Do you know the difference?

It should be recognised that Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids fulfil different functions. There are four types of buoyancy garments, each intended to be suitable for different activities in different risk situations. These are:

275N Lifejacket

The 275N Crewfit, 275N Crewfit PLUS and 275N Voyager are high performance devices for offshore and severe conditions when maximum protection is required or where heavy waterproof clothing is being worn. The 275N Lifejacket gives improved assurance of safety from drowning to people who are not able to help themselves. Whilst it cannot be guaranteed to self-right an unconscious user wearing heavy waterproofs, the additional buoyancy it provides should ensure it will in a great majority of cases.

150N Lifejacket

The 150N Crewfit, Crewfit PLUS, Short Adult Crewfit, Junior Crewfit, 150N Voyager and 150N Freedom are suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers, for use in all but the most severe conditions. They will give reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to people who are not able to help themselves. They may not immediately self-right an unconscious user wearing heavy waterproof clothing.

100N Lifejacket

Suitable for people who can swim, for use in sheltered waters. It gives a reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to a person in relatively calm waters. They may not immediately self-right an unconscious user.

50N Buoyancy Aids

Only suitable for competent swimmers, for use in sheltered waters where help is close at hand. A 50N Buoyancy Aid only provides support to conscious persons who can help themselves. It is inferior in performance to a Lifejacket.

 

 

Inflation Options

Which inflation Option suits your needs?

Three different inflation options are available within the Crewfit and selected inflatable Lifejackets.

Manual

Available on Crewfit 275N and 150N

All Crewsaver Air Only Lifejackets can be Manually inflated, by the pull of a lanyard. This option allows the wearer to swim without the Lifejacket being activated automatically. This can be useful if you expect to wade when launching or tending to craft in calm waters.

1. Pull a lanyard.
2. CO2 canister is fired.
3. Jacket inflates.
4. Delivers full buoyancy in approximately 5 seconds.
5. Can also be inflated orally.

Standard Automatic

Available on Crewfit 275N, 150N and Junior

This inflation option is available on most Crewsaver Air Only Lifejackets and provides an alternative to the Hammar Mechanism. Inflation occurs automatically when the paper retaining collar dissolves on contact with water.

1. Capsule fires within 5 seconds of entry into water.
2. Mechanism pierces canister, inflating Lifejackets.
3. Can also be inflated as manual version or orally.

Hammar Automatic

Available on Crewfit 275N, 150N and Freedom

The Hammar Inflator gives exellent protection from random activation caused by moisture, rain or wave splash. This is achieved by protecting the water sensitive element with a hydrostatic valve, which operates when submerged in over 10cmof water and, depending upon the Lifejacket style, held there for between 2 to 3 seconds.

1. Hammar works on water pressure, only operating when submerged in 10cm of salt or fresh water.
2. No accidentalk inflation, even in extreme conditions.
3. Cylinder is mounted on the inside of the Lifejacket inflation chamber.
4. Re-arming instructions and key provided with each Re-arming Pack.
5. Can also be inflated as manual version or orally.

Familiarise yourself with your Lifejacket

Owning a lifejacket or Buoyancy Aid is not a guarantee of safety unless you know how to use it

If you fall in the water at certain angles wearing foul weather clothing, air can be trapped inside. This can cause you to surface quickly and float on your back. This may cause slow or nonactivation of both standard automatic and Hammar lifejackets, because the auto firing mechanism is not sufficiently submerged. In such cases, either pull the manual firing lanyard to activate inflation, or change your position in the water, so that the front of the lifejacket is submerged sufficiently to cause activation.

1. In an emergency there is no time to learn how equipment works. You should practice putting on your Lifejacket and making the final adjustments for a safe fit.

2. Children should be encouraged to learn how to put on their Lifejackets or Buoyancy Aids for themselves.

3. You should also practice in the water so that you know how the equipment functions and in particular, get used to the flotation position it gives you.

4. Crewsaver recommend the use of thigh straps with all Lifejackets, most versions have these fitted as standard. They make the Lifejacket safer to use by helping to prevent it riding up in the water.

Prefitting Check List

Prior to leaving your berth, it is always advisable to check your Lifejacket to ensure it is in good working order, ready to save your life if necessary!

Remember to have plenty of spare cylinders or re-arming packs as falling overboard twice on one journey is not unheard of. Accidental inflations can also occur. If the Lifejacket you are wearing is borrowed, then ensure it is adjusted to fit you properly - please watch the video demo on the right hand side of this screen.

The following visual checks should be made:

Check all belts are firmly attached to the Lifejacket and that all stitching and fastenings are secure.

Visually check the cover and inflator for holes or damage. Ensure on all models that the red manual lanyard is attached and protruding from the bottom of the Lifejacket. On Hammer Auto Inflation models, check that the expiry date is valid, the green dot is visible on the firing head, the manual lanyard is in place and that gas cylinder is tightly secured.

Ensure cylinder and firing mechanism are attached, corrosion free and are unused. Make sure that the correct size cylinder has been fitted:

23g: Junior Crewfit
33g: All Adult 150N Lifejackets
60g: 275N Lifejackets

On Standard Automatic models, examine the capsule and check it is still operative and not clogged with dirt. Examine the firing head, test the operation of the firing pin by pressing the base button and ensuring the pin moves cleanly.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GAS CYLINDER AND AUTOMATIC CAPSULE MUST BE REMOVED FIRST

Inflate the Lifejacket using the Oral inflation tube and leave overnight to double check for damage. Before repacking Lifejacket, ensure all air is expelled and oral inflation tube cap is fixed back in place.

How to don/fit your Lifejacket

Guidelines on fitting and adjusting your Lifejacket correctly.

It is vital that your Lifejacket is correctly adjusted to fit you. An incorrect fit or fastening will impair performance and may lead to the Lifejacket slipping off in the water.

Crewfit 275N, Crewfit 150N, Short Adult Crewfit, Junior Crewfit, Voyager and Freedom

When you purchase your Crewsaver Lifejacket the webbings are already correctly threaded. Put the Lifejacket on like an ordinary jacket. Clip together or fasten buckle on the waist belt. Firmly tighten the waistbelt and secure the loose end in the slider. The waistbelt should fit securely across the lower part of the chest with the backstrap tight enough to prevent the collar rubbing your neck.

If the waistbelt or backstrap is not in a correct or comfortable position you must adjust it. The backstrap has 2 or 3 loops (depending on the model). Before unthreading the webbing, note how it is fastened and threaded.

Unthread the waistbelt and select a higher or lower loop, whichever ensures the correct fit, then re-thread the waistbelt through the backstrap and try the Lifejacket on again. Lifejackets without integral harnesses can be worn over a separate safety harness.

• Check the position of Lifejacket for comfort, adjusting as necessary (the belt should sit across/below your rib cage and the top of the Lifejacket should sit just below the back of your neck.)
• If you need to adjust the length of your lifejacket, then adjust the back strap by re-threading waist belt through one of the height options on the back strap.
• If thigh straps are fitted, then ensure that they are secure.
• We suggest that you practice wearing your inflated Lifejacket in shallow water - please click on the video link on the right hand side of this screen to watch a demo on the correct floating position.

PLEASE NOTE
It is important that children are taught and are competent at donning and adjusting their Lifejackets correctly.

Crewsaver Lifejackets with harnesses

Basic fitting instructions are as for the non harness version except that the waistbelt and backstrap are replaced by a harness and shoulder straps. The harness belt should be adjusted to fit across the chest by choosing whichever loop in the backstrap ensures a comfortable and safe fit. The Lifejacket is then fastened at the front using the stainless steel interlocking buckle and firmly tightened.

PELASE NOTE
It is not safe to wear your harness loose

Lifejacket Toggles

Some Crewfits are fitted with 3 small toggles. These have been designed by Crewsaver to thread through the fixing loops on some brands of sailing jackets.

PLEASE NOTE
If you pass your Lifejacket to another crew member to use, it may need re-adjusting.

 

General Care of your Lifejacket

The working life of your Lifejacket will be prolonged if the following instructions are adhered to:

• Always ensure your Lifejacket is worn correctly
• It is important that your Lifejacket is stored in a dry, well ventilated space. If your Lifejacket is wet or damp, and it is fitted with a Standard Automatic capsule, it is advisable to remove the capsule and leave the Lifejacket open until it is completeley dry, otherwise any dampness in the Lifejacket may penetrate the capsule and eventually cause it to operate.
  
  CAUTION: Ensure the Standard Automatic capsule is refitted and thje Lifejacket re-packed before using it
• Periodically rinse your Lifejacket in fresh water, particularly if it has been in contact with salt water.
  
  IMPORTANT: On Automaitc models fitted with standard heads, always remove the Automatic capsule and the CO₂ before rinsing
• Oil and similar marks should be removed by washing with soapy water
• Never put your Lifejacket in a washing machine, spin or tumble dryer
• Always allow the Lifejacket to dry naturally before stowing in a dry place.
• Do not re-fit the automatic capsule or CO₂ cylinder until the Lifejacket is completely dry.
• Never use your Lifejacket as a cushion or in any other way likelt to cause damage.
• Do not carry your Lifejacket by the oral inflation tube.
• If you have a Harness version and it has been subjected to an exceptional shock load when being worn, it should be returned to Crewsaver for inspection.
• Once a Lifejacket fitted with a Hammar Head has been re-armed, it should be inflated by mouth to ensure a seal has been achieved.
• After inflation by mouth or after re-arming, all air should be completely removed prior to re-packing.

 

Servicing Recommendations

We recommend that all Crewsaver inflatable Lifejackets are serviced annually by our approved Crewsaver Service Station, detailed below

Your Lifejacket is an important piece of technical safety equipment. At Crewsaver we take great care in its manufacture and it is designed so that many parts can be repaired or replaced if damaged. In most cases this avoids the cost of complete replacement.

If the Lifejacket has been damaged, or you would just like it checked over, we will be happy to inspect, repair and service it for a reasonable charge.

The complete Lifejacket should be sent, post paid, direct to Crewsaver - not to your Chandler. If you require a quotation before the work is carried out, please include a request with the Lifejacket. Please allow up to 28 days for the work to be completed.

Under no circumstances should you try to repair a Lifejacket yourself. The glues you use may not be effective and could make further repairs by us impossible.

If you are in any doubt about its serviceability it should either be replaced or returned to Crewsaver at the address below for testing and repair.

Manual Lifejacket - Checking and Re-arming

Checking Lifejacket inflation heads before use and re-arming after use

WHEN RE-ARMING, MAKE SURE YOU FIT THE CORRECT SIZE CYLINDER:

10479 23G : JUNIOR CREWFIT
10014 33G : 150N LIFEJACKETS
10470 60G : 275N LIFEJACKETS

Manual inflation is available on Crewfit 275N, 150N and Short Adult.

BEFORE USE

1. Ensure the cylinder (a) is firmly screwed into the firing head (b). Ensure arm (d) is reset, this diagram shows its position after firing.

2. Check the green security saddle (c) is in place on the firing head. If not, unscrew the CO2 cylinder (a) and check it has not been pierced. If pierced replace and firmly re-screw a new CO2 cylinder into the firing head (b).

RE-ARMING

1. Unscrew and remove CO2 cylinder (a). Take care disposing of used cylinders - never put them on a fire or leave them where they could be mistaken for live cylinders. Used cylinders can be recycled as normal steel.

2. Check the firing head. Pull the "JERK TO INFLATE" tab (e) to check the action of the firing pin. Return the firing arm (d) to its original position and re-fit the security saddle (c).

3. Fit new green security saddle (c).

4. Fit a new CO2 cylinder. Ensure it has not been fired by checking the threaded end is not pierced. Screw securely into the firing head (b).

The Lifejacket is now ready for re-packing

Standard Automatic Lifejacket - Checking and Re-arming

Checking Standard Automatic Lifejacket inflation heads and re-arming after use

WHEN RE-ARMING, MAKE SURE YOU FIT THE CORRECT SIZE CYLINDER:

11014 Hammar Auto Cap
11010 33g : 150N Lifejackets
11011 60g : 275N Lifejackets

Standard Automatic Inflation is available on Crewfit 275N, 150N, Short Adult and Junior.

BEFORE USE

These models are ready for use when you purchase them. However the following checks must be made:

1. IMPORTANT. Ensure the firing capsule has not been fired inadvertently. The capsule shows an expiry date (a) on the side and a green button (b) at the top. If the green button is detached or missing and/or the expiry date has been reached THE CAPSULE MUST NOT BE USED.

2. The capsule should be firmly screwed into the firing head (c) at the opposite end to the CO2 cylinder (d).

3. Check the CO2 cylinder (d) is securely screwed onto the firing head (c).

4. Check that the green security saddle (e) is in place on the firing head. If not, unscrew the cylinder (d) and check that it has not been pierced.

RE-ARMING

1. Before the CO2 cylinder is removed unscrew the automatic capsule.

NOTE: Junior models are fitted with anti tamper shrouds which should be removed before re-arming and then replaced.

2. Unscrew the CO2 cylinder (d). Take care when disposing of used cylinders - never put them on a fire or leave them anywhere where they could be mistaken for live cylinders. Used cylinders can be recycled as normal steel.

3. Check the firing head. Press "H" button (f) at the base to check the action of the firing pin.

4. Fit new green security saddle.

5. Fit an unused CO2 cylinder. Make sure it has not been fired by checking the threaded end is not pierced. Screw into the firing head (c).

6. Fit a new automatic capsule as already detailed.

The Lifejacket is now ready for re-packing

Hammar Lifejacket - Checking and Re-arming

Checking Lifejacket inflation heads before use and re-arming after use

WHEN RE-ARMING, MAKE SURE YOU FIT THE CORRECT SIZE CYLINDER:

11014 Hammar Auto Cap
11010 33g : 150N Lifejackets
11011 60g : 275N Lifejackets

Hammar Automatic Inflation is available on Crewfit 275N PLUS, 150N PLUS, 275N, 150N, Voyager & Freedom

BEFORE USE

These models are ready for use when you purchase them. However the following checks must be made:

1. Is the red pull handle attached (a)?

2. Is the expiry date OK (b)?

3. Is the window green on the firing head (c)?

4. Feel through the material of the inflation chamber, grasp the CO2 cylinder and check that it is fully screwed into the base plate

RE-ARMING

Always use Crewsaver Re-arm packs.

Full re-arming instructions are provided with the special Hammar re-arming packs.
After re-arming always check for air-tightness by inflating the lifejacket by using the oral inflation tube and leaving overnight.