Buying Gas cylinder for self inflating life vest in pula

[Norfolk]

Hello. I'm going sailing for a week in Croatia but can only bring my self inflating vest on the airplane (Norwegian airlines) if the gas cartridge is discharged. I figure a lot of cruisers fly in to go sailing there so perhaps there might be outfitters there that could supply a replacement cartridge. Our charter is going to start in Pula. Does anyone here know if I can get a replacement cartridge for a West Marine PFD in Croatia? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[bil56]

may be MAG (in Sibenik) could deliver ?

Nautic shop | Retail and wholesale of spare parts and nautical equipment, camping equipment, best nautical shop in Croatia, ship chadler

good luck ...

[Norfolk]

Thank-you, Bil56. It's always nice to have alternatives. There is a letter issued by Boat US, that one can print out and wave at the TSA which will make everything fine for bringing the self-inflating PFD's on airplanes. My skipper, who is also flying over on Norwegian Airlines is going to take that to their desk at the airport. My husband just flew to Istanbul on Turkish Air with his in the check in luggage without a problem. I will let everyone know how we go with Norwegian. They have great fares (Oakland to London one way $345).

[ReneJK]

from their own website (get approval before starting to wave BoatUS and TSA docs in their faces , different countries have different rules) :

https://www.norwegian.com/uk/travel-...ngerous-goods/

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. Up to two (2) small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating safety device such as a life jacket or vest. Not more than one (1) device per passenger and up to two (2) spare small cartridges per passanger, not more than four (4) cartridges up to 50 ml water capacity for other devices.
Requires approval — contact us

• Permitted in or as checked baggage when approved
• Permitted in or as carry-on baggage when approved

Gas cylinders, non-flammable, non-toxic worn for the operation of mechanical limbs. Also, spare cylinders of a similar size if required to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of the journey.

• Permitted in or as checked baggage
• Permitted in or as carry-on baggage

[hellosailor]

Norwegian should issue advance approval without any problem. Especially since UN regulations for "life saving equipment" and IATU regulations both mandate that the air carriers allow these things to be carried in the cabin, where the passenger can actually use them if the aircraft is forced down at sea. That's the purpose for the regulation.

The flight crew also have the option to "gate check" almost anything that the passenger asks, i.e. anything that is not unreasonable but for some reason, someone doesn't want the passenger to have access and control over during the flight. In that case, someone escorts "it" and the passenger out to the aircraft, and asks a member of the flight crew to stow/babysit it until they have landed.

Something largely forgotten in the post-9/11 haste for dog and pony shows.

And in the US? Even though the TSA expressly allows gas inflators, and the UN and IATU expressly require them to be carried, note that ANY TSA agent has the authority to confiscate any item they deem a threat. And no supervisor ever overrules that decision, as a matter of policy. No matter how wrong it is.

"Then you may need to shut down flight operations. I have reason to believe there are several hundred of these already on board a number of the aircraft at these gates."

Well, if it is a security risk, it is only fair to let them know about these things, right?

[Norfolk]

Thank you ReneJK for finding that information from their website. I'll use that to reopen my enquiry with them in the live chat forum. I realize I must have sounded a bit blase about airline regulations but I am such a Chicken Flyer that I am very willing and happy to go along with any rules that increase our chances of arriving safely! Thanks to all and I'll let you know what's involved in getting permission.