Many pieces of boating safety equipment have expiration dates for good reason. For some it’s a matter of ingredients for handling an emergency remaining effective. For others, it might be based on battery life. Let’s look at some products with expiration dates and why you need to keep up with them.
Ask any captain and he/she will tell you that fire is one of the biggest threats to any vessel. The first line of defense in quickly quelling flames is a fire extinguisher or automatic fire-suppression system. Most canisters have an expiration dates stamped on the bottom or side. The majority of marine fire extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on the type. Follow the manufacturers inspection guidelines to ensure that your extinguisher is ready to do its intended job. Also check the pressure gauge to be sure it’s in the green zone.
If you’re required to carry flares aboard, consider switching from traditional pyrotechnic models to safer electrically powered versions. If you have pyrotechnic flares aboard, they need to be stored in a waterproof container. Typically, they should be replaced every three to four years. Check the expiration dates and examine the flares for cracks in the casing or other damage. If pyrotechnic flares get wet, it will adversely affect their performance. To dispose of an expired flare, contact your local fire department or public works department.
Conversely, electric flares, also called electronic distress signal devices, don’t expire. They can last for the lifetime of a boat, but you’ll want to keep up with battery levels and continue to examine the outer housing for any potential damage. Electric flares are safer because they don’t have a burning flame. They’re easy to use, even for kids and novice boaters and they’re environmentally friendly because they don’t create hazardous waste.
It might surprise mariners that some life jackets, also called personal flotation devices, have expiration dates. If a jacket isn’t stamped with a date that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a shelf life. The materials, buoyancy and overall condition degrade over time.
Most life jackets have a recommended service life of around 10 years, but that can vary depending on exposure to sunlight, saltwater and humidity. Frequently check the straps, buckles and fabric for signs of fading or fraying. Additionally, even though at CO2 cartridge in an inflatable jacket doesn’t have a date, inspect the equipment frequently and replace the cartridge every five years. While marine safety tethers don’t expire, replacing them after 5 years is a good rule to follow.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons typically last 5 to 10 years and the battery’s expiration date is printed on the side of the unit. The battery should be replaced before the date or after the unit is used for anything other than testing. Hydrostatic releases expire every two years and can be replaced by the user. EPIRBs also need to be registered and that registration expires every two years. The registration decal should be clearly visible on the EPIRB.
The same goes for PLBs. The batteries typically last 5 to 10 years, but newer ones could last longer. Battery life expiration is printed on the side of the unit. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the whole PLB when the battery expires. Testing creates a conundrum because if you do it too often, it can shorten battery lift.
Finally, don’t forget about your first-aid kit. While the entire kit might not expire, individual parts of it can. Some medications lose their potency over time and adhesive bandages might list their stickiness. Sterile bandages lose their sterility over time and antiseptic wipes can lost their sterility. Rubber gloves can degrade over time and become less effective at protecting against blood and other fluids. Experts recommend checking a first aid kid at the start of each boating season.
As a guideline, the American Red Cross estimates the average shelf life of alcohol wipes , first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment at two years. Burn ointment is one to two years and while eyewash can last three years. Hand sanitizer should be good for up to five years.
Taking a few moments at the start of the season and periodically throughout the summer will ensure that emergency equipment is ready when you need it.
