faqs lifejackets

A lifejacket is a personal flotation device (PFDs) and found in the Personal Lifesaving Appliances (LSA) section of the Survitec marine and energy categories. There are various types of lifejacket on the market, each with specific features aimed at different applications. Our expert designers work closely with a wide range of professional organisations to refine every aspect of lifejacket design and construction. As a result all our lifejackets are designed, tried and tested with real life situations in mind. We learn from different markets and are quick to transfer innovations across our lifejacket ranges - ensuring what we supply includes nothing but the most up-to-date design technologies.

Although both are called personal flotation devices (PFDs) they are quite different. A lifejacket is designed to support the wearer in the water and will rotate them into a face up position - even when unconscious. Lifejackets offer more buoyancy, which helps to increase the distance between the waterline and the airway. Buoyancy aids are not designed to fully support the wearer in the water face up, but to provide buoyancy to help support the wearer in the water and reduce fatigue. Lifejackets are designed for swimmers and non-swimmers alike whilst buoyancy aids should only be worn by competent swimmers.

The key aim of a lifejacket is to protect the wearer’s airway. Lifejackets do this by working to rotate the wearer into a face-up position and by increasing mouth freeboard. The highly visible lifejacket bladder combined with reflective tape means that by wearing a lifejacket you increase your chances of being seen in the water.

These refer to the lifejacket’s inflation mechanism which governs how it is activated to inflate.

• Manual – Lifejacket must be manually activated by wearer
• Automatic – Lifejacket will inflate automatically after the inflation mechanism has been in contact with water for a short period of time
• Hydrostatic (aka Hammar’) – Lifejacket will inflate automatically after the inflation mechanism has been in contact with water for a short period of time and at a specified depth of approx. 20cm or more

This is dependent on your lifejacket. Some lifejackets are designed to be manually activated only. Always make sure you know what type you’re wearing and if it is suitable for the activity. All inflatable gas lifejackets will come with a manual override, make sure you know where this is and that it is accessible.

As a lifejacket manufacturer we would always recommend an annual service, however depending on your operation and the approval authority you are governed by it may also be a legal requirement.

• Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) – If you are operating under SOLAS, professional lifejacket servicing is a legal requirement and must be performed annually.
• ISO – The MCA state that the owner should follow the manufactures guidelines for servicing, in this case this means performing a professional service annually.

How much buoyancy a lifejacket has to offer is measured in Newtons or Lbs. The higher the number, the more buoyancy offered. For example, a 275N lifejacket contains more buoyancy than that of a 150N. For someone who is going to be in a remote area where help is not close to hand or the wearer is going to be wearing additional/heavy clothing, then it is recommended to opt for a higher level of buoyancy. Clothing, such as heavy weight foul weather gear will trap air between the clothing and can affect how the lifejacket rotates and holds the wearer in the water. The additional buoyancy of the 275N lifejacket will help overcome this affect.

How much buoyancy a lifejacket has to offer is measured in Newtons or Lbs. The higher the number, the more buoyancy offered. For example, a 275N lifejacket contains more buoyancy than that of a 150N. For someone who is going to be in a remote area where help is not close to hand or the wearer is going to be wearing additional/heavy clothing, then it is recommended to opt for a higher level of buoyancy. Clothing, such as heavy weight foul weather gear will trap air between the clothing and can affect how the lifejacket rotates and holds the wearer in the water. The additional buoyancy of the 275N lifejacket will help overcome this affect.

• SOLAS approved reflective taping
• SOLAS approved light
• Twin Automatic inflation chambers
• Whistle
• Buddyline
• Crotch straps
• Load bearing lifting becket/s

• SOLAS approved reflective taping
• Whistle
• Crotch straps
• Load bearing lifting becket/s

• Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS)
• Personal Location Beacon (PLB)
• Automatic Identification System (AIS)
• Accessory pockets
• Surface lifejacket light / strobe
• Crotch straps
• Spray hood
• Safety knife
• Safety line
• Fall arrest harness
• Quick release belt

*Any additional equipment added must be approved for use with the specified lifejacket

Product serial numbers will be allocated to all products after final assembly, testing and inspection and will conform to the following standard format.

Example below:

13 09 12345

Year: 13 = 2013 Month: 09 = September Unique Serial Number: 12345

This is positioned along the bottom edge of the left-hand side of the bladder when worn. In addition, every batch will carry an identification number which is applied after testing. This number will conform to the following standard format that enables traceability of the product.

Survitec is the world leader in the supply, inspection, testing and maintenance of safety and survival equipment. Through our network of 500+ accredited service stations, we are able to offer a truly global service covering 2,000 ports worldwide.

We have a strong reputation for reliability of service and workmanship. Our work is always of a high standard and our technical ability is continuously being upgraded with the latest equipment, facilities and training. With over 160 years’ total experience to our name, we ensure your equipment receives only the very best care and attention throughout its entire safety lifecycle.

All Survitec and 3rd party Survitec approved service stations are audited and approved to the highest standards of legislative organisations and government associations as well as the product original equipment manufacturer (OEM).    

When organising your lifejacket servicing owners should ensure they are using a fully approved service station for the brand of lifejacket owned. Authorised service centres will have access to the correct service manuals for your lifejacket and would have undergone all of the relevant product training.  These highly technical documents are a key tool for the lifejacket service engineer.

Not using an authorised service centre could potentially increase the risk of your lifejacket failing to perform at a critical moment.  Unauthorised service centres may not use genuine parts from your lifejacket manufacturer, and these may end up damaging your lifejacket – all lifejacket spare parts are not made equal.  If you do use a non-approved service station please note that this will not only invalidate your warranty and any liabilities, but crucially will leave you and your crew at serious risk.

All lifejackets serviced at an approved Survitec service station will be subjected to a rigorous inspection by a fully qualified technician to ensure it is fit for purpose and maximise its performance if needed in an emergency. Please visit our ‘Lifejacket Servicing’ page for further details.

Yes, your lifejacket is an important item of technical safety equipment. The working life of the lifejacket will be prolonged by following the care and maintenance guidelines highlighted in your user manual. If you’re not confident in how to do any of the checks or suspect your lifejacket may be damaged, then please refer to your user manual or your closest Survitec approved service station for advice.