How do I recharge my automatic lifejacket ?
To find out how to replace a gas cartridge on an automatic lifejacket, simply follow the steps outlined in our guide below. Once the cartridge has been reset, all you have to do is test your lifejacket to make sure it's working properly before setting sail again!
Resetting your inflatable lifejacket: UML or Hammar
To change the gas cartridge in your automatic lifejacket, you first need to check whether you have a UML percussion vest or a Hammar 33g hydrostatic striker. The former is actually taken from the manufacturer's name "United Moulders Limited" for the acronym UML. And although there are several brands of cellulose-pellet firing pin (similar to a paper material), it is this brand that is the most widely used, thanks to its product quality.
As for the Hammar hydrostatic firing pin, located in the lung of the vest, it refers to the other most widely used release system on the market. It too bears the name of the manufacturer who filed a patent on this model.
In short, you have a device with a Hammar hydrostatic release harness or with a UML automatic harness, like the Deckvest 6D 170N Spinlock vest. With this guide, Nautisports points you in the right direction for resetting your automatic vest (whatever the trigger system).
How do I know if my cartridge has expired ?
Automatic vests require specific systems to operate. For example, a Secumar CO2 cartridge refill kit includes a bottle of CO2, 2 pellets and, in some cases, safety pins. If you have a Secumar vest, it must be fitted with a Secumatic cellulose firing pin. There are two main families of firing pins on the market.
Hydrostatic firing pins, which react only to water pressure, have the advantage of not going off if you are unfortunate enough to receive drops or splashes of water, unlike cellulose-pellet firing pins. Small details such as atmospheric humidity can trigger your vest, depending on the model of firing pin you have. Rest assured, this kind of unexpected triggering only occurs in rare cases.
To find out how to read a lifejacket cylinder, all gas cartridges have an engraved date of manufacture. To find out if the cartridge is still in good condition, simply weigh it. You are under no obligation to change your cartridge if it has never been punctured. However, we recommend that you replace it after 10 years.
Check compatibility before buying a new arming kit for your vest. There are several models available, and by definition not all of them will fit the inflatable vest you own. It's up to you to follow the steps below to make sure you get the right replacement:
- Check that you have purchased a compatible kit for your automatic lifejacket, i.e. one with a UML or hydrostatic release system.
- Check the expiry date on the cartridge.
- Check the system's color indicator: if the light is red, you need to replace the system, as this means that the lifejacket has been triggered. If it's green, the vest has not been triggered.
- Weigh the gas cylinder and note the following indications: 24g for 100N vests, 33g for 150N vests, 60 grams for 275N vests.
- Make sure the vest is completely dry, and choose a sheltered spot to perform the operation.
How do I replace my gas cartridge ?
Have you noticed that the cartridge in your lifejacket urgently needs to be replaced by another refill? To reset your automatic lifejacket and get back on your boat, follow the steps below.
Use the key included in the delivery of your new cartridge to replace the kit, and refer to the following instructions for replacing a gas cartridge with a UML device:
- Take your vest and locate the mechanism on the right-hand side of the vest.
- Remove the pierced gas cylinder by unscrewing it from left to right.
- Remove the cartridge with the cellulose pellet (black part) by unscrewing it from right to left
- Screw on the new UML cartridge from right to left (clockwise)
- Position the new gas cylinder, tightening it clockwise
- Attach the green clip to indicate whether or not the vest has been manually operated.
- Close the vest, which must be completely deflated, and check that the manual release handle is in the correct position
Latest recommendations
As a reminder, there is no law requiring you to regularly check or systematically replace your lifejacket and its accessories after a certain period. We do, however, recommend that you get into the habit of checking your reset kit, also known as the firing pin, before using your lifejacket, and storing it in a dry place away from light. Ensuring that your equipment is in good working order increases your chances of survival in the event of an accident at sea.
Please note: it may happen that the green clip pops out, but the cellulose pellet remains green because it can still be used. In this case, your lifejacket has been triggered manually, which is why the cellulose tablet remains green. In this case, you need to replace the gas cylinder and replace the green clip without having to replace the cellulose tablet.
It's a good idea to carry at least one spare kit for each type of vest, in case you notice a fault in the triggering system.
Don't wait until the evening before to check that your lifejacket is no longer operational! Visit our Nautisports.com site, where we have a large number of vest refill kits in stock and available for delivery, including all the accessories you need to reset your vest.
