Best Way to Attach PLB to PFD?

[laika]

The AIS on the spinlock clamps onto the manual inflation valve..
https://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/catego...roups/ais-mob1

If yours is an inflatable, maybe you could do something similar?

[estarzinger]

^^ re belt packs . . . nice in theory, but you have to make sure you actually wear it. The crew of Rambler were all issued belt packs, but when the boat capsized something like only two had them with them

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by melrose3547

Hi, just wondering if any of you have good ways to attach the PLB to the PFD.
Our PFDs don't have pockets. Thought of maybe sticking some Velcro about mid-chest height so it could attach there, be readily available but out of the way when not needed.
Are there better ideas??
Thanks


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Hi Melrose,

Are you are referring to auto-inflating PFDs?...

I also noted you are getting responses pertaining to both PLBs and AIS devices, so I will address both individually...

If you are only asking about your PLB, then a floating, waterproof model lanyard attached within a pouch is the best way to go because you may never need to activate your PLB. [i.e., you don't set it off every time you fall into the water...] It just needs to be available if that worse case scenario ever happens... Ours are in add-on Spinlock pockets attached out of the way so we don't know they are there...

If you also have an AIS MOB device and auto-inflatable PFDs, try to install that for auto-deployment when the PFD inflates [ours are set up this way and it works great.] Otherwise, your AIS transmitter needs to be out in the open and easily accessible so you can manually activate it quickly, and when you are floating the antenna is vertical and above the water...

You didn't ask, but for us the hardest item to attach and keep out of the way was a waterproof VHF radio. We want to be able to communicate in the event of a MOB situation... [ICOM and now some others have a button that shakes the water out of the speaker so the radio is usable immediately after submersion...]

I hope this helps, and that none of us ever need to use any of these devices...

Cheers!

[Muckle Flugga]

Originally Posted by estarzinger

^^ re belt packs . . . nice in theory, but you have to make sure you actually wear it. The crew of Rambler were all issued belt packs, but when the boat capsized something like only two had them with them

Mine is permanently attached to my PFD, as stated.

[Dockhead]

Whatever else you do, for God's sake use a lanyard.

My life jacket has a special pocket. But I keep the thing securely attached with a lanyard. Can you be sure you can keep hold of it, if you're pulling it out in a storm after going overboard?

[Endeavor4419]

What I do is put the PLB inside the zipper at the top of my harness/life vest with a lanyard secured to the harness. When you go over the vest inflates and the PLB gets extracted and you can activate.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Muckle Flugga]

Originally Posted by wrwakefield

Hi Melrose,

Are you are referring to auto-inflating PFDs?...

I also noted you are getting responses pertaining to both PLBs and AIS devices, so I will address both individually...

If you are only asking about your PLB, then a floating, waterproof model lanyard attached within a pouch is the best way to go because you may never need to activate your PLB. [i.e., you don't set it off every time you fall into the water...] It just needs to be available if that worse case scenario ever happens... Ours are in add-on Spinlock pockets attached out of the way so we don't know they are there...

If you also have an AIS MOB device and auto-inflatable PFDs, try to install that for auto-deployment when the PFD inflates [ours are set up this way and it works great.] Otherwise, your AIS transmitter needs to be out in the open and easily accessible so you can manually activate it quickly, and when you are floating the antenna is vertical and above the water...

You didn't ask, but for us the hardest item to attach and keep out of the way was a waterproof VHF radio. We want to be able to communicate in the event of a MOB situation... [ICOM and now some others have a button that shakes the water out of the speaker so the radio is usable immediately after submersion...]

I hope this helps, and that none of us ever need to use any of these devices...

Cheers!

You sound like my kind of offshore sailor. Excellent stuff.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Muckle Flugga

Mine is permanently attached to my PFD, as stated.

That's a really good idea.

[Endeavor4419]

Thanks for your informative replies. I was thinking of the Transpacs and Sydney/Hobarts I've done where we change watches every 4 hours and looking for gear in the dark. I will see where I could attach a pouch. David

[Dockhead]

Thread drift, but has anyone jumped into the water with his own lifejacket (or one like it), so see what it's like? I just had all my jackets professionally serviced and regret I didn't think of doing this beforehand.

One of my two life rafts is due for service or scrapping, and I'm thinking about trying this out, too.

Seems like a really bad idea to have actual experience with these devices for the very first time only in the actual emergency.

[Endeavor4419]

I jump into a pool once a year as a pilot for training and its activated. It's really simple. All you have to do is replace the CO2 cartridge for a few bucks. It also checks the System. Re packing tacks just minutes. Good video on YouTube of the Mustang auto inflation.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Endeavor4419

I jump into a pool once a year as a pilot for training and its activated. It's really simple. All you have to do is replace the CO2 cartridge for a few bucks. It also checks the System. Re packing tacks just minutes. Good video on YouTube of the Mustang auto inflation.

Seems like a really good idea.

Does the cold CO2 eat up the bladders, the way it does life rafts? that would be my one concern.

[Endeavor4419]

I wouldn't think so because you're in a pool where it goes to water temp right away. Mustang recommends changing every 5 years.

[Muckle Flugga]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Seems like a really good idea.

Does the cold CO2 eat up the bladders, the way it does life rafts? that would be my one concern.

I tend to manually inflate once a year for integrity check. I check the bottle/assembly before every charter and on my own boat every couple of months or so.

I have noted a few failures. One thing that is often the case (on many charter boats I have skippered, which is why I ALWAYS check), is that one out of every 50 or so jackets I check on charter boats has been fired, repacked, but not replaced. I think this is done to avoid the charge… but for whatever the reason it is iniquitous and charterers should be aware of the potential and check the jackets before use.

Also, WRT failures, KRU jackets (Ocean Safety) are among those in which I noted degeneration to the point of failure at the bladder seals in the folding areas, particularly in the shoulder areas. More than three I have found to have holes right through the double seal big enough to poke a pencil through. They have been informed of those failures. Other jackets may well be susceptible after more than 3 years service at the fold points. Worth checking.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Muckle Flugga

. . . One thing that is often the case (on many charter boats I have skippered, which is why I ALWAYS check), is that one out of every 50 or so jackets I check on charter boats has been fired, repacked, but not replaced. . .

Do you mean that life jackets must be replaced after one CO2 inflation?

I didn't know that, if that's what you're saying. Good reason not to just try them out.