Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

[kkilloy]

My son got a warning ticket on a Lake Murray in SC. The DNR officer said that the Jim-Buoy brand, model G-19 type IV throwable has a date stamped on it that is the expiration date. I assumed that is the date it was manufactured. The DNR officer said that a square seat cushion does not have a expiration date and would be better. Any information that anyone knows concerning this would be helpful.

Thank you,

Kevin

 

[bhammer]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

Some PFDs do have an expiration date on them and should be discarded upon the date. I think it has to do with the breakdown of the flotation material and coverings.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

contact the manufacturer

 

[Boatist]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

I do not know about the ones you are talking about but the square cushions can also expire or no longer be legal.
The cushion must have the inside packs firm and not broken and also the coast Guard number on the lable must be readable and not too faded.

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

Just go out and buy a new one. They are much cheaper than finding out it doesn't float.

This is a good post to point out any expiration dates for not only PFDs, but also the fire extinguisher must be current. If the bottle should at least have a yearly inspection tag and a good charge. And keep them looking good (ie" clean, no rust, etc). The CG will look at these items and even though they might be within their expiration dates, if they look ratty, they will only dig deeper.

Some common sence is required when it comes to safety. They are only doing you a favor when giving you the inspection, because you want the stuff to work when needed. Finding out your gear is no good when needed is too late.​

 

[jollymon]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

Go out and buy a new one!!! Why would they do that. I have not seen that style with an expiration date. What I would do is contatc the manufacture and get the correct answer from them. They can be contatced at http://www.jimbuoy.com/pages/contact.htm.

By the way, I get a vessel safety check every year, and I have been boarded, and I have never been asked to check an expiration date on a PFD.

They do look for the CG tag, and to make sure they are servicable.

 

[kkilloy]

Re: Do Throwable Type IV PFD's Expire

I called the manufacturer and they sent me the following email.

Our G-19 is approved by the Coast Guard and inspected by Underwriters Laboratories. All buoys are inspected in lots of 100 which involve a 3-day testing procedure. The date on the buoy merely indicates the testing date. There isn't an expiration date on the buoy nor do the buoys have one.

I hope this information clarifies any mis-information. If I can be of additional assistance please contact me.

Good boating,

Melanie DeHoney
Cal-June Inc.