AndyOz
20-12-2011, 21:28
Manufacturer's instructions - http://www.crewsaver.co.uk/Inflatable_Lifejacket_Manual/Repacking_your_150N_Lifejacket/index.html
Previously a few members have asked about snorkelling suitable lifejackets.
The manual Crewfit 150N is one of those used in my branch for open water dives. Older jackets have been moved to pool training duties but are still in good working order. You can imagine the sort of use and abuse members and a lot of children have given them over the years and they are still functional.
I own one myself which has been used as a supplement/alternative to a pfd (bouyancy aid) when kayaking in the open sea. I've also used crewsaver kit for work over the years and found them hard wearing and do what they say on the tin/CE mark.
Until I started snorkelling with a club I did not bother with a lifejacket. I have found it to be a minor adjustment at most to get used to swimming with it uninflated. The jacket does create a bit of additional drag and a small increase in positive bouyancy, this may require a slight increase in weight to account for. In the sea kitted up I prefer swim side stroke when travelling any distance but I have not found the jacket interferes with any finning style I've used.
The jacket I have has the harness attached and metal overlapping buckle fitting. However the "basic" style with seatbelt type buckle is okay for snorkelling.
The jacket comes in red or blue and when open is high visibility yellow with solas tape patches, whistle, recovery strap and oral inflator in addition to the manual firing system.
Pre-dive our club system is to have the whistle and recovery strap folded outside the jacket to they can be accessed without operating the jacket.
The other benefit is is that the jacket belt gives you somewhere to attached other kit, although keeping this minimal is best. I have a small dry box clipped to it, I may get the optional flare pocket to stow this so it's more streamlined, a marker for night dives and I may add a small pocket for a compact reel and DSMB as a back up to the group one in future.
Some of our club use snorkel vests, which are more streamlined but as I had the lifejacket anyway and the option to inflate quickly with CO2 is probably a plus when you may have to assist recovering another swimmer.
Inflated lifejackets can be difficult to swim effectively in when fully inflated, however the time you will probably use this is when you are knackered anyway.
In summary:
Pro's:
Quick inflation (compared to a basic a snorkelling vest).
Potential for carrying equipment.
Excellent support in emergency.
Con's:
Cost (compared to some other CE marked brands).
Small increase in drag/bouyancy.
Can be dificult to swim at maximum effectiveness when inflated.
Previously a few members have asked about snorkelling suitable lifejackets.
The manual Crewfit 150N is one of those used in my branch for open water dives. Older jackets have been moved to pool training duties but are still in good working order. You can imagine the sort of use and abuse members and a lot of children have given them over the years and they are still functional.
I own one myself which has been used as a supplement/alternative to a pfd (bouyancy aid) when kayaking in the open sea. I've also used crewsaver kit for work over the years and found them hard wearing and do what they say on the tin/CE mark.
Until I started snorkelling with a club I did not bother with a lifejacket. I have found it to be a minor adjustment at most to get used to swimming with it uninflated. The jacket does create a bit of additional drag and a small increase in positive bouyancy, this may require a slight increase in weight to account for. In the sea kitted up I prefer swim side stroke when travelling any distance but I have not found the jacket interferes with any finning style I've used.
The jacket I have has the harness attached and metal overlapping buckle fitting. However the "basic" style with seatbelt type buckle is okay for snorkelling.
The jacket comes in red or blue and when open is high visibility yellow with solas tape patches, whistle, recovery strap and oral inflator in addition to the manual firing system.
Pre-dive our club system is to have the whistle and recovery strap folded outside the jacket to they can be accessed without operating the jacket.
The other benefit is is that the jacket belt gives you somewhere to attached other kit, although keeping this minimal is best. I have a small dry box clipped to it, I may get the optional flare pocket to stow this so it's more streamlined, a marker for night dives and I may add a small pocket for a compact reel and DSMB as a back up to the group one in future.
Some of our club use snorkel vests, which are more streamlined but as I had the lifejacket anyway and the option to inflate quickly with CO2 is probably a plus when you may have to assist recovering another swimmer.
Inflated lifejackets can be difficult to swim effectively in when fully inflated, however the time you will probably use this is when you are knackered anyway.
In summary:
Pro's:
Quick inflation (compared to a basic a snorkelling vest).
Potential for carrying equipment.
Excellent support in emergency.
Con's:
Cost (compared to some other CE marked brands).
Small increase in drag/bouyancy.
Can be dificult to swim at maximum effectiveness when inflated.