Lifejackets.

[Refueler]

Only because I seem to always see job lots of cylinders for sale. I assumed they might have a "rusty or 10 years, whichever sooner" thing in SOLAS.

Not that I know off ... but TBH - I don't delve too deep into it so much now ...

I wonder if the job-lots you talk about are old stock from shops sold off to Car Boot Sales ? Maybe cylinders from jackets that fabric has failed but cylinder still ok ?

 

[wonkywinch]

 

[Refueler]

24gr ??? Aren't standard cylinders 30gr ??

I'd be very interested to know the baclground reason for those 4000 cylinders .... seems a hell of a lot !!

 

[RunAgroundHard]

It is a SOLAS requirement to replace the CO2 cylinders if they show any sign of deterioration, which includes surface rust or marks on the burst disc on the CO2 bottle. If the bottle is okay, it doesn't get changed. SOLAS is not that specific, however, it leans heavily on periodic checks (which don't have to be a year), OEM requirements and competent inspection company. Basically if the OEM of a lifejacket says it has to be inspected annually and that certain conditions require the co2 bottle to be changed, that is what happens. It is not that big deal on a ship as most lifejackets don't inflate having permanent buoyancy, only the lifejackets used for work where there is a risk of falling in are the auto inflate type, and then usually hydrostatic hammer device, not cartridge. If a company is checking this type, which get exposed to all sorts of shit in a working day, like rain, spray, dirt, then rusty cylinders are to be expected.

For us leisure sailors, just weight it and check it is clean and free from rust.

 

[dunedin]

View attachment 188727

From the photo looks like a big ship thing. And if paying commercial labour rates to service gear, and getting bulk commercial discounts on cylinders, somebody may have said just replace them all as cheaper than checking them?
Bit different compared to DIY servicing, where generally our time is free. Never yet had to replace a cylinder for corrosion or weight loss, except after being triggered.

 

[oldgit]

6 cylinders untarnished and each weighting the same .139 g
2 x clips totally vanished
1 x L/J scrapped and new a Auto L/J required.
Ordering 6 new capsules and 2 clips.
Please tell me the " capsule" fittings are universal and not unique to each L/J manufacturer.

 

[Martin_J]

I did say that that buying a few spare clips is worthwhile because they can come in handy..

If your capsules look the same, then fingers crossed the new ones will be good..

The dinghy pump can be used to inflate them (if you don't have a balloon pump on board!).

I should have said, perhaps check and order new lights whilst you're ordering stuff..

 

[PaulRainbow]

6 cylinders untarnished and each weighting the same .139 g
2 x clips totally vanished
1 x L/J scrapped and new a Auto L/J required.
Ordering 6 new capsules and 2 clips.
Please tell me the " capsule" fittings are universal and not unique to each L/J manufacturer.View attachment 188744

The capsules in post #1 are UML, as are the ones in posts #3 and 4, so they fit. You can order the green clips separately, there are two versions, dependant on date of manufacturer, detail on the website linked to.

 

[oldgit]

The capsules in post #1 are UML, as are the ones in posts #3 and 4, so they fit. You can order the green clips separately, there are tow versions, dependant on date of manufacturer, detail on the website liked to.

Cheers.

 

[oldgit]

All ordered and on its way.
A simple and easy to use website.

 

[Plum]

Based on the above recommendations I just ordered a new inflation cartridge from Products Archive - RT Supplies Ltd
I had a question regarding which one so sent a message and got an answer within the hour. Very helpful and good prices. They also have a helpful online inflator identification slideshow, when you see yours you can click on the image and go to a page explaining the individual parts:- Not Sure which Lifejacket Rearming Kit is needed? - RT Supplies Ltd

 

[wonkywinch]

Getting on with my own today..

 

[wonkywinch]

Interesting to discover Crewsaver now tape the CO2 cylinder to a plastic protector, presumably to alleviate possibility of twisting and fracture of the threaded part of the trigger module.

I needed to cut the tape to weigh the bottles.

Since I haven't seen rearming kits with the stickers yet, I used a piece of electrical tape but concerned this might go gooey in warm weather.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Interesting to discover Crewsaver now tape the CO2 cylinder to a plastic protector, presumably to alleviate possibility of twisting and fracture of the threaded part of the trigger module.

I needed to cut the tape to weigh the bottles.

Since I haven't seen rearming kits with the stickers yet, I used a piece of electrical tape but concerned this might go gooey in warm weather.

I was able to carefully undo the tape on mine and re-use it.

 

[Petertheking1982]

The company Universal Safety are offering job lots of used cylinders. Universal Safety are service providers for big and little boats. The cylinders offered will have failed inspection (normaly corrision), hence why they are offering them for training (stated at bottom of their advert). At a school I worked at we used the failed cylinders for training lifejackets in a swimming pool on sea survival courses. They had been condemed so never used in LJ on a boat in the real world!