A life vest stowage device comprises a receptacle with a receptacle opening. The device has first and second tabs with first and second tab apertures. In a closed configuration, a closure flap is in a folded position in which it at least partially covers the opening. The first and second tabs are exposed through the closure flap to allow access to the tab apertures from an outer side of the closure flap. A pull strap extends from the interior volume through the opening and over the outer side of the closure flap. The pull strap has a pull strap aperture securable to the first and second tab apertures by a frangible seal, such that the closure flap can only be moved to an unfolded position by moving the pull strap aperture and the first and second tab apertures away from one another so as to break the frangible seal.