Inflatable PFD's

[modo]

I'm confused about the service/check procedures on inflatable PFD's. I've been told that you have to send them away once yearly, then I was told you don't you can do them yourself. I was told people were getting fined. Then I was told the cops have no idea and are fining people unlawfully. Mate I'm confused. I heard Nugget on the radio saying he wasn't 100% sure about were you stand, but he had this web site on his page on self service/check list http://www.burkemarine.com.au/SIPs.pdf
and I found this site because I have a Marlin style PDF on
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=marlin%20pfd&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CEMQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marlin-australia.com.au%2FMarlin%2520Inflatables%2520Annu al%2520Self%2520Inspection.pdf&ei=MkcPT6iHFsyyiQezsYxA&usg=AFQjCNEfcvHAO9HY7kSkollSObhmEMSf4A&cad=rja
I haven't spoken to the water police or the VRM yet which is my next step. If anyone knows or is confused as me please let me/us know:'(

Cheers Dom
PS: not sure if this is the right forum.

[bundylundy]

Modo,
I had the the same questions as you do with regard to inflatable PFD's so I wrote to Marine Safety Queensland. There reply was that if the manufacturer has a documented self test proceedure, you can do a self test as long as you follow the proceedure and keep a record with the PFD. The Marlin brand have a self test proceedure and record sheet on their website. Their is more information on the Marine Safety Queensland web site. I still take my "Stormy Seas" inflatable PFD to a local service agent for this brand but do my own testing of "Marlin" inflatable PFD's as their is no local service agent. This information is for Queensland, for other states I would check with Maritime Safety in that state. I hope this helps.

Jeff.

[netmaker]

dom, easiest way to comply is keep a spare cheapie stowed away out of the sun. keep that 1 to make the boys happy and use whatever you want for lifesaving purposes. and yes i believe that you can do your own inspections on inflatables. you need to write a report and date/sign it and keep on board to produce if requested.
cheers
davo

[Moonlighter]

The following comments relate to Qld.

Life all safety gear, they must be maintained in line with the manufacturers requirements.

So, if your inflatables manufacturer says they must be serviced annually, that's what you must do, if they say every 2 years, then that's what you have to do.

Yes, you can service them yourself, it's easy, all you need to do is record the service for example on a log sheet, and update the service record date on the jackets label.

Also, be aware that these inflatable jackets have an expiry date after which they can not be used and will not be regarded as safety gear by the authorities.

When I serviced my inflatables last year I found the expiry date and I will have to replace 2 of my older jackets early this year. I think that they only last about 6 years all up, I guess that this is probably the lifespan of the inflatable bladder....

See this link for more info re the Qld requirements:)Other states may be different so check with maritime safety in your state

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Life-jackets.aspx

Cheers

ML

[modo]

Ok thank's will do.