Issue date
Maritime New Zealand have issued a safety bulletin to warn people that lifejackets with kapok filling or cotton straps could fail when used.
These lifejackets are unsafe and should be replaced with new lifejackets as soon as possible. Old, unsafe lifejackets should be destroyed so that they cannot be re-used or on-sold.
Lifejackets made with kapok filling and/or cotton straps were widely used in New Zealand in the past and many are still being used today.
These lifejackets might have complied with safety standards when made, however, lifejackets made with these materials are known to deteriorate over time, even if they are unused and look new. These lifejackets are now too old, might not keep people afloat in an emergency and should be replaced as soon as possible.
The kapok filling in old lifejackets is contained within a plastic liner. The plastic liner deteriorates and cracks over time, allowing the kapok to absorb water. Wet kapok is no longer buoyant. In an emergency, an old kapok-filled lifejacket might not keep people afloat.
Cotton straps rot over time, even if a lifejacket is not used. In an emergency, these cotton straps can tear or break off. When this happens, the lifejacket will not stay attached to the person wearing it, and will no longer help to keep them afloat in the water.
Kapok is cotton-like fluff from the kapok tree. It was often used to fill cushions and pillows, so a lifejacket with kapok filling will feel a bit like a cushion when it is squeezed. It will feel different to a foam-filled lifejacket, which will feel more firm and solid when squeezed.
If you are unsure if the straps on a lifejacket are cotton, one way to check is the burn test. Dry cotton strap will burn to a fine ash and smell a bit like burning paper. Synthetic strap will shrink back and harden when exposed to flame, and smell like burning plastic when it burns. It’s not possible to judge a lifejacket by how it looks. An old lifejacket might be well stored and look in perfect condition. But if it has kapok filling or cotton straps it must be discarded. If you are not sure about whether the filling is kapok or the straps are cotton, you should discard the lifejacket.
Operators, masters and crew should:
- immediately check all lifejackets on their vessel(s) as soon as possible replace any lifejackets that have kapok filling or cotton straps with new lifejackets
- Make sure that lifejackets comply with Maritime Rules Part 42A. In most cases this means they must meet the current New Zealand Standard NZS 5823: 2005
- If old lifejackets are replaced with second-hand lifejackets, make sure that they are within the age period recommended by the manufacturer
- Remove lifejackets with kapok filling or cotton straps from the vessel and destroy them so that they cannot be re-used or on-sold
- Check the condition of all lifejackets for cuts, fraying or damage, even if you believe they are not kapok-filled or don’t have cotton straps.
For more information, call (toll free) 0508 225 522 or email enquiries@maritimenz.govt.nz.
