How do I check the conformity of a lifejacket?

All you need to know about lifejacket compliance

Lifejackets are one of the mandatory safety accessories on a boat. We owe this advance to the person who invented the lifejacket, the British captain John Ross Ward. However, there are currently no regulations requiring users of lifejackets to check and maintain their navigation equipment. In addition, it is essential to check that iso safety requirements are met. The buoyancy of lifejackets in water is limited in time, which means that your lifejacket has a limited lifespan. You should therefore inspect your product in accordance with current standards. In fact, Helly Hansen recommends that you have your lifejacket inspected every two years.

Foam lifejackets, ideal for water sports activities

Foam lifejackets must comply with navigation standards. It has no expiration date, but it's important to put on your "to do list" a visual check of its state of wear before any nautical activity. You'll need to take the same care with your paddle and kayak vests as you would with your professional lifejacket if you're a skipper.

Cocoon - Display multiple product in list

Inflating lifejackets: boating safety

If you often immerse yourself in sporting activities on the water, it's crucial to regularly check the condition of your Catalog Category Link, since in the event of an accident at sea, it will be your best friend. A complete overhaul of your product is therefore on your wish list. A first visual check can be carried out by the user. This involves checking the main components, such as vest accessories like the outer cover, straps, whistle, CO2 cylinder and weight, reflective strips, etc...

The harness, which is usually attached to the vest, is also a fundamental accessory to be checked for the safety of those on board, adults and children alike. Next, it's essential to check the inflation cylinder for oxidation or even dents. This involves weighing the cylinder to check its weight.

Finally, this category of vests has two available triggering systems: a manual inflatable vest category, and an automatic inflatable vest category. It's also a good idea to have your equipment thoroughly serviced by a professional, to ensure that you're equipped to the highest standards.

Cocoon - Display multiple product in list

A few tips to help your equipment last the test of time

Check that the outer cover of your vest is not damaged, so as to maintain a good level of buoyancy performance in the event of a fall. Don't try to repair the cover yourself, or even adjust the seams to fit your chest or waist, as this could weaken your equipment.

Cocoon - Display multiple product in list

Which standard for which lifejacket?

All lifejackets, adult and child, must be CE (or ISO) approved, and this must be indicated on your equipment. This indicates that it has been marketed in compliance with European standards, and that it has been approved by the French authorities. There are 4 standards for measuring the effectiveness of a vest in Europe. These standards are based on the buoyancy index, the use you intend to make of it, and its characteristics.

Cocoon - Display multiple product in list

The EN ISO 12402-5 standard is intended for 50 Newton lifejackets, for use in sheltered waters (lakes) or near a rescue station. The EN ISO 12402-4 standard was created for 100 Newton lifejackets. Next came EN ISO 12402-3 for vests with a buoyancy index of 150 Newtons. And finally, if you have a 275 Newton lifejacket, such as the Hammar Spinlock Vito 275N Deckvest Lifejacket, manufactured for offshore and extreme conditions sailing, it must meet the EN ISO 12402-2 standard.

Note that Titanic's famous orange SOLAS vests are valid for both professional and pleasure boating.