The Seago 3-in-1 Rescue Recovery Buoy is a compact, self-contained device designed for marine rescue and recovery operations. It functions as a lifebuoy, a danbuoy, and a recovery aid, simplifying the process of assisting a person overboard. The device is engineered for automatic inflation upon deployment into the water, making it quick and easy to use in emergency situations.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Seago Rescue Recovery Buoy is to provide immediate assistance to a person who has fallen into the water. When deployed, the device automatically inflates, presenting a visible and buoyant aid for the victim. It combines the features of a lifebuoy, offering flotation for the person in the water, and a danbuoy, which typically includes a pole and flag for enhanced visibility. The integrated recovery features, such as a lifting loop with a snap hook, facilitate the retrieval of the victim back to the vessel. The device is designed to be a comprehensive solution for man overboard scenarios, aiming to make rescue and recovery as straightforward as possible.
Usage Features:
The Seago Rescue Recovery Buoy is designed for ease of use in an emergency. To deploy the device, the user simply needs to open its container and drop it into the water. Upon contact with water, it inflates automatically, eliminating the need for manual inflation in a stressful situation.
Once inflated, the device provides several key features to aid the victim and the rescue crew:
- Danbuoy with Built-in Lifebuoy: This combination ensures that the victim has a stable and buoyant object to hold onto, while the danbuoy component provides a tall, visible marker in the water.
- Automatic Life Light: An integrated life light activates automatically, enhancing visibility, especially during low-light conditions or at night, making it easier for the rescue vessel to locate the victim and the buoy.
- SOLAS Reflective Tape: The inclusion of SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) reflective tape further improves visibility by reflecting light from searchlights, aiding in detection from a distance.
- Sea Anchor: A sea anchor is incorporated to help stabilize the buoy and the person holding onto it, reducing drift and making it easier for the rescue vessel to approach.
- Lead Weight (2.5kg): A 2.5kg lead weight ensures the stability and proper orientation of the danbuoy in the water.
- Lifting Loop with Snap Hook: This feature is crucial for recovery. The victim can circle the red webbing around their torso (under the armpit) and snap the carabiner onto the webbing, securing themselves to the buoy. The lifting loop then allows the rescue crew to pull the victim to the boat. If the victim is unable to assist, hoisting tackle can be used with the lifting loop for retrieval.
- Waterproof Burst Hinge Case: The device is housed in a waterproof case with a burst hinge, which is designed to prevent case rupture if accidental inflation occurs, ensuring the integrity of the device until deployment.
Maintenance Features:
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the Seago Rescue Recovery Buoy remains in optimal working condition for emergencies.
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Each Use Examination: Before each use, or periodically, the service indicator and any bottom clips (if equipped) should be examined through the window panel. The indicator should be green. If it is red, it signifies that the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted, requiring attention.
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Two-Year Service Interval: Every two years, the device requires a more thorough inspection and service. This includes:
- Leakage Test: The life dan buoy should be orally inflated until firm and left to stand overnight to check for any general leakage.
- Inflator Check: If an auto/manual inflator is equipped, the printed expiry date on the cartridge must be checked. If the cartridge is expired, it must be replaced.
- Professional Service: The manual recommends service by a professional life raft or life jacket service station at least every two years.
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Rearming Procedure: After deployment and inflation, the device needs to be rearmed. This involves:
- Deflation: The dust cap is turned upside down and inserted into the oral tube to deflate the buoy by gently squeezing out all air. The dust cap must then be replaced to ensure the buoy functions correctly in the future.
- CO2 Cylinder and Cartridge Replacement: The automatic cartridge is unscrewed anti-clockwise and discarded environmentally. A new cartridge with a green indicator is then screwed in clockwise and tightened hand-tight. The pierced CO2 cylinder is removed by turning it anti-clockwise and discarded environmentally.
- Manual Indicator Reset: If the inflator was manually activated, the lever needs to be pushed back into its slot, and a new manual indicator clipped into place.
- CO2 Cylinder Seal Check: The black CO2 cylinder seal must be fitted correctly.
- New CO2 Cylinder Installation: A new CO2 cylinder (specifically a 60-gram CO2 cylinder) is screwed clockwise into the UML-5 inflator, ensuring the cap has not been pierced, and tightened hand-tight. The gross weight printed on the cylinder should be compared to its actual weight (using a small scale) to verify integrity; if they don't match, a new cylinder is needed.
- Important Note: The inflator should not be detached from the life dan buoy. The re-arming procedure requires the correct re-arming kit with the correct size CO2 cylinder, and the life dan buoy must be dry. The automatic cartridge in the re-arming kit must be within its "Replace By Date."
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Cleaning Instructions: While the product generally doesn't require cleaning, if it gets dirty:
- Carefully remove the Life Dan Buoy from its package without pulling the tab.
- Remove the inflator and CO2 cylinder before cleaning.
- Use a wet towel to wipe all fabric surfaces until clean, using only fresh water.
- Hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger.
- Do NOT get the cylinder or inflator assembly wet.
- Do NOT use bleach or fabric softener.
- Do NOT dry-clean, iron, use a heater, or tumble dry to quicken the drying process.
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Repacking Instructions: After use and rearming, the buoy needs to be carefully repacked into its cover bag. This involves a sequence of folding and securing steps to ensure it fits correctly and is ready for future deployment. Key steps include squeezing out all air, folding along designated lines, placing the rope inside the anchor, folding the anchor, and then placing the anchor and bladder into the cover bag. The entire inflator must be visible through the window, and the lead weight should face the cap of the container, with the window facing the bottom of the container, to ensure proper deployment. Finally, the container is closed and attached to the railing.
The Seago Rescue Recovery Buoy is warranted for 5 years from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship, provided it receives normal use and care. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement at the discretion of Seago Yachting Ltd.