An inflated life jacket is only half the story - it needs re-arming before it can save you again. This collection covers re-arming kits for automatic and manual inflatable life jackets: CO2 cylinders, automatic firing heads and cartridges, and complete kits matched to jackets from Crewsaver, Seago, Spinlock, Ocean Safety and other leading brands.
The critical detail is the match: cylinder size (grams of CO2) and firing mechanism type must exactly match your jacket's specification, which is printed inside the cover or in the manual. Re-arm after any inflation, and replace automatic cartridges by their expiry date even if unused - a date-expired capsule may fail to fire. Checking the cylinder for corrosion and tightness is a two-minute job that belongs at the start of every season.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which re-arming kit fits my life jacket?
Check inside the jacket cover or the manual for the required CO2 cylinder weight (e.g. 33g or 38g) and firing head type, and match the kit exactly - the wrong cylinder size means under- or over-inflation.
When should I re-arm or service my life jacket?
Re-arm immediately after any inflation, replace automatic cartridges by their printed expiry date, and check the cylinder and firing mechanism at least at the start of every season.
Why has my automatic life jacket fired by itself?
Automatic heads trigger on water contact, so a soaked locker or heavy spray can set them off - stow jackets dry, and consider a manual-only conversion if you sail a very wet boat.
