[Public-List] Caution

[Roy Jarnagin]

I have a similar inflatable PFD story. In my previous career I was a research engineer for an ocean science institute. I was sometimes working on the deck of the research vessel deploying or retrieving equipment from the stern without any lifelines or tether to prevent going overboard. I always wore my steel toe boots and an the same inflatable PFD. After a couple of years one of my co-workers decided it might be a good idea to replace the inflate cartridges in our PFDs. It turns out the one I had been using had the gas cartridge installed improperly and it would not have inflated. I hate to think what might have happened if I had gone overboard with those heavy boots on an no easy way to inflate that vest.

Roy Jarnagin

Southern Serenity #72


-----Original Message-----
From: Public-List [mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Amy & David Swanson via Public-List
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2018 9:27 PM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Cc: Amy & David Swanson
Subject: [Public-List] Caution

We bought a small boat about 4 years ago, and it came with three inflatable PFD's of indeterminate age.  I brought them home and tried to inflate them.  One did not inflate, and another one had tiny holes that let all the air/CO2 out.  I tossed the holey one out and rearmed the other two.

Last week I brought the remaining two home for their yearly test & rearming.  Again, one did not inflate, and one (the same one this time) had tiny holes.  I tossed it and bought a rearm kit for the one remaining one.

These were name brand PFD's (the remaining one is SOSpenders, don't remember what the other two were), not cheapies.  Please, if you use inflatable PFD's, take the time to inspect, test and rearm them per the recommended schedule, and keep a few non-inflatable vests on board.  I would hate to think what would have happened if I had tried to use one of these in a real emergency.

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