Corrosion of lifejacket CO2 container

[Plum]

Luckily, my Co2 inflatable lifejackets have never been submersed in water. However, after 4 years the gas bottles are heavily corroded and I intend to replace them. Does anyone have a tried and tested method of protecting the new bottles from corrosion? Obviously, the coating or volatiles from a coating must not attack the fabric of the lifejacket.

Have you checked yours lately????

 

[ccscott49]

Lifejackets, should be inspected every year! You would then see the cylinder was a little corroded and replace it, just as an aside, you are also meant to wiegh the cylinders during inspection and replace the auto device tablet, if it has one.

 

[Plum]

I agree, this was my yearly inspection and was surprised at how the corrosion had accelerated since last year. Weight is OK and everything else is in pristine condition. It is just frustrating that I now have to buy re-arm kits just because there was inadequate corrosion protection by the manufacturer.

 

[ccscott49]

They are cadmium plated, or somesuch and only designed to two years I think, we replace them offshore every two years, as we do hydrostatic releases for liferafts etc.

 

[mikesharp]

I believe that under the newest code compliance requirements the lifejackets have to be returned to the manufacturers for an annual service, which presumably includes replacement of the cannister and activation tablet etc.