The simple answer is no, lifejackets do not expire. However, there are few items that might make them not approved for use or unsafe. Lifejackets and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are no longer approved for use if they are:

• badly faded,
• ripped,
• have faulty zippers,
• have faulty buckles and straps.

Check with your lifejacket manufacturer to see if a repair can be made. Some manufacturers like Salus Marine Wear can repair things such as zippers, buckles, straps, seams etc. This saves a good lifejacket from going in the landfill and you the expense of buying a new one.

When must a lifejacket or PFD be replaced?

PFD’s don’t expire, but portions of it need to be replaced.

• CO2 cartridges for lifejackets do not expire, but they should be replaced every 3 years.
• Pills that dissolve for automatic inflation types need to be replaced every 2 years.
• Before each trip check for the green safety indicator. Red means a new CO2 cartridge is required, and it won’t inflate or pass a police safety check.
• Leak test it often by using the manual inflator.
• Read the owner’s manual carefully to understand how it works.

How should a foam PFD or lifejacket be tested?

1. Place the lifejacket into a tub or bin
2. Fill it with water
3. Check to see if it floats to the top
4. When the lifejacket is pulled out of the water it should to drain

If it isn’t draining and holding in water like a sponge, then the foam has been compromised and it’s time to get a new one. Avoid this issue by properly storing your lifejacket and do not compress them under heavy objects or in tight spaces. When the foam membranes get squished the lifejacket can become compromised and may not float.

Lifejacket and PFD legislation:

Boat owners are required to carry a PFD or life jacket of appropriate size for each person on board and they must be approved by the Department of Transport Canada. Check the label.

Additional legislation rules apply for inflatable PFDs and it’s important to know that inflatable PFDs are NOT approved for use under the following conditions:

• Anyone under 16 years of age,
• Anyone who weighs less than 36.6 kg or 80 lbs,
• Use on personal watercraft (jet-ski),
• White water paddling activities.

Transport Canada approved lifejackets:

All SALUS Marine Wear products are Transport Canada approved and available to CanBoat members at 20% off the full retail price in the current year’s catalogue. Visit salusmarine.com for a list of products. Not a CanBoat MEMBER? JOIN TODAY.

Note: The 20% discount is only available when Salus products are purchased through orderdesk@cps-ecp.ca and is NOT available through any other Salus dealer or outlet.

A lifejacket or a PFD is the best insurance you can have on the water. Find one that suits your needs and wear it.