PFD Testing & Lifejacket Servicing

There are several classifications of PFDs each designed for a different purpose. The three categories used in government regulations are 100+, 50, and 50S. The 100+ PFD is the most common and is required in any commercial activity or professional role around the water.

Self-servicing a lifejacket is possible and often encouraged to ensure it remains in good working condition. However, the extent to which you can self-service a lifejacket depends on its type, the manufacturer, and the legal regulations in your area.

Even if it’s not a requirement, it is highly recommended to get your lifejacket professionally serviced every year and after it has been inflated. An authorised service agent can carry out a thorough inspection to ensure it complies with the manufacturer’s instructions and replace any broken or damaged parts.

We service a wide range of PFD brands and models - please contact our friendly team who will be able to check your lifejacket and confirm that we can carry out an inspection.

When servicing your PFD, we complete a number of checks, including:

• Checking for visible signs of wear and tear

• Inflating the bladder and checking for pressure loss

• Deflating the bladder

• Removing and inspecting the CO2 cylinder 

• Checking the auto cartridge is tight and in date (for auto-inflating lifejackets)

• Replacing the cartridge if it’s expired 

• Checking the pull cord is free and ready to be used

• Recording the date of service and providing a certificate

As per the regulations set out by Roads and Maritime Services, you must wear an approved lifejacket aboard almost any vessel in NSW. It must be level 50s+ in enclosed waters and 100 or more in open water. Other states may have different requirements.

If you are commercially boating in NSW, your PFD must be serviced every 12 months. For recreational use, PFD testing is encouraged every 12 months, but not required .If you have your lifejacket serviced at an authorised centre, you will receive a certificate detailing the service. You must keep a record of the last date of service inside your lifejacket at all times.

While self-inspection is recommended before every use, it is highly beneficial (and often required) to get your lifejacket serviced at an approved service centre every year. Trained technicians can carry out a thorough inspection and ensure your PFD is in good working order. They can ensure any faulty or damaged parts are replaced, as well as assist you should you need to purchase a new lifejacket. 

If serviced by a professional, a lifejacket can also last 10 years or more.

A service is $45 per lifejacket. Any parts that are required will come at an additional cost. In these cases, we’ll call the customer and advise them of the parts needed and the costs before going ahead. Sometimes, they may be better off purchasing a new jacket which we can also help with.