New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced?

1. When it is wet

2. When it is torn

3. After 5 years of use

4. When it gets dirty

The correct answer is: When it is torn

A life jacket should be discarded and replaced when it is torn because any damage to the material can compromise its integrity and buoyancy. A torn life jacket may not provide the necessary support to keep a person afloat, especially in an emergency situation. Proper functionality and safety are paramount when it comes to personal flotation devices. While wet life jackets can typically be dried and reused, and dirt or stains can often be cleaned without affecting performance, any significant tearing means that the jacket may not perform as intended. Additionally, while there might be manufacturers' recommendations for replacing life jackets after a certain period, that time frame can vary depending on care, usage, and condition. Therefore, the most immediate concern for safety is the physical condition of the life jacket, particularly any tears.