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A safety alert has been issued for certain Mustang Survival Inflatable PFDs with Hammar MA1 hydrostatic (HIT) inflation systems. These systems, according to the U.S. Coast Guards, may not inflate when needed and require a new re-arm kit to properly inflate by manual or automatic activation. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you need your personal floatation device to activate. This has happened to people in the past and it may result in an undesired outcome. The following PDFs may be subject to delayed or non-inflations: • N/A MA7214 HIT inflatable re-arm kit • N/A MA7218 HIT inflatable re-arm kit for LIFT • 160.076/8611/0 MD0450 Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT • 160.076/5204/0 MD0451 Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT (no harness) • 160.076/5201/0 MD3183 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT • 160.076/8608/0 MD3184 Deluxe Inflatable PFD with HIT (with harness) • 160.076/5300/0 MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest/PFD with HIT • 160.053/116/0 MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest/PFD with HIT Here is what you need to know next. If you have a re-arm kit MA7214 or MA7218 you need only to check the lot number on the CO2 cylinder label. If your CO2 cylinder is marked with lot numbers 404121 or 404122 please contact the PFD’s customer service group at the number below. If you have a PFD listed above refer to the sewn-in approval label, then follow the simple eight steps below: 1. If the product was “Made in Canada” and the “MFG DATE” is April or May 2012, then; 2. Check the lot numbers of the CO2 cylinder. This number can be found through the yellow bladder fabric. 3. Then, manually unpack your PFD by opening the zippers and unfolding it. 4. Find the CO2 cylinder that is attached to the round inflator within the yellow bladder. 5. Press the yellow bladder fabric against the cylinder to read the label and view the lot number through the fabric. 6. If your CO2 cylinder is marked with lot numbers 404121 or 404122, please contact Mustang Survival’s customer service group for instructions and to arrange for a replacement inflator assembly. 7. If you have any other CO2 cylinder lot numbers, then you should be fine because those are considered satisfactory. 8. Repack your PFD so it is ready for use per the instruction manual. Don’t delay on taking action to ensure you have a functioning personal flotation device that will work when you need it most. If yours was affected, here is the number for Survival Customer Service Group: 1-800-526-0532. About the author: Paul E. Lee is a personal injury lawyer who is interested in the safety of those in the community who use boats.
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