Inflation Options

Which inflation Option suits your needs?    Three different inflation options are available within the Crewfit and selected inflatable Lifejackets.

Manual

Available on Crewfit 275N and 150N.  All Crewsaver Air Only Lifejackets can be Manually inflated, by the pull of a lanyard. This option allows the wearer to swim without the Lifejacket being activated automatically. This can be useful if you expect to wade when launching or tending to craft in calm waters.

Pull a lanyard.
CO2 canister is fired.
Jacket inflates.
Delivers full buoyancy in approximately 5 seconds.
Can also be inflated orally.

Standard Automatic

Available on Crewfit 275N, 150N and Junior

This inflation option is available on most Crewsaver Air Only Lifejackets and provides an alternative to the Hammar Mechanism. Inflation occurs automatically when the paper retaining collar dissolves on contact with water.

Capsule fires within 5 seconds of entry into water.
Mechanism pierces canister, inflating Lifejackets.
Can also be inflated as manual version or orally.

Hammar Automatic

Available on Crewfit 275N, 150N and Freedom.   The Hammar Inflator gives exellent protection from random activation caused by moisture, rain or wave splash. This is achieved by protecting the water sensitive element with a hydrostatic valve, which operates when submerged in over 10cmof water and, depending upon the Lifejacket style, held there for between 2 to 3 seconds.

Hammar works on water pressure, only operating when submerged in 10cm of salt or fresh water.
No accidental inflation, even in extreme conditions.
Cylinder is mounted on the inside of the Lifejacket inflation chamber.
Re-arming instructions and key provided with each Re-arming Pack.
Can also be inflated as manual version or orally.

Newton ratings

Lifejacket buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). Ten Newtons equals 1kg of flotation. There are four European standards for lifejackets. All lifejackets must carry the CE mark.   Newton ratings are relative to the weight of the intended user. Make sure the lifejacket you choose is the correct size for you and that it has the right Newton rating for your weight. A 150N lifejacket designed for a child or young adult will not sufficiently float an adult. If you are buying for an adult you must get a 150N lifejacket designed for an adult's weight.  

These are the four European standard for lifejackets and buoyancy aids:

Buoyancy aid 50 Newtons
Buoyancy aids with 50N should only be used by swimmers in sheltered waters when help is close at hand. They are not guaranteed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water.  If your sport involves being in the water a lot (such as windsufing, dinghy sailing or water skiing) you will probably use a buoyancy aid. Remember, buoyancy aids just give you a little bit of extra flotation. They will not float you face-up if you are unconscious.

Lifejacket 100 Newtons
The 100N lifejacket is for those who may have to wait for rescue but are likely to be in sheltered, calm water.  It may not have sufficient buoyancy to protect someone who is unable to help himself or herself and may not roll an unconscious person on to his or her back, particularly someone in heavy clothing.  

Lifejacket 150 Newtons
The 150N lifejacket is for general use on coastal and inshore waters when sailing and fishing. It is intended for general offshore and rough-weather use when a high standard of performance is required. It should turn an unconscious person onto his or her back and requires no subsequent action by the wearer to keep his or her face out of the water. Its performance may be affected if the user is wearing heavy and/or waterproof clothing.

Lifejacket 275 Newtons
The 275N lifejacket is recommended for offshore cruising, fishing and commercial users. It is intended primarily for extreme conditions and for those wearing heavy protective clothing that may adversely affect the self-righting capacity of other lifejackets. It is designed to ensure that the wearer is floating in the correct position with his or her mouth and nose clear of the surface of the water.
 

Choosing a childs lifejacket

All children’s lifejackets state a maximum weight and chest size that must not be exceeded. It is equally important not to buy a lifejacket that is too large, as this may result in the child slipping out of it or the lifejacket floating high in the water leaving the child’s mouth and nose submerged.

A good way to tell if a lifejacket is the right size is to fit and adjust it and then lift it from the top. It should not be possible to lift the lifejacket more than  3 cm from the child’s shoulders.