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

The Deckvest VITO and VITO AFS 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
  • DW-UMLE - Firing head for Deckvest 6D 170N and 275N
  • DW-CYD33 - Cylinder for Deckvest 6D 170N
  • DW-CYD60 - Cylinder 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 170N post-October 2018
  • DW-RAK/E275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest 5D 275N post-October 2018 
  • DW-UML5 - Firing Head for Deckvest 5D 170 & 275N pre-October 2018
  • DW-UMLE - Firing head for Deckvest 5d 170 & 275N post-October 2018
  • DW-CYD33 - Cylinder for all Deckvest 5D 170N
  • DW-CYD60 - Cylinder for all Deckvest 5D 275N

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+ 170N
  • DW-RAK/275 - Rearming Kit for Deckvest LITE+ 275N
  • DW-UML5 - Firing Head for Deckvest LITE and LITE+ 170N & 275N
  • DW-CYD33 - Cylinder for Deckvest LITE and LITE+ 170N
  • DW-CYD60 - Cylinder for Deckvest LITE+ 275N

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


Deckvest LITE & LITE+ USCG version
  • DW-RAR/33G - Rearming Kit for Deckvest LITE USCG model
  • DW-CYD33 - Cylinder for Deckvest LITE and LITE+ USCG

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


Deckvest CENTO 

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


ALTO Belt Pack

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


ALTO Belt Pack USCG

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


DURO SOLAS & SOLAS+
  • DW-RAK/275 - Rearming Kit for DURO SOLAS and SOLAS+ 275N
  • DW-UML5 - Firing Head for DURO SOLAS and SOLAS+ 275N
  • DW-CYD60 - Cylinder for Duro SOLAS and SOLAS+ 275N
The SOLAS and SOLAS+ 275 twin chamber lifejacket uses two UML Mk5 paper coil inflation systems. The SOLAS and 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 DURO+ 275N pre-October 2018
  • DW-RAK/E275 - Rearming Kit for DURO+ 275N post-October 2018 
  • DW-UML5 - Firing Head for DURO+ 275N pre-October 2018
  • DW-UMLE - Firing head for DURO+ 275N post-October 2018
  • DW-CYD60 - Cylinder for DURO+ 275N
The DURO+ lifejacket harness is fitted with the Pro-Sensor or Pro-Sensor Elite. Users should check the exact firing mechanism they have.

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 MK5

The UML Pro Sensor MK5 inflator is a water sensitive activation system that uses a compressed paper capsule that dissolves when wet and 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. 


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.


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. 

Last Updated 09 April 2026

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