PFD on charter - bring my own?

[CLady]

So far, I have not encountered any problem with carrying my own inflatable PFD with built in harness with extra cartridges in my checked baggage. However, I make sure that the TSA/inspector people understand they will render the cartridge discharged if they tamper with it during their inspection. The newer cartridge on the Mustang PFD does not unscrew like the old ones did, so there is less risk of the TSA people discharging the cartridge. Tethers are good any where. Have a fun trip!

[hellosailor]

"render the cartridge discharged if they tamper with it "
I make a habit to keep mine unscrewed in transit or storage, to make sure that simply can't happen. Although I hear the TSA throw some wild pool parties.(G)

[David M]

I don't allow others to use inflatable PFD's on my research cruises because I have no idea how likely their PFD is going to inflate. I have no idea how well tested and maintained their PFD is. I do know that closed cell foam "inflates" 100% of the time. I figure PFD's need to work 100% of the time, not 90% or 95% or whatever the statistic is.