Lifejackets and personal flotation devices
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the complete arrangement for lifejackets and personal flotation devices is within service limits and capable of safe immediate use, and whether officers and assigned crew understand its actual operation.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1How is lifejackets and personal flotation devices prepared for immediate use?
Follow the posted sequence and include correct donning and adjustment, water entry, manual and automatic inflation limitations and replacement after use.
2What must be checked before release or deployment?
Verify approved type, quantity, adult or child size, light, whistle, straps, inflation components, retro-reflective material and location, personnel position, communications and the area into which the equipment will move.
3Show the maintenance and examination status.
Match physical identification to monthly checks, light or cartridge expiry and inflatable-PFD servicing.
4Who may maintain or adjust the release arrangement?
Follow SOLAS, flag and MSC.402(96) authorisation requirements. Crew routine maintenance does not permit unauthorised overhaul or adjustment.
5What is the alternative if normal deployment is unsafe?
Use the vessel-specific contingency and risk assessment without improvising an unapproved release or lifting method.
Where an observation may arise
Inspection identified missing or wrong size, dead light, damaged straps, spent cylinder, expired component or inaccessible stowage.
Required evidence was overdue, incomplete or did not match the equipment: monthly checks, light or cartridge expiry and inflatable-PFD servicing.
A pin, lashing, obstruction or unauthorised arrangement could prevent immediate deployment.
Posted instructions or crew explanation did not match the fitted system.
Assigned personnel could not explain correct donning and adjustment, water entry, manual and automatic inflation limitations and replacement after use.
Release, launching or pressure equipment had been adjusted or repaired without required authorisation.
Master's practical note
Check one complete deployment chain from stowage to recovery. A serviced component does not prove that access, power, communication and crew actions will work together.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Operational demonstrations must follow safe drill controls and maker instructions. Do not launch, release or load-test equipment solely to satisfy an interview.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.4.8
- SOLAS Chapter III regulation 7
- IMO LSA Code Chapter II
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13