Skip to main content
Tough Questions on Inflatable Life Jackets
I like to think that the courses and articles and online tutorials are complete and easy to understand, but anyone who teaches knows that the best way to check comprehension is to listen to the questions that are asked. After my “story” in Lectronic Latitude was published, I received several excellent questions from a sailor whom is living on her boat in La Paz, Baja California. Alison Osinski, PhD, asked me the following:
USCG Alert on Inflatables
Coast Guard Safety Alert: This safety alert reminds all inflatable life jacket users of the importance of performing periodic maintenance on their equipment. Instances of fatal accidents where inflatable life jackets failed to properly inflate have been documented. When a life jacket fails to inflate properly, the results can be life threatening. Unknown bladder leaks may exist, fabric degradation or an improperly installed CO2 cylinder is all it takes to render an inflatable life jacket ineffective by preventing its inflation or ability to stay inflated.
Inflatable Life Jacket Update
The failure rate of life jackets can be alarmingly high without proper attention
Life Jacket Changes Ahead

In the early 1970s, a new method of categorizing life jackets was introduced by the Coast Guard and Underwriter’s Lab

Safety Harnesses and Tethers (Safety Lines) for Sailboats

Harness & Tether Requirements

  • Every crew member must have a ha
Make Sure Your Harness Fits Properly

To be safe, all harnesses, whether integral with a PFD or not, should fit properly.

Life Jacket Recommendations for Cruising Sailors

Lifejacket /Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Requirements