An annual inspection of inflatable life jackets

Did you know you should inspect your life jackets at least annually? Check for expired inflaters? Yes, they expire and for good reason. Check for ability to hold air at least overnight? Yes, your life jacket may develop an air leak. Check for tears or broken parts? Yes, your life jacket may take a lot of abuse and develop torn fabric or broken buckles. Check cartridges for punctured foil? Yes, it can happen and slowly leak. Check for missing cartridges? Yes, maybe a zelous TSA agent removed it when you flew from the coast. A maintenaince inspection is a great way to get aquainted with the most important piece of safety gear a sailor can have.