An experience not to be missed...

[snowleopard]

Just back from taking my liferaft for service where i was able to see it unpacked and inflated. I strongly recommend that everyone should do that at least once.

Firstly I found out that when I had it 'inspected' in Las Palmas (a requirement of the ARC safety check) they didn't renew the vacuum sealed inner container, packed it incorrectly and stitched the painter into its pouch so that it wouldn't pull out correctly making it difficult to inflate.

The man doing the servicing showed us each piece of equipment and virtually gave us a short sea survival course. We were also able to take away the expired flares (to let off or keep as backup).

One thing is certain - I wouldn't want to rely on a raft I had serviced myself, even if I had detailed instructions.

Other things I learned: (a) There is no light on the raft so I need to pack a strobe light in the grab bag. (b) The manufacturers had stencilled the boat's name on the canopy - a nice touch. (c) The raft was manufactured a year before I bought it so the 5-year life of the gas bottle has expired after 4 years ownership - the bottle now has to be pressure-tested and re-filled. (d) an 8-man raft is b*****y enormous for our normal crew of 2 people. (e) the raft will be re-sealed in a vacuum bag and the limited-life items in a separate bag so the raft itself need not be opened again for another 3 years.

I have no interest in any of the firms involved but FYI here are the details:

Cowboy outfit in Gran Canaria: Tonogami Canarias
Raft: Lifeguard Forties 'A'
Service centre: Tamar Inflatables, Lostwithiel

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[ChrisE]

Thanks for that, mine goes in for its first service next year, I'll make sure that I witness the event.
Chris

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[brianhumber]

Re: Agree

I have sometimes been present when Messenger Marine test mine. Always good to remember how big and awkward they are and the struggles I had during training for North Sea survial.

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[Cornishman]

I am surprised that your raft has no light, and I would draw your attention to Colregs Rule 36 'Signals to attract attention' which says that the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.

The ships smoke floats are fitted with a pair of fixed lights which are deemed to be quite sufficient. An electric torch which can also be used for signalling is ideal. There are some good reasons why strobes are not a good idea in the notes to Rule 36 at www.sailtrain.co.uk

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[LadyInBed]

Re: Strobes

“Should be avoided” NOT ‘are not to be used’

Sailtrain example:
“An example I came across recently, occurred during a night time entry to a small harbour. We were sailing towards the entrance, when the light of a north cardinal buoy appeared ahead of us, exactly where the main fairway should have been-and there should not have been a buoy! We continued cautiously, only to discover that the light was a quick flashing white strobe light, on a small angling vessel, at anchor-with no other lights, in the middle of the fairway!”

isn't quite applicable to a life raft deployment where a strobe or two can be activated as and when required either at night or in daylight where they can also be effective. Obviously all other methods to attract attention will also be used.

I note that alongside Sailtrain rule 36 they have three adverts for strobe lights /forums/images/icons/blush.gif


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[mirabriani]

Noted comments regarding strobe lights.
Snowleopard remember when I was fitting my lifejacket light in your cockpit?
You trumped me with your strobe light.
I must admit I would be happier with yours if I was in the water.

Regards Briani

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