Life Jackets Auto Inflating when not being worn

[chart5011]

I don't know how common this is but I have had two life jackets inflate when not in use.
The first, a few years ago, was a Crewsaver, it was not wet and was just sitting on a shelf.
The second was last week, a Sowester Osprey, I had been wearing one in very heavy rain, and after getting into harbour had taken it off and put it on a shelf. I heard a LJ inflating and assumed it was the one that had been in the rain. It turned out to be another that may have been dripped on by the wet one.
Perhaps if they are stored hanging, as the normally are, they would not have 'gone off'.
Anyone else had similar experiences?

 

[Leighb]

We had a caravan at Woolverstone for many years, and during the summer all our and our childrens sailing kit stayed there.

One night in the early hours there was a bang and a huge whoosh! Gave us quite a fright. Our youngests life jacket had gone off in the cupboard.

It had probably been put away a bit damp and the salt had attracted more moisture and dissolved the trigger capsule.

 

[gjgm]

depending on the firing mechanism, the trigger is blocked by a ring of salt . As the ring tablet disolves in the seawater, the trigger is freed.
If the tablet gets damp, it crumbles, so having the same effect, so hanging the jacket up, and opening the fabric fold around the mechanism should spare accidental firing.

 

[monkfish24]

I don't know how common this is but I have had two life jackets inflate when not in use.
The first, a few years ago, was a Crewsaver, it was not wet and was just sitting on a shelf.
The second was last week, a Sowester Osprey, I had been wearing one in very heavy rain, and after getting into harbour had taken it off and put it on a shelf. I heard a LJ inflating and assumed it was the one that had been in the rain. It turned out to be another that may have been dripped on by the wet one.
Perhaps if they are stored hanging, as the normally are, they would not have 'gone off'.
Anyone else had similar experiences?

I assume you service your lifejackets at the start of every season? The salt tablet will degrade after a few years of occasional splashing/rain/waves so it's always a good idea to change it yearly.

 

[bbg]

I have also been told that the tablet can become hard after several years, and fail to dissolve. Another reason to change regularly.

 

[jwilson]

Happens frequently - why I have two virtually unused auto LJs sitting minus cylinders at home while non-auto ones are on the boat. Actually worn one of the auto ones once, now on fourth cylinder and salt tablet purchase for two LJs. One one occasion very difficult to extricate self-inflated LJ from locker!

 

[drawkins]

Does the Hammar action suffer from the same problem?Are these more reliable than the convential automatic action.do they have other problems of their own?

 

[emandvee44]

lifejacket auto inflate

I suppose it was a question of who got in first with this.......!

Re HAMMAR auto release device

How does it work? FAQ 10 questions and answers
The Hammar automatic inflator has a unique hydrostatic valve that works by the pressure difference between the inside of the stole and the outside. When the inflator is immersed in water by 10 cm, the hydrostatic valve opens and water will have access to a water sensitive element. This in turn releases a stainless steel spring mechanism, which pierces the CO2 cylinder.



Will the lifejacket inflate if the inflator gets wet or in humidity?

No - because it requires pressure on the hydrostatic valve to allow water ingress to activate. It can withstand spray, wave splash and high humidity without causing accidental inflation. Accidental inflation can cause accidents.



Will the CO2 cylinder corrode?

No - the cylinder is carried inside the inflatable stole and therefore away from the atmosphere and corrosive effects of salt water. How can I tell if the CO2 cylinder is leaking Quite easy - due to the cylinder being housed inside the inflatable stole, this will start to inflate if the cylinder leaks.



What about in extreme cold conditions? Will it ice-up thereby not inflating the lifejacket stole?

Extreme cold conditions will not affect the hydrostatic system. The cylinder is inside the stole and moisture cannot get in to form ice. Furthermore the CO2 does not have to enter through a valve to inflate the lifejacket.



How long does it take to inflate?

Once the inflator is activated, it will take no more than 4-5 seconds to full inflation. Extreme cold (-30°) can prolong inflation by 1-2 seconds.





What about servicing the hydrostatic inflator? How often and how much will it cost?

The hydrostatic inflator does not require servicing, therefore the cost is 0. The only time it will need to be serviced is:

If it has been used i.e. inflated
5 years from manufacture, which is shown on the face of the valve.
To check that everything is OK:

Is the indicator green?
Is the manual handle still attached? If yes, the lifejacket is charged and ready for use. Otherwise the lifejacket has to be re-charged.
Important - the lifejacket itself has to be serviced yearly according to the manufacturer's instructions. How easy is it to re-charge the lifejacket? Very simple. You can obtain a full re-charge kit from your dealer, that carries full step-by-step instructions.



If I want to try it in the water?

Easy - Inflate the lifejacket through the oral tube and go swimming. The counter pressure stops the hydrostatic valve from opening. Let the lifejacket dry and then deflate it in the normal way. In this way you save the inflator and the cylinder.



How much will the lifejacket inflator cost?

The Hammar lifejacket Inflator needs no service and has a 5 years expiry date, so it's very cost efficient. All these advantages will cost you a little more from the start, but it will actually save you money in the long run. Please contact your dealer for price information.
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The tablet type actually have a chalk ring which disintegrates very rapidly on contact with water (2-5 secs), but are susceptible to damp and spray, and can therefore cause an un-planned inflation of a lifejacket, perhaps at an inconvenient time or place!
Yearly servicing of lifejackets is recommended.

Michael.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

On slightly different tack..... In a real blow with heavy seas 4 years ago, my crew took a real dowsing from a green one whilst in the stern of the cockpit..
His lifejacket automatically inflated and without a crotch strap it rose up around his neck pushing his very padded jacket into his throat restricting his breathing and putting him into a slight panic.. It took both of us by surprise and if he had gone overboard, knocked out, or been on his own it could have been very serious.
However, I deflated the life jacket via its mouth inflation tube and things were sorted.
So I guess the moral of this little story is.... 'always wear a crotch strap'.

 

[drawkins]

very comprehensive reply Michael.thank you
I can not understand why everyone doesn't buy the Hammar,they are not that more expensive and would seem to offer a far superior performance.
I am just upgrading my lot and want to make sure I am getting the best solution

 

[Boathook]

very comprehensive reply Michael.thank you
I can not understand why everyone doesn't buy the Hammar,they are not that more expensive and would seem to offer a far superior performance.
I am just upgrading my lot and want to make sure I am getting the best solution

Hammar used to be a lot more expensive but the gap does seem to be closing. The price 4 or 5 years ago certainly put me off.

 

[charles_reed]

Don't now use auto-inflate jackets - too many reports of accidental triggering. The alternative Hammar system to the capsule, also had bad reports from MAIB.

However the manual version isn't foolproof either - during a weather-window dashed la Rochelle - Donostia and got caught in a SW 4 going 7, 26nm off N Spain.
Went up to put in 2nd reef, found self paralysed at mast after doing it - visions of headlines "Brit single-hander dashes to death on Basque coast".
Finally found the trigger had been pulled and I'd trapped self with inflated LJ inside inner shroud.

took me about 90 secs to work out problem and resolution. 'Twas a long time.

 

[andygc]

The alternative Hammar system to the capsule, also had bad reports from MAIB.

Can you provide a link or reference to that?

 

[Amulet]

I assume the bobbin was not out of date? Mine use the UML system. The bobbins have a clear replacement date. I had one go off last week in the rain - but it was hung out in a silly position - by me. When choosing the system remember that they have a replacement cycle even if they are not fired - calculate the cost.

 

[Observer]

I assume you service your lifejackets at the start of every season? The salt tablet will degrade after a few years of occasional splashing/rain/waves so it's always a good idea to change it yearly.

Is it possible to buy the salt tablets/bobbins (I need the Halkey Roberts ones) on their own? Where from?

 

[BrendanS]

Does the Hammar action suffer from the same problem?Are these more reliable than the convential automatic action.do they have other problems of their own?

I have hammar type auto's and anyone that knows me well knows I've taken huge amounts of green water over my head on many an occasion. Never set off one of my jackets so far.], even though drenched, which is what I'd expect pof this type of auto.

 

[charles_reed]

Can you provide a link or reference to that?

MAIB website, FV capsize, fatalities in Irish Sea, about 3-4 years ago.

 

[misterg]

Is it possible to buy the salt tablets/bobbins (I need the Halkey Roberts ones) on their own? Where from?

Marine Warehouse

Very helpful - recommended.

Andy

 

[drawkins]

MAIB website, FV capsize, fatalities in Irish Sea, about 3-4 years ago.

I just coudn't pick up this reference but MAIB 2/2002 offers advice on one potential problem with Hammar inflation which would be overcome by regular servicing.

if these units have a limited shelf life thats one reason some are cheaper than others,must check date of manufacture when buying