in cold water. 

 

The only exception is if you're using a purpose-made integrated lifejacket jacket. Unless your coat is a combined jacket/lifejacket system, always put your waterproofs on first, then fasten your lifejacket properly over the top. 

For any questions we've not answered here, please get in touch by email at info@teamomarine.com and we'll let you know the answer.