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. ;)

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.

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.

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

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.

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed. :)

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.

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

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

Thanks Jack!

;)

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

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

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

You're welcome. :)

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. ;)

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.

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

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

Freedom!

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

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... :-/

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

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

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 ;)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

When you pull the cord.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Lucky I don’t go kayaking.

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

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.

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

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?

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.