QUOTE (kkw @ Feb 10 2010, 08:39 AM)
I got two the other day and asked about the self inspection deal. Was told that if using it as a recreational fisho, then yes, at the present time that is allowable. If a yachtie, then they need to be inspected every 2 years at the present time. (that is for the CO2 cartridge - not for the jacket). May change in the future if the Gov can get a dollar or two from boaties. They can be manually inflated, so don't know if the inspection is specific to the CO2 cartridge only. At any rate, as I mostly fish alone, I can wear it if I want (or not) as it sits flat and is hardly noticeable. I have four 'standard' ones on board as well.
I was thinking of getting a couple of these when the wearing of life jackets became compolsory when crossing a bar.
Till that point I had never in my life put on a life jacket, not even to learn how to put one on. SAD I know but that's a fact,
And I have been through some mighty tough times out at sea.
Even now I cheat when going out from Bermi cause I don't consider that to be a bar, although the authorities do.
I should be more responsible and wear one all the time these days cause with my fitness level after having the heart attack 2 of,
and only having 1/2 a lung I would be lucky to be able to swim 20 yards these days, and treading water without a jacket
would have me buggered in no time.
Alas I will give them a miss for now. May get some further down the line when I think about it some more.
Buying new flairs every 3 years craps me right off so getting these things inspected each year craps me even further.
Thank christ the epirb don't need renewing every so often.