Survival Suit Question ????

SICK FISH · Dec-13-2007, 12:17 PM

My question is for commercial fishing

Do survival suits expire ?

SICK FISH

frijolitos · Dec-13-2007, 12:25 PM

Typically no, but monthly inspections should be done by crew, and I believe that they need to be inspected also on a yearly basis(depending on CG regs for areas). If never used, they shouldn't be stored and never checked as you don't in an emergency situation want to find that a mouse has eaten a hole in your only chance at survival, or that the zippers are stuck. This piece of equipment is really the most important part of any commercial fishing trip, yet sadly many fishermen are lost because it wasn't utilized properly. kinda like a seatbelt in a car, use it and live!!

SICK FISH · Dec-13-2007, 12:33 PM

I guess if the letters are faded they will not pass inspection by Coast Guard.

SICK FISH

frijolitos · Dec-13-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SICK FISH

I guess if the letters are faded they will not pass inspection by Coast Guard.

SICK FISH

Need to call the CG on that one, but as long as it is functioning I don't think faded letters are going to affect the performance, and really in the environment these things are used in, fading of the exterior letters is bound to happen in short time. good question but I would bet that it wouldn't matter.

SICK FISH · Dec-13-2007, 01:30 PM

I can remember years ago getting a warning from CG for faded letters. This was on my skiff used for recreational only.

SICK FISH

**M/V Santa Rosa** · Dec-13-2007, 01:49 PM

I was in a suit for 38 hours. I will NOT leave without one.

WAX YOUR ZIPPERS

frijolitos · Dec-13-2007, 02:23 PM

Gregg, for the faded lettering, the coast Guard requires in bold block letters on each suit
1. name of vessel
2. name of owner of suit
3. name of user suit is assigned to
proper new lettering or indelible marker will take care of that, but yes it seems that faded letters would be grounds to fail the suit.

SICK FISH · Dec-13-2007, 03:02 PM

Thanks for this info. I have a chance to buy 9 suits. I will look at them closely and try the zippers. If they check out I will post a few on this board for $100 ea. to the members

Stanley · Dec-13-2007, 03:17 PM

I think I saw it on Deadliest Catch (or one of those commercial fishing reality shows) where the CG was timing how long it took each crewmember to get into the suit. As I recall, they had to do it under 2 minutes. I'm pretty sure this was for commercial fishing vessels only.

Waiohinu Lawaia · Dec-13-2007, 04:44 PM

When I worked in Alaska, we had to try them on with CG supervision and the beginning and middle of each season (people would eat a lot and gain weight and there suits wouldn't fit half the time a month or two into the season).

All lettering (three things frijolito mentioned) had to be clear and legible, pretty subjective, but easy to fix (black permanent marker).

I thankfully never HAD to use them, but it sure came in handy during the summer for getting between Skows on the hook to party...

thynnos · Dec-14-2007, 05:47 PM

Make sure zipper is waxed and make sure to have survival stuff (signal mirror, flare...) zip-tied to pockets, and check seems for cracks. Easy maintenance will save your life.
Practice putting it on in total darkness as boats don't always sink during the day or with there lights on...its harder then you think.

PS...don't piss in your suit