February 2025: Servicing and maintenance of lifejackets
This investigation insight covers the legal requirements for the maintenance, servicing and testing of life rafts and lifejackets on commercial vessels.
Who this is for
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commercial operators
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skippers and crew on commercial vessels.
Background
During an investigation into an incident involving a bar crossing by a commercial fishing‑charter vessel, Maritime NZ found that the lifejackets on board and in use had been manufactured in the 1980s.
One crew member was wearing their own personal lifejacket when they were swept overboard during the bar‑crossing incident. Their lifejacket inflated but leaked. Inspection showed that their lifejacket had:
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significant corrosion on the gas canister
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fabric in poor condition.
The operator said they carried out regular checks and believed the lifejackets were usable. However, Maritime NZ found no evidence that:
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The passenger lifejackets had been checked by an authorised servicing station
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crew‑worn lifejackets were checked regularly.
Some passengers told the investigator they were concerned about the age and condition of the lifejackets.
Reminder about legal requirements
This incident is a reminder to all commercial operators and skippers of their responsibilities under Maritime Rules Part 42A for maintenance, servicing, testing, and inspection of lifesaving appliances.
Servicing of inflatable lifejackets must be carried out:
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in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and
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at least once every two years.
See Maritime Rules 42A.33, 42A.38, and 40B.3 for full requirements: