Lifejacket User Care & Advice

When should I service my lifejacket?

Spinlock advises checking your lifejacket annually at a minimum, even if you feel your Deckvest has had little use. For lifejackets used more frequently checks every 3 months are advised, especially ahead of any longer passages or races.

These checks can be made yourself following our comprehensive instructions. Special attention should be made to all components such as CO2 bottles, Lights and any fitted additions such as MOB locator devices.  Alternatively, if you are unsure we have accredited service centres globally which can service your Deckvest.

Key points to check:

OUTER FABRICS – Rinse or wipe with fresh water and check for any cuts or tears, signs of abrasion or potential heat and chemical damage. Do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the jacket as this may damage the materials. Assess all stitching areas for damage or tearing along the seams. The outer fabric can be subject to more stress than you may consider, even during storage.

BLADDER – Inflate your lifejacket using the Oral inflation tube. Leave the jacket for 24 hours in a dry controlled environment. Any decrease in pressure during this time may indicate it is unsafe. Check the oral inflation tube for leakage whilst the bladder is still inflated by placing the tube underwater and checking for bubbles indicating loss of air. If any signs of leaking are discovered take your lifejacket to your nearest service centre for repair.

COMPONENTS - Check over all the components for signs of damage and wear. Check any compatible additions to the lifejackets such as knives, MOB devices, rescue lines are tested & fitted correctly as per manufacturers & Spinlock instructions. instructions can be found on our website product pages and our YouTube Channel.

PYLON LIGHT - Ensure the Pylon light is still functioning by holding the test button. If there is any sign of corrosion at the terminals this will indicate damp wet conditions may have activated the light inside the cover, running down the battery.

LUME-ON LIGHTS - Test your Lume-On lights by applying water to the terminals, again if corrosion is present damp conditions are likely to have run down the battery. If the unit is broken remove the old ones and replace with new ones.

SPRAYHOOD - Ensure the sprayhood is still attached and all stitching and buckles are secure, check there is no degradation to the fabrics. If significant damage is found this can be replaced by yourself.

FIRING UNIT - Ensure all firing head indicators are showing 'Green' and there is no corrosion. If indicators are 'Red' the firing cap, cylinder or both will need replacing. Check the Expiry Date on the firing cap, if this has expired replace it immediately. Ensure the firing head and CO2 Cylinder are screwed tightly into place.

CYLINDER - Ensure there is no corrosion on the cylinder and around the join to the firing unit. Make sure the cylinder is screwed in hand tight.

Watch the video which explains the different re-arming kits and firing systems used in Spinlock lifejackets. These can be purchased from your local dealer or from the Spinlock website.

• Deckvest 5D Pro-Sensor (Pre-2008)
• Deckvest 5D Pro-Sensor (Post 2008)
• Deckvest 5D Hammar
• Deckvest 6D
• Deckvest VITO
• Deckvest LITE
• Deckvest LITE+
• Deckvest LITE USCG
• Deckvest CENTO 
• ALTO Belt Pack