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Sea Survival revision module 2 of 8

PFD

Lifejackets and PFDs

Buoyancy, fit, crotch straps, lights, sprayhoods, servicing, and use with heavy clothing.

lifejacketscrotch straps

4 guided lessons · 8 practice questions · 8 flashcards

3 outcomes · self-guided revision
  • Explain buoyancy, fit, crotch straps, lights, sprayhoods, servicing, and use with heavy clothing.
  • Apply lifejackets to a realistic onboard situation.
  • Recall the core check: wear it before conditions make donning difficult.

A self-guided revision companion that explains essential concepts, then helps you practise and test them. It supports—but does not replace—recognised instruction, practical training, assessment or certification. Access is a one-time payment, not a subscription.

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Lesson routeLifejacket Job0/4 read

Lesson 1 of 4

Lifejacket Job

A lifejacket is survival equipment, not a deck accessory. It supports flotation, helps keep the airway clear, improves visibility, and may carry a light, whistle, sprayhood, personal locator, and harness attachment.

It only works properly if worn, fitted, armed, serviced, and checked. A lifejacket in a locker cannot save a person in the first moments of cold shock.

  • Wear it before conditions make donning difficult.
  • Fit snugly and use crotch/thigh straps correctly.
  • Check cylinder, firing head, bladder, light, whistle, and service date.
  • Know how to inflate, deflate, and orally top up.
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Lesson 2 of 4

Fit and Crotch Straps

Loose lifejackets can ride up, make breathing harder, or let the wearer slip partly out. Crotch or thigh straps keep buoyancy in the correct place and are especially important in waves or when being lifted.

Crew should do a buddy check before departure and before night, bad weather, or deck work. The check should be normal, quick, and practical.

  • Snug waist or chest adjustment.
  • Crotch/thigh straps fitted and not twisted.
  • No clothing trapped over inflation areas.
  • Harness tether clipped only to strong points when used.
CheckWhyCommon fault
FitKeeps buoyancy where designedLoose waist strap
Crotch strapsPrevents riding upNot fitted or too loose
CylinderInflation reliabilityLoose or discharged cylinder
Light/whistleLocation after darkExpired light or missing whistle
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Lesson 3 of 4

Sprayhoods, Lights, and Visibility

A sprayhood can reduce spray inhalation and protect the airway in rough water. A lifejacket light and reflective tape make a casualty easier to find at night. A whistle gives a simple sound signal when voice is weak.

Personal locator beacons and AIS MOB devices can greatly improve location, but their set-up differs: register a PLB, configure or license AIS identity as required, attach the device securely, and make it compatible with the boat's response plan.

  • Know where the sprayhood is and how to deploy it.
  • Check light operation and expiry.
  • Attach personal beacons securely.
  • Practice how the crew reacts to an AIS MOB or PLB activation.
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Lesson 4 of 4

Servicing and Care

Lifejackets are not fit-and-forget equipment. Salt, wear, UV, accidental partial inflation, loose cylinders, expired lights, and damaged bladders can all defeat the system.

Follow manufacturer service intervals and do regular owner checks between services. Dry lifejackets properly after use and store them where heat, damp, and abrasion will not damage them.

  • Follow manufacturer service requirements.
  • Check before each trip and after any inflation.
  • Replace expired lights or damaged parts.
  • Record checks so faults are not forgotten.
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