How does a lifejacket work?

How to identify the different lifejackets ?

There's a wide range of dinghy and foam vests on nautisport.com, offering basic safety thanks to a manual tightening strap system for a better fit. They offer a standard level of safety up to 2 miles offshore, or in enclosed waters, for anyone who knows how to swim. The drawback of foam lifejackets is that they don't systematically turn people over when they are at risk in the water. A buoyancy aid should therefore only be worn under certain conditions.

Inflatable lifejackets are designed for optimum buoyancy and safety. By default, an inflatable lifejacket is worn deflated, and the wearer needs make no effort to activate it: it's automatic. The two automatic lifejacket inflation systems are Hammar and UML.

• The first is hydrostatic: the pressure exerted when the trigger is submerged more than 10 cm under water causes a spring to deploy a needle that pierces the vest's CO2 cartridge and fills its lung in less than 10 seconds.

• The second, the UML system, is triggered on contact with water. The gas cylinder also contains a spring equipped with a needle, but this is held in place by a paper pellet, which releases the spring and needle on contact with water. The cylinder fills up in 5 seconds.

Most vests also feature a mouth inflation device, which is necessary in the event of a malfunction. Understanding how your lifejacket works will enable you to handle it with ease, and protect you and your child while out on the water. Choosing the right equipment is just as important. So choosing your lifejacket and the accessories that go with it, such as a safety harness or subcutaneous strap, is no mean feat. You'll need all the knowledge you need to buy the right equipment for your safety. Here's what you need to know about how your lifejackets work!

Hammar and UML, advantages and disadvantages

The main purpose of the Hammar lifejacket is its operation. Its main purpose is to give you more freedom on the ship, as you won't risk its unexpected release due to sea spray or sea clutter. One of the best value-for-money products on the market is Plastimo's Pilot 165 vest with black harness, to be purchased with the Hammar MA1 Pilot 165 Kit from the same brand.

The advantage of the UML lifejacket over the Hammar model is that it inflates extremely quickly, making it a highly effective product in an emergency. Its price is also an advantage, as models half the price of Hammar hydrostatic lifejackets are readily available on the market. By opting for this system, you won't be immune to accidental triggering due to dampness in the boat or spray. These inconveniences are particularly common on catamarans.

The Spinlock brand offers some excellent equipment in its Deckvest range, such as the Deckvest 6D 170N vest, which comes with the UML Elite Spinlock refill kit where possible. With this product, your order will total over 150 euros, with free delivery at nautisport.com.

Whether you're sailing inshore, offshore or on a catamaran, the use of this safety equipment is essential. You'll find a wide range available on our site, to suit every person's size and weight.

Systems for all your boating needs

In the past, when the first lifejacket was invented, a single model was available and dedicated to military activity. Fortunately for you, times have changed! Nowadays, the range of lifejackets on offer is extremely varied, allowing you to buy ultra-customizable equipment adapted to your practice, whether you're a beginner or a professional. Bear in mind, however, that some lifejackets have very specific functions, and are recommended for particular activities. Sometimes, for safety reasons, you'll have no choice but to use them.

The technical constraint you'll have to worry about first and foremost is the buoyancy capacity of your vest, measured in Newtons (N). Just remember that the weaker this unit, the less effective it will be, depending on how far you are from the coast. Bear in mind that the standards applied in Europe are not the same as on other continents. If you're planning a trip to the USA or Canada, a measurement of 1 to 5 is preferable to the Newton.

The buoyancy of a personal flotation device is 50 newtons. This is more than sufficient for activities such as coastal navigation, coastal sailing and even swimming. As for water sports, these paddle & kayak jackets are also suitable for windsurfing, light dinghy sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and kitesurfing. Their versatility means they can be adapted to a wide range of water sports. This product is also recommended for children starting out in water sports. Note, however, that this type of vest does not feature a subcutaneous strap, which is designed to help the wearer turn around once the vest is inflated.

As for the genuine inflatable lifejacket, 3 categories are available on the market, each assigned to a different audience: 100, 150 and 275 Newtons.

• 100 N: Intended for coastal and semi-offshore navigation, it is recommended for sailing and motorboat operation, or for sailing and motor catamaran regattas.

• 150 N: Designed for offshore pleasure and sport sailing, it is recommended for sailing and motorboat driving, or for sailing and motor catamaran racing. The Plastimo Pilot 165 vest is its most faithful representative.

• 275 N: Intended for sporty offshore sailing and professional use, it is recommended for sailing and motorboat driving, industrial and professional vessels. This type of equipment is used by Vendée Globe skippers such as the Deckvest Vito 275N Spinlock, and is not recommended for sport racing.

Understand how your vest works for better maintenance

The last good reason to take an interest in how it works is to adopt the right reflexes for maintaining your lifejacket. This will help you understand the reasons for potential malfunctions and how to remedy them. Being able to identify faulty equipment means you can maintain optimum safety levels on board, and anticipate future orders for standard lifejackets.

Have your lifejacket serviced

Visiting a specialist in lifejacket overhaul will also benefit the durability of your equipment. Approved centers are open to the general public and will take care of servicing your lifejacket. It's almost essential to have your lifejacket professionally serviced every 2 years, even if it's not compulsory to do so, and even if the equipment is rarely or never used.

Self-maintenance of your lifejacket is a good idea, but does not replace professional advice. We recommend, for example, that you contact one of the 10 service centers in France operated by the renowned German marine safety equipment manufacturer Secumar, or the French manufacturer Plastimo. You can also have your lifejacket serviced directly in Germany, at a slightly higher cost due to delivery charges. Having your lifejacket professionally serviced remains a safe bet, and guarantees a certified inspection of the entire product.