Weekly quiz: can your life jacket inflate due to getting wet?
To help control the heeling angle when beating into the wind, you are hiking aboard a sailing keelboat. While sitting in the lifelines, you witness the life jacket of another boat’s crew member spontaneously inflating after they got hit by a large wave.
Since you’re also getting soaked by waves, you wonder whether your life jacket might suddenly inflate.
Question of the day
🔹 Based on above picture of the lifejacket, is there a possibility this life jacket might inflate due to getting wet?
And bonus questions
🔹 How does the inflating mechanism work?
🔹 What are alternative inflating devices?
👉 Reply on one of our social media below. We’ll post the solution right here next Sunday!
Answers
Thanks to all who have taken part in this quiz.
The yellow triggering mechanism visible in the bottom right of the picture is made by Hammar. It works using the pressure of water and inflates the life jacket when submerged in approximately 10 cm (4 inches) of water. Therefore, taking on white or even blue water should not trigger the inflation.
This is opposed to other types of triggers using a pill which dissolves when it comes in contact with water. These life jackets are much more prone to inflating when drenched either by rain or waves. When racing, and especially when hiking, this can be tricky since the crew member may be stuck in the lifelines.
To learn more about the different types of PFDs and triggering mechanisms, we recommend reading our guide on how to look after your inflatable life jacket.
Our next quiz on identifying a lit mark at night is now live and awaiting your answer!
