As you gear up for another summer of sailing, it is also a good time to double check that none of your essential safety equipment is subject to a recall. Two helpful websites track recalls that can impact sailors. the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) focuses primarily on mainstream consumer goods like the Kidde fire-extinguisher (see below). There is also a U.S. Coast Guard site (www.uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php). Here are a couple recalls you should be aware of.
Kannad Safelink Recall
As we reported last year, Kannad Marine (www.kannadmarine.com), owned by Oriola Limited, issued a voluntary, global recall of all of its Safelink EPIRBs last year due to a possible defect that could result in the beacon not operating in emergency situations. The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all owners and users of the Kannad Safelink EPIRBs (manual and automatic models) seek replacement devices as soon as possible and not use the Safelink EPIRB as a primary search-and-rescue beacon.
The Safelink EPIRBs yellow plastic may prematurely age when subjected to certain environmental conditions, and this could impact its long-term effectiveness in the field. According to Kannad, the recall is still in effect. If you own a Safelink EPIRB that may be part of the recall, be sure to register your details via the dedicated website: www.safelinkepirbsupport.co.uk. Kannad will direct you to a local partner to arrange a free replacement of your beacon with a Kannad Sport Pro+ (auto or manual, with a five-year warranty).
For more information, contact Kannad Marine: online at www.safelinkepirbsupport.co.uk; via email at safelinkinspection@kannadmarine.com orby phone at800/262-8722.
Kidde Fire Extinguishers
This recall involves 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015.
The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver, and are either ABC- or BC-rated. The model number is printed on the fire extinguisher label. For units produced in 2007 and beyond, the date of manufacture is a 10-digit date code printed on the side of the cylinder, near the bottom.
Digits five through nine represent the day and year of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled models manufactured from January 2, 2012 through August 15, 2017 are 00212 through 22717.
