
In its January issue, our sister publication, Professional Mariner, reported that a crew member on a pilot boat perishing after falling overboard. Canadian authorities found that the crew member was wearing an inflatable life jacket but it didn’t inflate. Since we haven’t covered the topic of inflatable life jacket maintenance in a few years in Ocean Navigator, it’s worth revisiting.
An auto-inflating lifejacket malfunctioning can most often be blamed on one of two things: the actuator doesn’t work right, doesn’t fully engage the CO2 cartridge or the actuator is out of date.
If you have an inflatable life jacket, an annual inspection is always a good idea. Refer to the owner’s manual for proper maintenance and for automatic models, replace the CO2 cartridge every five years.
Initially, the U.S. Coast Guard classified inflatable life jackets as Type V Hybrid Inflatable Devices with performance levels equal to a Type I, II or III as noted on the label. They have since evolved to Type V – automatic inflation models.
According to an article on the Mustang Survival website that ran in November 2024, even if you’ve never inflated a life jacket, you may need to re-arm the device to ensure that it’s working properly because components expire.
Determining when to re-arm an automatic inflation jacket is based on the inflation system used. There are three basic types of automatic inflation systems used:
- Hammar Inflation Systems use a hydrostatic valve that reacts to water pressure.

- Halkey Roberts Inflation Systems have a water-activated bobbin that works on water contact.

- UML Inflation Systems have a water-activated capsule that works on contact.
The Hammar inflators expire on the last day of the calendar year printed on the inflator’s cap. The Halkey Roberts system has the month and day stamped on the bobbin. In addition to the date, look at the white material inside the bobbin. If you’re unsure of the expiration date, Halkey-Roberts recommends changing the bobbin on a recreational jacket every three years. It can break down depending on how the vest has been maintained and where it’s been used. In a moist, humid environment, the bobbin could degrade faster.
For recreational use, Mustang says an inflator cap should be replaced every two years or by the replace-by date. For commercial use, swap it out annually. For manual inflation systems, the CO2 canisters don’t expire, but inspect the cylinder to make sure it’s in good condition. Unscrew it to make sure the seal is intact. If it’s corroded, dented or rusted, replace the cylinder.
Some inflatable models have what’s called a “bayonet tip cylinder” that secures in the correct position with a one-eighth clockwise turn. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary said that it’s possible to achieve a false positive green indication by pushing the cylinder into the mechanism without turning it to a full stop. If the cylinder isn’t fully turned to secure it, the jacket won’t inflate.
When purchasing a life jacket rearming kit, make sure the kit is specified for your model pfd. Model numbers can be found on the inner side near the USCG approved statement. It’s particularly important to ensure that the correct capacity CO2 cartridge issued, especially when updating belt-pack style jackets.
With inflatable jackets, in addition to routine checks, inspect the air bladder and the automatic inflating components. The USCG doesn’t specific a maximum service life for inflatable jackets. One remains approved if it’s in “serviceable condition.” Obviously, that’s somewhat subjective, so if something looks tired or worn out, replace it.
There are inflatable life jackets for pets based on weight. When re-arming, make sure you get the properly sized cartridge. Otherwise, if it inflates with too much force, it could hurt the dog.