Lifejacket Annual Service

C2 RIBS · 19 January 2008, 10:16

Looking for a recomended service agent for Seago auto and manual lifejackets which I understand require annual service checks to comply with MCA codings. I operate from Hamble so anything Southampton, Portsmouth etc etc OR have I misread conditions and I can check them and sign them off.?

Alex Brown · 19 January 2008, 11:01

We use Cosalt ( http://www.cosalt.co.uk ) at work for all our lifejacket servicing, as well as other stuff like flares, liferafts etc.... I see you have one down in Southampton.

-Alex

SeaSkills · 19 January 2008, 11:30

I use Cosalt too (in Edinburgh) and they've been great. Recommend them, no hesitation.

C2 RIBS · 19 January 2008, 11:45

Two recomendations is good, what about lifejackets that are still a year old and have 3 year warranties, do they need servicing for MCA codes.

Paul Glatzel · 19 January 2008, 12:44

Cutlass

Like with the liferafts (except ISAF) my understanding is that despite the 3 year warranty/service interval the LJs need servicing annually. We use Baltic - on your doorstep in Ensign Way, Hamble

Regards

Paul

havener · 19 January 2008, 23:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutlass

Two recomendations is good, what about lifejackets that are still a year old and have 3 year warranties, do they need servicing for MCA codes.

Maybe not for MCA codes (I don't work to codes for the UK) but certainly for good practice. In fact, on our salvage / standby fleet all lifejackets are serviced every 6 months by qualified in house personnel.

TonyC · 20 January 2008, 00:03

All our LifeJackets are serviced in-house. We paid for a gentleman from Crewsaver to come in and train a number of staff how to service them (We only use Crewsaver Lifejackets at work).

Searider · 20 January 2008, 15:15

Yes - annual service required irrespective of warranty.

Would recommend Baltic in Hamble. They need about 24 hours to carry out the service / inspection but appreciate the jackets being booked in a few weeks in advance.

C2 RIBS · 20 January 2008, 16:03

Cheers Duncan should have asked you direct. cheers for the info

MikeCC · 22 January 2008, 13:55

Just to echo above, Cosalt or Baltic would both be fine.

Make sure you get a bit of paper with the LJ serial numbers to show it's been done.

C2 RIBS · 17 February 2008, 19:05

Thanks for all ideas and advice- used Baltic at Hamble- good service and very quick even though they were busy at this time of year with all charter liferafts and lifejackets- can recommend them- not connected to them in any way, havent even got their gear just good service, good prices and friendly staff well done

al40 · 22 February 2008, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

Two recomendations is good, what about lifejackets that are still a year old and have 3 year warranties, do they need servicing for MCA codes.

In any case I think to have a warranty claim honoured (I assume these are the seago ones you mentioned) , seago require the lifejackets to be services annualy.

Duck-2-Water · 22 February 2008, 22:13

I use Ocean Safety in Southampton who are very professional.

mike · 20 March 2008, 23:05

hi I have emailed you direct re the need to service, I would suggest you call your coding authority in line with my comments.
regards
mike

Gordon · 21 March 2008, 01:34

Ocean Safety - definately - the doggy cohones..!

Professional, great advice, no hard sell for their own equipment and full of guys who actually use the stuff they are talking about...

Gordon

SeaSkills · 21 March 2008, 04:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

hi I have emailed you direct re the need to service, I would suggest you call your coding authority in line with my comments.
regards
mike

Very cryptic Mike ..... is there something here that we should all know??? If it's simply a private comment specific to one person, that's fine of course - but if it's a general point about coding and lifejacket servicing, is it something you can share?

mike · 21 March 2008, 21:17

hi, sorry didn't want to be cryptic but I had a different experience with my lifejackets.
All new last year in May,I did a thorough health check by inflatin them and inspecting for corrosion, stitching etc etc. Then noted the serials in my log.
My coding annual summary stated "service or inspection date" and I recalled a pone chat last year with mca who advised the insepction was fine. At this point I moved on to the next job.
When I read this thread I thought oh bXXXgger more cash .
I am aware of the long awaited coding harmonisation So to clarify I called my coding agent who advised that the 'harmonised code categories'may not have been legally implemented but the safety reccs have gone out to his and other coding authorities and that the relaxation of annual service to annual or more frequent inspections by a competant person with at least 1 service within 3 years does apply now. This is assuming your coding agent goes with the new and not the old which has been discussed before here. Anyhow I am happy, I do appreciate safety is paramount but to be frank was pleased with this change.
Its an area of confusion but all I said on my personal mail its worth a call.
I also called mca who confirmed my position.

regards