Lifejacket Inflation Systems Explained

Spinlock Deckvest lifejackets use a range of inflation systems. Watch this video for detailed information on Spinlock inflation systems.

Deckvest VITO

DW-RAH/V170 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest VITO 170N
DW-RAH/V275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest VITO 275N

The Deckvest VITO lifejacket harness uses a Hammar Hydrostatic pressure system.

Deckvest 6D

DW-RAK/E170 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 6D 170N
DW-RAK/E275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 6D 275N

The Deckvest 6D lifejacket harness uses a Pro Sensor Elite firing system.

Deckvest 5D Pro Sensor (product discontinued, re-arming kits still supported)

DW-RAK - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D 170N pre-October 2018
DW-RAK/275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D 275N pre-October 2018
DW-RAK/E170 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D 275N post-October 2018
DW-RAK/E275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D 275N post-October 2018

The Deckvest 5D lifejacket harness uses a Pro Sensor OR Pro Sensor Elite firing system - Users should check exact Firing Mechanism in images below

Deckvest 5D HammarⓇ (product discontinued, re-arming kits still supported)

DW-RAH/150 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D Hammar 170N
DW-RAH/275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D Hammar 275N

Deckvest LITE & LITE+

DW-RAK - Rearming Kit for Deckvest LITE and LITE+

The Deckvest LITE lifejacket uses a water-activated UML Mk5 paper coil inflation system.

Deckvest LITE USCG

DW-RAR/33G - Rearming Kit for Deckvest LITE USCG model

The USCG Approved Deckvest LITE (available to purchase in the USA only) uses the water-activated Halkey Roberts Alpha Auto Inflator.

Deckvest CENTO

DW-RAK/100 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest Cento

The Deckvest CENTO junior lifejacket harness uses a water-activated UML Mk5 paper coil inflation system.

ALTO Belt Pack

DW-CYD16 - Rearming Kit for Alto Belt Pack

The ALTO uses a 16g cylinder and manual Halkey Roberts inflation system.

DURO SOLAS

DW-RAK/275

The Deckvest SOLAS 275 twin chamber lifejacket uses two UML Mk5 paper coil inflation systems. The SOLAS 275 is fitted with 2 inflation systems. You may require 2 x 60g cylinders and 2 x firing caps.

DURO+

DW-RAK/275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest Duro+ 275N pre-October 2018
DW-RAK/E275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest Duro+ 275N post-October 2018

The DURO+ lifejacket harness is fitted with the Pro-Sensor or Pro-Sensor Elite. Users should check the exact firing mechanism they have.

DURO

DW-RAK - Rearming Kit for Deckvest DURO 170N
DW-RAK/275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest DURO

The DURO lifejacket uses a water-activated UML Mk5 paper coil inflation system. UML MK5i is fitted as standard. The Pro-Sensor/Pro-Sensor Elite is available as an upgrade on lifejacket purchase, please check which model you have.

Inflation Systems Explained

UML Pro Sensor Inflator ELITE

The Pro Sensor Elite® Automatic Inflator replaces the Pro Sensor® Automatic Inflator late in 2018. 13mm shorter and 4 grams lighter than the original Pro Sensor® Automatic Inflator.

This is a water-sensitive activation system that uses a compressed paper capsule which dissolves when wet which then releases a spring to puncture the CO2 cylinder.

The cap is designed so that only water flowing upwards through the unit will cause it to activate. Water, spray and rain running down the jacket will not cause activation.

The Pro Sensor has two indicators that show the status of the CO2 cylinder and firing head.

The UML Pro Sensor is a very reliable system which is easy to check and re-arm. It is also easy to convert to manual firing only. Re-arming kits for this inflation system are stocked by most marine stores.

3-year expiry date on firing head from manufacture.

HammarⓇ Hydrostatic Inflator

The HammarⓇ inflation system is activated by water pressure and will not inflate until the cap is approximately 10cm underwater.

This system is designed for use in more extreme conditions and extended offshore sailing.

The benefit of the HammarⓇ system is that the jacket cannot accidentally inflate from being wet with rain and sea spray.

The unit has a single indicator to show if armed

Delayed inflation can be caused if full immersion of the firing head is delayed by buoyant foul weather clothing.

ALTO

The ALTO uses a manual-only firing head which holds a 16g cylinder and clip. The system cannot automatically inflate and must be activated by pulling the manual handle or using the oral inflation tube.

USCG APPROVED

Halkey Roberts Alpha Auto Inflator

The USCG Approved Deckvest LITE uses a water-activated Halkey Roberts Alpha Auto Inflator that is designed so that only water flowing upwards through the unit will cause it to activate. Water, spray and rain running down the jacket will not cause activation.

Old style UML PRO SENSOR INFLATOR FOR DECKVEST 5D 170N / 275N, DURO+, replaced with the new Pro Sensor Elite® late in 2018.

This is still supported. For 170N Deckvest 5D DW-RAK click here and for 275N Deckvest 5D DW-RAK/275 click here.

Last Updated 05 July 2022