Please select your home edition
Edition
Crewsaver 2021 Safetyline LEADERBOARD

Crewsaver advises to carefully check safety equipment after easing of coronavirus lockdown rules

by Seaborne 29 May 2020 17:55 BST
Lifejackets, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, and liferafts, in particular, should be thoroughly checked before putting to sea to ensure they are damage-free and equipment is still in date © Crewsaver

Crewsaver, the leading lifejacket and safety equipment supplier to the global leisure marine industry, has advised boaters to ensure they carry out rigorous equipment checks before they put their vessels on the water following an easing of coronavirus lockdown rules.

With many marinas and boat yards beginning to open following the three-month restriction on movement, an increase in water-based leisure pursuits is expected as boating enthusiasts look to reunite with their craft.

Matthew Bridge, Commercial Director, of the Survitec brands Crewsaver and Yak, said: "It is fantastic to see a recent easing of lockdown rules meaning that people can get back on the water. Our message is do get out on the water but be safe and keep to the government guidelines to protect the emergency services. Before you head out, we strongly advise you to give your boat a good inspection and check your safety equipment.

"Lifejackets, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, and liferafts, in particular, should be thoroughly checked before putting to sea to ensure they are damage-free and equipment is still in date."

Bridge said it is quite possible that stowed lifejackets and other equipment have been sitting around in a damp environment or even submerged in a partially flooded locker.

"An obvious sign of a potential problem with a lifejacket is discolouration or corrosion. Lifejacket fabric should be checked for cuts, tears, abrasion and signs of damage caused by heat before manually inflating and leaving it for 12 hours. A lifejacket that is leaking will not hold its firmness and must be replaced," he said. "Gas cylinders, lights, toggles and whistles should also be checked."

Where lifejackets are fitted with Pro-Sensor or Hammar operating heads they will include status indicators, if these show red, then the cylinder should be checked to ensure it is fully charged. There should also be a green cap in the base of the capsule, but if this cannot be found, and a red dot is visible then the capsule could have been fired and must not be used.

"On our website we have how-to guides demonstrating how to re-arm your lifejacket. Alternatively, you can take your lifejacket to an approved Crewsaver service station and they can fit a new capsule onto your operating mechanism if required," said Bridge, warning that the capsule MUST be replaced before use if it is out-of-date.

Referring to Crewsaver's #LifejacketSafe campaign, Mark Lutman, Survitec's Global Technical Sales Manager, Life Saving Appliances, added: "We recommend lifejackets are returned to the manufacturer or a qualified service agent for a full service every 12 months. Wear and contamination from salt spray, sand and dirt will all contribute to decreasing lifejacket efficiency."

Other equipment that should undergo inspection includes flares, the contents of first aid boxes and, where installed, liferafts.

"Do give flares a good visual inspection to make sure they and dry and corrosion-free and, again, check the expiry date," added Bridge.

"If fire extinguishers are onboard, regular inspections are advised to check for signs of damage, corrosion or leakage. Locking pins, seals and tamper indicators should be in place and the pressure gauge must indicate the correct cylinder pressure range. In most cases, the correct pressure will be marked in green on the gauge.

"With regards to liferafts, the likelihood is that a canister or valise liferaft will remain properly sealed, but we do advise to check for any visible signs of seal damage and make sure the liferaft is within its due service date.

"These checks should be in addition to rigorous inspection of rigging, battery levels, bilge pumps, instruments and engines to make sure all is in working order before departing on any post-lockdown voyage," he added. "If you look after your safety equipment it will look after you."

Bridge said: "We are pleased to see a return to the water but do advise that social distancing initiatives are maintained to reduce the risk of a second wave on infections. We must all do our bit to protect our emergency services including the RNLI and independent lifeboats."

To locate an approved Crewsaver service station, visit: crewsaver.com/uk/find-a-stockist

To learn more about how to ensure you remain #LifejacketSafe, visit: crewsaver.com/uk/lifejacketsafe

To view the CrewSaver series of 'how-to' videos, click here: crewsaver.com/uk/how-to-guides

Related Articles

Angling for a Cure Rods & Ribbons 2025 Campaign
The all-ladies sea angling team is reuniting to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK Rods & Ribbons, the all-ladies sea angling team, is reuniting in 2025 to continue their inspiring mission of raising awareness and vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Posted on 31 Jan
Crewsaver unveils ErgoFit 290n lifejacket
Unrivalled comfort and protection on display at METSTRADE The new ErgoFit 290N lifejacket from Survitec's leading lifejacket brand, Crewsaver, redefines safety, comfort and performance standards for offshore and ocean sailing. Posted on 20 Nov 2024
Get your Limited Edition Pink Crewsaver Lifejacket
100% of proceeds to Cancer Research UK! Crewsaver set an ambitious target of raising £15,000 for Cancer Research UK in 2024, and are now 89% of the way there, raising £13,403.10 at the time of writing, with an extra £1,984.25 raised through GiftAid. Posted on 12 Sep 2024
Rods & Ribbons
The UK's First All-Ladies Sea Angling Team support Cancer Research UK After making waves at the 2024 Sea Angling Classic, the UK's first all-ladies sea angling team has decided to continue their journey under a new banner—Rods & Ribbons. Posted on 14 Aug 2024
Trailblazing All-Ladies Team Crewsaver United
In the Sea Angling Classic, Championing Cancer Awareness Team Crewsaver, the first all-ladies fishing team to enter the Sea Angling Classic, made an indelible mark on the event, held from June 20-23, 2024, at Premier Marina Port Solent, UK. Posted on 2 Jul 2024
All-ladies team set for Sea Angling Classic
Raising vital funds to donate to Cancer Research UK Team Crewsaver, comprising of four women with varying levels of fishing experience, aims to raise vital funds to donate to Cancer Research UK to support the fight against cancer. Posted on 12 Jun 2024
Special edition Crewfit 165N Sport lifejacket
Crewsaver donates profits from new pink life jacket to Cancer UK Crewsaver has unveiled a special edition of its iconic Crewfit 165N Sport life jacket in vibrant pink, raising awareness and vital funds for breast cancer awareness with 100% of sales being donated to Cancer Research UK. Posted on 25 Mar 2024
Crewsaver joins forces with Sea Angling Classic
The UK's biggest sea fishing catch and release competition Crewsaver, Survitec's leading lifejacket brand, has announced its partnership with Sea Angling Classic, the UK's biggest sea fishing catch and release competition, as the official safety partner for the upcoming 2024 season. Posted on 16 Nov 2023
Crewsaver ErgoFit Solas
Taking survival technology to new heights with 'wear all day' lifejacket The new ErgoFit SOLAS lifejacket from Survitec's leading lifejacket brand, Crewsaver, redefines safety, comfort, and performance for those engaged in challenging tasks on wind turbines and during offshore crew transfer operations. Posted on 6 Sep 2023