Servicing and re-arming an inflatable PFD (lifejacket)

[@jeffellis1149]

By far the best and most complete video on this subject. Brilliant. Thanks!

[@Aaaaaagggghhhhhh]

Another great video, thank you! In the UK, the RNLI make a big deal of adding a crotch strap. Theory is that when the jacket inflates without one, it can simply lift off over your head. They're cheap too, if bought online and you shop around. I do appreciate that its's probably far more of an issue here in that the cold water will kill you quite quickly and render you immobile with shock, but just thought I'd throw it out there.

[@DangarMarine]

It is a good point about a jacket going up over your head without a crotch strap. Really I would recommend that everyone has a go at using their chosen lifejacket before it is actually needed so you can find things like this out before it is too late.

[@pault8891]

I just bought another 3 at the London Boat Show this week - one each for the Mrs & the kids. Like you said - " the best life jacket is the one you actually wear" So I wanted something quite light and not too bulky to ensure they actually do! Have invested in ones where the bladder shape should turn you over if you hit your head & are unconscious face down in the water. Hopefully we'll never need to find out if they actually work! But it's worth noting the trigger unit has a 'replace by' date which is normally approx 3 years after manufacture. Check these whenever you buy a new PFD and ensure you're not looking at a £20 recharge kit in your first season because you're buying old stock - get the retailer to replace it before you buy. Great vid as always Stu. Many thanks - much appreciated (laughed out loud at the bagpipes!)

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. Great tip about making sure you get your full 3 years out of a jacket when you buy it as opposed to getting something that has already been sitting on the shelf for 2 and half.

[@michaelekberg2661]

24 seconds and the bagpipe sound, ha ha ha, love your humor Stu. Great video, thanks!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Michael! I actually cut out the section where I mentioned that my friend always thought that when people said "pealess whistle" they were actually saying "penis whistle". That was mostly because MarineEngine.com is getting some of their staff to do the transcriptions for many of the videos. ;)

[@Fireship1]

I have a brand new old stock inflatable that I bought back in 1999 for an old girlfriend of mine who couldn’t swim. I never took the vest out of the package. Don’t have the girlfriend anymore, but still have the vest. Still in package. Sospenders brand. After watching this I’ll try to manually inflate it and see if I can get a rearm kit for it. My girlfriend never wore it, but my wife might want to! Great video as always Stu!

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds worth giving it a go Jack. Wives are always worth keeping safe. :)

[@CalumMacNeil-qb6wp]

I've noticed some of my auto indicators went off in storage. Dampness got them. So had to keep the new kits separate in a waterproof bag until I was going to use the life jackets. Those 're arming kits are really expensive and have to be treated with care. Good video thanks and very informative.👍👍

[@the2120company]

every movie with you is a lesson. I was not aware that these can be serviced. Big thanks for great movie!

[@ChrisSchroth]

Thank you for all the great videos, Stu. I just used this video to service and repack my PFD.

[@marcusmollsailing]

Brilliant guy! Great seamanship and humor.

[@slowboat6021]

thanks for sharing, Just got one of these for fathers day. Mine has a pull cord and mouthpiece only. Only instructions were "lay flat and make the bladder is fully deflated" fold on lines". if you use these all the time fine but if i was in the water I would have drowned by the time I figured how to use it.

[@stanpatterson5033]

Laughed at the sound of the "agony bags" when you were orally inflating the pfd. I actually don't mind the pipes, I just love the nickname of "agony bags" for them :) A few moments of prep time, checking over your equipment is always a good thing, and could really save one's butt in a pinch. If only there were enough time in every single day for the little things like that. I have no experience at all with inflatable pfd's, I've only ever used the traditional foam-filled style (and the old "life jackets" from days of yore...). In fact, I'm rather disconnected with the marine world, so I have no idea how popular they might be here in Canada. Something for me to watch for come the summertime, I suppose. I'll keep my ears open too, for the sound of anyone manually inflating theirs :)

[@DangarMarine]

That is a good nickname! ;) This style of jacket has certainly become more popular since our local laws changed to require boaters to actually wear their lifejacket under certain circumstances. Before then most people just had foam-filled ones somewhere on the boat.

[@PittwaterMowingAustralia]

Im learning more and more every time I watch one of your vids

[@banksiasong]

Excellent, essential how-to video. Really appreciated the close-ups, thanks.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Good one Stu, I have one that I need to recharge. I just put it on my shelf and used my non-inflatable last season but like this one since its light so will recharge it soon.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Tim, I was the same with this one. Once it went off it sat in the workshop for ages before I got around to doing this job.

[@scharftalicous]

I've got 4 waiting for me to remember to buy the consumables and get on with it.

[@hobbyaddict9908]

Great topic! Well done video. I always wondered about these PFDs. Now I know.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed. :)

[@shaunlesney9207]

Gave me the confidence to disarm it, nice one

[@southo69]

Ironically, I went through our 4 PFD's and Self Checked them today.. My instructions said to weigh the Charge canister also to make sure it was within the correct weight range..

[@DangarMarine]

That does make sense given there is a small chance they look unfired but have actually lost all their charge. Thanks for sharing that.

[@Johnx961]

Nice one Dangar just the vid I was looking for.

[@bigg490]

Badpipes - love it.

[@user-nt8xv1ns7w]

Interesting, been thinking about this style of PFD, good review. Thanks.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Andrew, I really like this style now, can't imagine going back.

[@jugglematt100]

Nice one , I service my pfd s every year at boat rego time so I don't forget . I keep them in a orange dry bag clearly labeled . I would like to find a source of the co2 canisters at a reasonable price .

[@DangarMarine]

I hear you there. Those canisters and firing kits can cost almost as much as replacing the whole jacket, it's ridiculous.

[@barrybrewer3629]

The manual PFD's only need the CO2 cylinder replaced, so that's much cheaper if you can find a cheap source of compatible cartridges... Google the cylinder ID number, but it's hit or miss as to the correct replacement... Helps to be patient in your search.. As to the auto-inflatables, the bobbin also adds to the cost, but yeah, a few inflator replacements on the auto PFD's, and you've spent almost as much as the PFD itself... :-/

[@judysteele9283]

happ new year stu again great job. i m shopping for new ones now Jan.on east coast USA sucks looking out back at my Grady.

[@DangarMarine]

Happy New Year. Jan might be a good time to snag a bargain though!

[@johncassidy7925]

Well done I follow your videos and they are all straight forward and easy cheers mate

[@markolav7017]

Bagpipes a great touch mate...you're a funny bugger

[@DangarMarine]

;)

[@TheBerega]

Awesome mate! The cord on mine got caught in a net a couple of weekends ago. Great video!

[@Scotty3ist]

Great video! -Jack

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jack!

[@graymodeler]

I remember those old kapok orange things from WW2 we wore on underway replenishment in the Navy.

[@DangarMarine]

Ah, the old Mae West style. Still a classic.

[@vetterfellow]

All helpful and useful information, Thanks Mate.....

[@occy2307]

Hi Stu, Thanks for the video. When you service it yourself and place the date of service on it, is this going to keep maritime and police happy.

[@DangarMarine]

I was talking to somebody about this the other day and they were under the impression that every third year they need to serviced professionally. I've haven't yet for the legislation that support this but I'd been keen to find it.

[@occy2307]

Thanks Stu. I will try contacting someone as I have been paying a registered agent $35.00 per jacket every year. What a waste of money as your video shows it appears to be a very simple job.

[@occy2307]

Hi again Stu, Just contacted Sydney water Police and they state as long as the canister is in date you are okay. I also asked about having the inspection date put on the jacket and he replied no not required. Also no need to have it professionally checked every 3 years just make sure the canister is in date. Cheers Michael.

[@dextermorgan5751]

LOL .. loved the bagpipes

[@TreasureDivers]

Great explanation many thanks Stu

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@barrybrewer3629]

Good info in the video! I probably would have taken a needle and thread to that loose velcro in the outer shell (it's just gonna get worse), but other than that, nice job!

[@DangarMarine]

Yeah, I will fix it up I just didn't have the needle and thread with me and the vid couldn't wait.

[@fishernick2447]

Love the bagpipes 😂 ... another informative vid Stu

[@anttiroppola4414]

You should also date and sign the service chart so you can prove to RMS that it has been serviced at least annually. Strictly bureaucratic and not impacting the performance of the PFD.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, someone else mentioned that too. I did notice the place for recording it but forgot to show it. I'll guess I'll have to sign an affidavit if I'm stopped. ;)

[@ronpowell2373]

You may get a 2nd chance being you would likely know the person pulling you over. But regular boaters get a warning or cop the fine- usually depends on attitude of the boater during the check. You have to have proof of the inspection.By the way - 3 boaters were checked at Ulladulla harbour southern ramp this past weekend, all booked for non load rated D shackles on the safety chain. EPA also running around the harbour with an oil boom and skimmers - apparently some one reported another boater for dropping an open bottle of two stroke into the water.

[@Hahehhwgajshah72726..]

Good tips mate.Now can you do a video on how to get that bloody aerogard on the railing to work?It attracts more flies when I wear it.lol.Keep up the good work.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. The trick to Aerogard is to put a can on per square foot of skin. ;)

[@Hahehhwgajshah72726..]

Dangar Marine oh,that's what i've been doing wrong.😁

[@uglyduckling81]

Try and get yourself some military stuff. It works great but don't let it touch anything . It melts pretty much everything it touches. Perfectly safe for use on human skin though ;)

[@dougbryer3090]

Hey Stu, thanks for the vids. Last year you taught me how to do my wheel bearings. Put 3000 miles on them so far. Its winter here in the USA. Cold, 4 F at night and 18 F in the day. ( New Jersey) How is the fishing going? Where can we order a shirt ? Happy New Year , Doug.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Doug, happy New Year! You know it's cold when even the days don't get above freezing. Fishing has been okay, really enjoying getting out there at the moment. You can get a shirt from here dangarmarine.com.au/collections/merchandise/products/dangar-marine-t-shirt (Note that prices are in Australian dollars so a bit cheaper in US)

[@jimbogasoline2042]

I thought I was watching Braveheart at 2:34. Even the PFD loves William Wallace

[@DangarMarine]

LOL. If you squint it was just like the movie. ;)

[@markcartner210]

Freedom!

[@aleksbjelanovic8315]

Thanks man

[@hammer9390]

Would a PVC pipe with a cap on one end, with the PFD automatic firing mechanism inserted first into the pipe, work as a good storage case?

[@callumwearne7870]

Marine rescue has exactly the same PFDs except they're green / not sure what the difference is...

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Callum. I don't think the colour is significant. I have some orange some blue (same company) and they are both a mixture of auto and manual inflation.

[@jugglematt100]

Would you believe a friend was inspected and warned by n s w maritime about having pfd out of inspection date just yesterday , well worth taking time out to do the check and mark on your p f d the date inspected .

[@DangarMarine]

Ah, I forgot to mention there is a grid on the jacket for writing the date of each service. Good point!

[@martyhing7421]

Yep, said friend here. I accidentally set off the lifejacket a couple of months prior. I inspected it and replaced the bulb but obviously forgot to write down the service date. Thankfully the RMS officer was reasonable about it. Could have been a costly mistake.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Got another question for you. If going solo out on the water slow trolling is it advisable to also tie yourself to a boat so if you fall over you can pull yourself back to the boat?

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Tim, I think tethers can be a double edged sword. They are useful in offshore sailing for example where your chances of getting back to the boat or being found are quite small without a Jackline. With an outboard in calmer waters I would say having the kill switch attached to you somewhere is the best way to go.

[@ronpowell2373]

Definitely don't tie yourself to the boat if you have an outboard. Two reasons mainly - a towed line is a prop tangle waiting to happen, especially if you have to emergency reverse - a stalled engine at the worst possible time. The 2nd is that by normal water action you will be dragged into the prop wash /spinning prop - and it is quite hard to keep your head above the water whilst being dragged . Having gone overboard a few times- forward hand on racing yacht means it is a risk of the sport- and grabbed the jack line at only 12knots- I have been there/done that. We have to wear jackets now days but cant wear auto's as we get wet too much. if it is rough they guys use the foam filled ones in case they get knocked out.Stu 's suggestion is the way to go- use the ignition lanyard. Oh, and one day when you have a few people aboard, jump over with motor stopped and try getting back on board unassisted- it is far harder than you can imagine. I have now installed a folding ladder for this reason- they are not compulsory here, but I know some states in the USA have them as compulsory equipment.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Thanks Ron, Very good infomation for boaters. My plan is lake fishing solo but when offshore or in rivers with currents to have at least one or two folks with. There was a guy this fall that was out in the sound and all they found was his boat. They had no idea what happened to him? He was no rookie either. This time of year out crabbing is cold and dangerous out there.

[@ronpowell2373]

Tim- many authorities wont publicly mention it or suggest it, but in many cases disappeared boaters are victims of depression.

[@crunchycrispybacon]

Is the co2 tank pierced when you arm it or when you pull the cord?

[@DangarMarine]

When you pull the cord.

[@noanoa4283]

Cool

[@seanfrancis3320]

These instructions can also be applied for your friend in the closet from models Always Annie to Sleazy Sally. Simply repeat step 4 to the left breast & skip step 6. You're welcome.

[@DangarMarine]

LOL, someone had to make an inflatable joke. ;)

[@crispernator]

gday mate i would check mine every 12 months for serviceability blow it up leave overnight , i am a bit anal about wearing thes things i had a rule you come in my boat you wear it simplz . As you say they are not like the old cumbersome jackets and half the time i didnt even remember i had it on , some i have seen in boats i wouldnt let my dog wear they are shockers and also people hide them away in storage bins with really no chance of getting at them in an emergency,now a lot of people will disagree with me but i think it should be mandatory to wear one when in a boat regardless of how many years you have been a boatie anyway great tech video .

[@DangarMarine]

I certainly think it is a lot easier to convince people to wear these life jackets than it was with the old style that's for sure.

[@jimh.5286]

Well, maybe "life jacket" isn't the best or most accurate name...but it's probably better than "death jacket."

[@DangarMarine]

Death Jacket could be a good band name though. ;)

[@Corrvision]

What Brand is your PFD?

[@jesuscarranza753]

Do you work on outdrives I'm trying to replace the gimbal bearing my engine alignment is off alignment do I have to worry about that before I remove the gimbal bearing or after I'm all done

[@DangarMarine]

Unfortunately not. We only work on friends boats that are smaller outboard boats for getting to and from the island.

[@wrnrt]

2:40 most people advise to test inflate using a pump. Your exhaled air is way too moist.

[@geo-s-8530]

bag pipes

[@jugglematt100]

please delete if its not appropriate to share .l i just did an order from xtremeinn (just google ) for 10 x 33gm co2 ,, seems to be a good price even with postage. a friend purchased the same a while back and was happy with them .

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks for the tip. They are way cheaper than I have been able to find them locally. :)

[@mikemulrooney4574]

LMAO!!Bag pipes

[@DangarMarine]

And I've never had a single lesson! ;)

[@annab3182]

Not a good one for kayaking, because you get wet and it would deploy before it was needed.

[@DangarMarine]

Lucky I don’t go kayaking.

[@truthbetold2012]

what happened to real life jackets?…someones making a tonne of money from the new laws.

[@DangarMarine]

I know what you are saying, but traditional life jackets are pretty bulky to wear so they only get used during an emergency. I actually prefer having this type on the boat these days.

[@truthbetold2012]

never had to use one in 20 years good boating knowledge and safe passage is best I like the old jackets but the new ones are good if you like wearing them all day…both work thats why I never understood the new laws

[@DangarMarine]

Touch wood I've never needed to use one yet either. Are you referring to the new NSW laws that you have to wear one if you are one your own in a boat under 4.8 meters or are you somewhere else?

[@truthbetold2012]

referring to standards change which made it impossible to not buy/use the new PFDs that need refills if the canister is out of date or if you accidently set one off which I've done twice!…the maritime laws are over the top flares for instance I've had flares that still worked 20 years out of date yet for my commercial op I have to buy new ones every year..maritime has a way of draining boaters pockets under the guise of safety I just wonder who owns all these businesses that manufacture the gear lol..all good though if it saves a life.