Buoyancy Aid Testing:
The BCU recommendation for Approved Centres is that: "Buoyancy Aids should have (at least) an annual test for floatation, visual checks on issue, and regular shell checks to ensure its' continued integrity" Click here for BCU Buoyancy Aid Testing Guidelines and Procedures.
Floating Rope Article:
This article explores the Performance of Polypropylene Ropes during Static Applications Including Tensioning and Hauling. Click here to view.
Time Expired Pyrotechnics (out of date flares):
For many years when pyrotechnics reached their expiry date, they could normally be returned to the shop ypu purchased them from or your local Coast Guard or Police Station for safe disposal. However due to ever increasing "Health & Safety" reasons (safe storage and transportation) and in some coastal areas the large volume of returned time expired pyrotechnics this is now becoming increasingly difficult. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency are aware of the problem and will be soon making an announcement on how it proposes to address the matter. It will also be investigating alternative methods of signalling using up and coming technology which will hopefully reduce the issue for the future. However if you are in possession of any time expired pyrotechnics, contact your local Coast Guard and ask if they can arrange safe disposal. If they cannot, do not take them to the Police as they do not have the facilities to accept these items. Until the MCA announcement, you are advised to keep them in accordance with the original manufacturers instructions (usually safely stored in a cool, dry and dark container). It cannot be stressed enough that these items should not be disposed of in a careless or hap-hazard manner (waste bin, skip etc) due to the life threghtening implications and subsequent expense of dealing with damaged pyrotechnics which then possibly maybe in a dangerous state.