Automatic Lifejackets - Cartridge Replacement

[daibachsail]

I have been doing my annual lifejacket servicing and for the first time I have found that cartridges (RNLI call 'autoheads') which trigger the gas cylinders are past their dates.
I have watched the RNLI film on this subject - well worth a watch at www.yachtingtv.org.uk - and there is no mention of checking dates on the cartridges, just checking that still intact.
I have been to my local (large) chandlers and they only sell the cartridges with the gas cylinders as a re-arming kit for after it has been used. They were not even aware of the fact that the cartridges have dates!
So one can only presume that the tablet does not deteriorate over time and these cartridges will last for a long time!
Does anyone have more knowledge on this subject?
I hate to stint on safety matters but this seems pointless and must be largely not done!!
Any help/comment appreciated.

 

[nigel1]

Which type of actuator/cartridge are you referring to.
So far as I am aware, the Halkey Roberts type are date stamped, and should be replaced at the appropriate time.

Then you have the Secumar type which uses a salt tablet. Dont think these are date stamped, its up to the user to note when the tablet has been renewed. We replace these salt tablets on an annual basis (commercial vessel).

Then you have the Hammar type, again, these are date stamped.
So far as I am aware, all the parts normally included in a re-arm kit can be purchased separately, but may not be available from your run of the mill chandler.
The gas cartridge should of course be weighed and inspected.

See
http://www.lifejackets.co.uk/categories/41/lifejacket-rearming-kits-co2-and-parts

 

[emandvee44]

Lifejacket re-arming kits

I have two types of auto lifejackets on board, XM quickfit and Crewsaver crewfit. Both types have expiry dates stamped on the firing heads (they all expired late 2011), and I have just ordered replacements from Yacht Parts Plymouth. I also had to order several lifejacket lights, as these too had expired. Interestingly, there are several makes on the market, some auto, some manual, some combined, some manual with normal batteries, some with flashing lights, etc., so I decided to standardize as I had three different types/makes. I went for the Aquaspec AQ98, which has a flashing light, 5 year life, and is automatic, with a manual test facility.

Cheers,

Michael.

 

[LadyInBed]

I don't use auto inflate LJ's but as I understand it the tablet dissolves when wet, so if the tablet is intact and doesn't break up under finger pressure it is ok.

 

[Kintail]

How long after hitting water does an automatic LJ inflate.

 

[nigel1]

Hammar type actuated after about 2 second being immersed in a few inches of water

 

[rotrax]

How long after hitting water does an automatic LJ inflate.

One of mine went off after a big wave pooped us in the Needles Channel!

 

[Seajet]

My salt tablet actuated Kru lifejacket went off instantly when I went overboard from my tender last year; not tried that model with lots of water coming over the boat yet.

This was why the Hamma ( sp ? ) trigger was invented, to prevent accidental activation, principally among racing crews getting waves over them.

Then again soon after it was introduced there was a recall as the things wouldn't go off at all; I'm sure it was sorted long ago but it didn't help sales especially as it's a lot more expensive; I don't often get waves over me and I'm half Scottish so the cheaper jobs seem fine !

 

[Bodach na mara]

The reason that only complete kits are sold for the tablet-activated type may be due to that fact that the tablets deteriorate more than the cylinder of gas. This would mean that replacement only of an out-of-date cylinder would be a false economy. My wife's auto jacket inflated in the locker last year presumably due to the tablet becomming weak.

 

[daibachsail]

The cartridges are United Moulders (UM) and do have dates. But given that they are only 2-3 years, if everyone was replacing at that frequency there would be significant trade in them and this does not appear to be the case!

 

[knuterikt]

Wrong

I don't use auto inflate LJ's but as I understand it the tablet dissolves when wet, so if the tablet is intact and doesn't break up under finger pressure it is ok.

Old tablet type can get stale - this can prevent or slow down the automatic inflation.
AFAIK all new tablets / bobbins should have use before date stamped.

 

[FishyInverness]

I have been doing my annual lifejacket servicing and for the first time I have found that cartridges (RNLI call 'autoheads') which trigger the gas cylinders are past their dates.
I have watched the RNLI film on this subject - well worth a watch at www.yachtingtv.org.uk - and there is no mention of checking dates on the cartridges, just checking that still intact.
I have been to my local (large) chandlers and they only sell the cartridges with the gas cylinders as a re-arming kit for after it has been used. They were not even aware of the fact that the cartridges have dates!
So one can only presume that the tablet does not deteriorate over time and these cartridges will last for a long time!
Does anyone have more knowledge on this subject?
I hate to stint on safety matters but this seems pointless and must be largely not done!!
Any help/comment appreciated.

Hi Daibach,

Very surprised that the local chandler had no knowledge on the subject - If they sell lifejackets for any manufacturer, part of the training received should be the upkeep and maintenance of the jackets after sale

The lifejacket manufacturers recommend that a jacket under leisure use is serviced once every two years by an authorised service agent, or every year if seeing heavy use. As part of that service the agent will check the Cartridge, Salt Bobbin or Hydrostatic unit by the date marked on it and it will be replaced if out of date.

UM Cartridges (The black (usually) cartridge with a green 'button' at the end) have a date of EXPIRY written on them.

The Yellow (Used to be red, if you still have a red bobbin installed, discard it as they were replaced due to being too weak) "salt" bobbins used by Halkey Roberts have a date of MANUFACTURE written on them, the expiry date is Four years from that date. - The date can be in two different formats on these bobbins - either something like 04050 which denotes year 2004 on the 50th day or Feb19,04,HR which denotes year 2004 on 19th February.

The hammar hydrostatic units (round or square yellow firing head) will have an expiry date very clearly marked on the front of the unit.

If a cartridge, tablet or hydro unit are out of date, they *will* need replacing - various problems can occur if they aren't replaced, more likely accidental firing as the cellulose or paper degrades in the case of the HR or UM units.

It's a fairly simple job, and most chandlers should be able to talk you through it - alternatively the manufacturers of the firing heads have maintenance and re-arming instructions on their websites.

While the majority of retailers will send the replacement kits only, there are a growing number who will sell the individual parts, including cartridges or salt tablets...I know that the place I work for does, though doesn't advertise it, but there are also plenty of others on the net where you can get the individual parts to DIY, as it were.

Feel free to drop me a p/m if you would like any more info, happy to have a chat.