Lifejacket care and service program

Servicing your inflatable lifejacket is a legal requirement in NSW. Transport for NSW offers step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself.

On this page

About our program

Lifejackets require care and maintenance to ensure they can work effectively in case of an emergency. Inflatable lifejackets require extra care and attention. Most inflatable lifejackets can be self-serviced, depending on the manufacturer's guidelines.

Our Boating Education Officers run free sessions  to promote awareness of lifejacket care and servicing requirements, including step-by-step instructions on how to self-service your inflatable lifejacket as well as general safety advice and information.

The sessions  are run as part of the NSW Government's 'Wear a Lifejacket' campaign, and in line with the Maritime Safety Plan.

Importance of caring for your lifejacket

Lifejackets are vital for your safety when you're out boating.

It is important to check your lifejackets before heading out on the water by:

  • Rinsing off salt with fresh water and checking for damage after use
  • Storing lifejackets in a dry, well-ventilated area out of sunlight
  • Check there are no visible signs of wear and tear.
  • For inflatable lifejackets, check that the CO2 cylinder is not pierced and is screwed in firmly (hand tight).
  • If you have an auto-inflating lifejacket, check the auto-inflation cartridge is hand tight and that it's still in date. Cartridges must be replaced by the expiry date shown
  • Finally, check the pull cord is free and ready to use. After use, remove the cartridge and rinse the lifejacket with fresh water. Dry the lifejacket and reconnect the cartridge before storing.

In NSW you must service your inflatable lifejacket every year or in line with the manufacturer's advice.

Most manufacturers specify routine checks and maintenance schedules for keeping your lifejacket in good condition.

Penalties may apply if you fail to service your lifejacket as required.

Online demonstrations

Boating Education Officers offer online demonstrations through various platforms including online livestreams, podcasts and social media on how to care and service  your lifejackets. Our officers also interact with viewers answering any questions on general lifejacket wear, care and servicing requirements.

Watch one of our previously held livestreams below.

Inflatable lifejacket self-service clinic livestreams (recorded 21 October 2020)

Access the transcript for this demonstration.

Read transcript

 

In person sessions

Boating Education Oficers run the free lifejacket care and service program at key boating locations including boat ramps, other waterway facilities and at events such as boating and regional shows across New South Wales.

The  program allows the public to interact with our Officers and learn how to care and service your lifejacket, in addition to  demonstrations on how to self-service an inflatable lifejacket including what to look for to ensure it remains effective and hands on guidance.  

Attendees are encouraged to bring along their own lifejackets to learn how to care and service them.

There is also the opportunity to ask questions on all maritime safety and obtain additional Maritime resources such as the Boating Handbook, safety brochures and labels.

Details of upcoming dates, times and locations  will be published and regularly updated on this page, and advertised through NSW Government social media, as well as local area newspapers and radio.

South Region

Date

Time

Location

Saturday 22 October 2022

10:00am – 12:00pm

Greenwell Point Boat Ramp, Adelaide Street Greenwell Point

Sunday 20 November 2022

11:00am – 1:00pm

Nowra Boat Ramp (Greys Beach), Fairway Drive Nowra

Friday 25 November 2022

11:00am – 1:00pm

Port Kembla Boat Ramp, Foreshore Road Port Kembla

Thursday 29 December 2022

9:00am – 12:00pm

Lakehaven Drive Boat Ramp, Lakehaven Drive Sussex Inlet

Saturday 21 January 2023

10:00am – 12:00pm

Woollamia Boat Ramp, Frank Lewis Way, Woollamia

Greater Sydney

Date

Time

Location

Saturday 8 October 2022

10:00am – 2:00pm

Royal Motor Yacht Club, Wunulla Road Point Piper

Saturday 5 November 2022

10:00am – 2:00pm

Deerubbin Park, Cornwallis Road, Windsor

Sunday 6 November 2022

10:00am – 2:00pm

Foreshore Road Boat Ramp, Foreshore Road Botany Bay

Saturday 3 December 2022

10:00am – 2:00pm

Taplin Park Boat Ramp, Bayswater Street Drummoyne

Tuesday 6 December 2022

10:00am – 2:00pm

Rosebay Boat Ramp, New South Head Road Rose Bay

Tuesday 10 January 2023

10:00am – 2:00pm

Swallow Rock, Swallow Rock Drive Grays Point

Northern Region

Date

Time

Location

Sunday 2 October 2022

9:00am – 12:00pm

Little Beach Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Road, Port Stephens

Saturday 29 October 2022

8:00am – 12:00pm

Fingal Head Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Parade, Fingal Head

Saturday 29 October 2022

2:30pm – 5:30pm

Fishery Creek Boat Ramp, Johnson Drive Ballina

Sunday 30 October 2022

9:00am – 1:00pm

Yamba Road Boat Ramp, Yamba Road Yamba

Sunday 20 November 2022

11:00am – 2:00pm

State Recreation Park Boat Ramp, Fashions Road Lake Burrendong

Saturday 03 December 2022

9:00am – 1:00pm

Coffs Harbour Boat Ramp, Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour

Sunday 04 December 2022

9:00am – 1:00pm

Matty’s Flat Boat Ramp, New Entrance Road, South West Rocks

Saturday 28 January 2023 9:00am – 12:00pm Westport Boat Ramp, Park Street, Port Macquarie
Saturday 28 January 2023 2:30pm – 5:30pm Forster Boatharbour Boat Ramp, Dolphin Drive, Forster

Request a clinic or online demonstration

Boating organisations and groups including clubs, marinas, retailers and stakeholders can also request a Boating Education Officer to deliver the  lifejacket care and service  program in person or online to their members and staff.

To request a visit with your local Boating Education Officer, please contact maritimeeducation@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Discount voucher scheme

The lifejacket care and service program is supported by marine retail partners around NSW, through a discount voucher scheme. Customers attending a session are able to obtain a voucher to buy lifejackets and inflatable servicing parts at a discount from the marine retailers participating in the scheme.

A list of retailers across NSW participating in the program is provided below. Discounts and vouchers offered to attendees must be redeemed within 6 months of the date of issue.

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