RECALLS

[spetro]

Here is where you'll find boat and marine related recalls.  If you find an recall notice that you think we need to know about....please post it here.

[spetro]

Strike First Corporation of America has determined that the valve stem seat in a number of its 2.5 and 5 lb
fire extinguishers assembled between December 2002 and February 2004 may prevent the extinguisher
from discharging properly when the lever is activated. Strike First has initiated a fire extinguisher retro-fit
program for these units. Owners of the devices should contact their distributors or Strike First directly at
http://www.strikefirstusa.com/serv_bull_002.htm

[spetro]

Pains Wes"woops" Co. extends its recall of the MK7 hand flares. The recall is for all of its White Collision Warning
Hand Flares (MK7) Item No. 52651. See http;//www.strikefirstusa.com/serv_bull_002.htm

[spetro]

A defective opening mechanism in some 12-gauge plastic flare guns manufactured by Olin (now Orion Safety Products) prior to 2000 may not open wide enough to accept a flare cartridge. Guns with a modification to correct the possible problem are marked with U.S. Coast Guard approval code 160 028//12/1. Boaters with older flare guns should check the operation of the opening mechanism now and at the start of each boating season. If the breech will not open wide enough to accept a cartridge, the gun should be sent back for a replacement. Send defective guns to: ORION SAFETY PRODUCTS, MARINE DIVISION, 3157N. 500W, PERU, IN 46970; 1-800-851-5260. 

[spetro]

Recent events have caused the boating industry to examine the policy regarding the bonding of plastic body fuel fills with metallic caps and retaining chains.  Existing USCG & ABYC policy states that the bonding of these components is voluntary.  A study by IMANNA Laboratories has shown that connecting the metallic retaining chain and cap of a plastic body fuel fill assembly to a boats bonding system may result in electrostatic discharge from a land-based fuel pump nozzle to the metallic components of the assembly when the boat is not in the water.  This condition does not exist when the boat is in the water due to the equalizations of the ground potentials between the fuel pump nozzle and the boat's bonding system. 

It is recommended by ABYC and the USCG that new installations of this type of fuel fill assembly DO NOT INCLUDE any attachment to the boats bonding system. The U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC still require that METALLIC body fuel fills be bonded.  There have been no reported explosions or fires resulting from this phenomenon.  Therefore no substantial risk of personal injury to the public exists, and formal defect notification (recall) by boat and/or equipment manufacturers is not required by the Coast Guard in this case.  The ABYC Project Technical Committee has included this topic in the soon to be published H-24 Gasoline Fuel Systems on Boats that eliminates the bonding connection for plastic body fuel fills with metallic caps and retaining chains.

[spetro]

   
On February 4, 2005,  the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis distributed Safety Alert 1-05 regarding GPS Receiver Position Offset. The manufacturer, Furuno U.S.A. Inc. has provided additional information describing the position offset problem and the availability of a software update. This information may be accessed at

[spetro]

Recently during several annual inspections of small passenger vessels, Coast Guard Marine Inspectors discovered a number of problems with Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) manufactured by Atlantic-Pacific Manufacturing Company (APCO).  The following alert identifies problems associated with Type I unicellular plastic foam life preservers.  PFDs from other manufacturers may have similar problems.  For detailed information concerning this alert, click here.  TypeIPFDAlert.pdf

[spetro]

 


PFD INFLATION FAILURE DUE TO FALSE-POSITIVE SERVICE INDICATORS AND INCORRECT CO2 CYLINDER INSTALLATION


The U.S. Coast Guard has been made aware of a potential problem when installing CO2 cylinders that have bayonet tips in inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets).  If a cylinder is not properly installed, the PFD will not inflate with CO2.  The problem may affect several thousand PFDs, but the Coast Guard is only aware of one incident to date. 


Some Mustang, Protexion, and  Stearns/SOSpenders PFDs using Halkey-Roberts' inflators can indicate a green "Ready" status when the CO2 cylinder is not properly installed.  This false positive green indication occurs when the cylinder-bayonet assembly is inserted in the inflator, not turned, and the cylinder is not ejected. 


Cylinders with bayonet tips are designed to be pushed in and turned 1/8th turn clockwise to a full stop to secure the cylinder.  When the cylinder is not turned to secure it in place, the PFD will not inflate with CO2.  The PFD may still be inflated orally.  If the CO2 cylinder is not turned, the mechanism is supposed to eject it.  In some production units a false positive green indication can be achieved by simply pushing the cylinder into the mechanism without turning it 1/8th turn to a full stop.  According to the consumer report, a user was led to believe the cylinder-bayonet was properly engaged without turning it due to the firm seating of the cylinder-bayonet, which also prevented the cylinder-bayonet from ejecting as designed.


Consumers should check the model number of the PFD (located on the manufacturer's label) to see if your PFD is affected.   

If you have a Mustang brand call 1-800-526-0532 (USA)
If you have a sterns call  1-800-328-3208 EXT 1
If you have a Protexion call 1-800-268-3112

Updated cylinder installation instructions are on the home pages of manufacturers' websites and at the Coast Guard website listed below.  Review and follow the instructions.  Check your device to ensure that the inserted CO2 cylinder-bayonet has been fully turned clockwise prior to use.


If your PFD inflator does not eject an unturned cylinder-bayonet, contact the PFD manufacturer for servicing. 

[spetro]

 
Product Notification: 

1/2" Bow eye # 66261-1


Attwood has determined that recent shipments of our ½" bow eye #66261-1 to the marine industry and individual marine part suppliers, may not have met our material specification of 300 series stainless steel. 


While bow eyes and stern eyes should not be used for lifting or towing, it is possible that end users may subject the part to such misuse or other severe strain.  Therefore we are taking the precaution of asking that anyone who has concerns regarding the purchase of this part, please contact Attwood's customer service department, at 616-897-2290 or your retailer for further information. We apologize for any inconvenience of this precaution but we want to make certain that use of the questionable part is avoided. 


As a leader in supplying quality product to the marine industry, Attwood recommends the following proper specification of bow/stern eyes and cleats on boats to meet the recommendations of the American Boat and Yacht Council, our industry's standards setting organization. 


ABYC H-40 entitled Anchoring, Mooring and Lifting, provides direction concerning the specifications for mooring, towing and strong points and should be referred to when making decisions regarding the application of our products. 


There are numerous factors to take into consideration when developing criteria and specifying product for each lift point.  These need to be fully understood before a product can be specified for its intended application.  It should be noted that Attwood continues to not recommend lifting any boat by its bow/stern eyes or cleats. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding regarding this matter. 


Attwood Corporation

[Mike Cork]

Outstanding info thanks for keeping us up to date

[mossboss]

thanks, where do you find these?

[spetro]

Recent events have caused the boating industry to examine the policy regarding the bonding of plastic body fuel fills with metallic caps and retaining chains.  Existing USCG & ABYC policy states that the bonding of these components is voluntary.  A study by IMANNA Laboratories has shown that connecting the metallic retaining chain and cap of a plastic body fuel fill assembly to a boats bonding system may result in electrostatic discharge from a land-based fuel pump nozzle to the metallic components of the assembly when the boat is not in the water.  This condition does not exist when the boat is in the water due to the equalizations of the ground potentials between the fuel pump nozzle and the boat's bonding system. 

It is recommended by ABYC and the USCG that new installations of this type of fuel fill assembly DO NOT INCLUDE any attachment to the boats bonding system. The U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC still require that METALLIC body fuel fills be bonded.  There have been no reported explosions or fires resulting from this phenomenon.  Therefore no substantial risk of personal injury to the public exists, and formal defect notification (recall) by boat and/or equipment manufacturers is not required by the Coast Guard in this case.  The ABYC Project Technical Committee has included this topic in the soon to be published H-24 Gasoline Fuel Systems on Boats that eliminates the bonding connection for plastic body fuel fills with metallic caps and retaining chains.

This one almost got me in SC......BEWARE

[spetro]

Liferaft Recall


 
SAFETY NOTICE - Recall

- Notice applies to VIKING RescYou™ liferafts


This recall covers certain serial numbers of the yachting and fishing liferafts VIKING RescYou™ (UKL) and RescYou™ Pro (UKSL), sizes 4, 6 and 8 persons in either container or valise.


Click here to see examples of these liferafts. RescYou.pdf


The supplier of pressure relief valves, Thanner & Co A/S, has informed VIKING that potential problems in relation to their product Thanner type OTS 65 may cause the valve to break and prevent the liferaft from inflating properly. In the unlikely event that both valves are affected, the liferaft will sink. As a precautionary measure VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S recommends that all Thanner valves of type OTS 65 used in RescYou™ liferafts be inspected and if necessary replaced.


Please check your type of liferaft and serial number on www.VIKING-yachting.com to see if your RescYou™ liferaft is at risk. The type and serial number can be found on the Certificate of Compliance that you received along with your liferaft. The type and serial number can also be seen on the registration label on the bottom of the liferaft container or if packed in a valise at the end of the valise.


Click here to see the registration label UKL/UKSL:  RescYou2.pdf


If your RescYou™ liferaft is found to be at risk and thus affected by this recall, please contact a VIKING approved servicing station for a valve inspection. A full list and contact details of applicable servicing stations are available on www.VIKING-yachting.com. Any necessary valve replacement will of course be free of charge for you.


For further information please visit www.VIKING-yachting.com or contact VIKING toll free at (877) 848-1057.

[spetro]

Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn from Market after Reports of Deaths and Injuries




WASHINGTON, D.C. –  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sportsstuff, Inc., of Omaha, Nebraska is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 Wego Kite Tubes.



             CPSC staff is aware of 39 injury incidents with 29 of those resulting in medical treatment. Those injuries include a broken neck, punctured lung, chest and back injuries and facial injuries. Sportsstuff has received reports of two deaths in the United States and a variety of serious injuries. Sportsstuff has been unable to determine the cause of the incidents. Nevertheless, the company has withdrawn the kite tube from the market and is undertaking this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution.



The Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular, yellow inflatable watercraft designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. Model 53-5000 is printed on the tube near the product valve. The floor of the tube has black caution warning stripes. The cover for the product bears a skull and crossbones and the statement "Never Kite higher than you are willing to fall."

The tubes were imported and sold through marine distributors, mail order catalogs, and various retailers from approximately October 1, 2005 to July 11, 2006 for about $500 to $600.



Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and contact Sportsstuff at (866) 831-5524 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday to learn how to obtain free replacement products. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.sportsstuff.com for more information.

[spetro]

Atwood Fuel Tanks


 

                                                       

Product Notification: 

6 Gallon Fuel Tank - product #8867


Attwood Corporation has determined that recent shipments of our 6 gallon fuel tank product # 8867 may be non-conforming and could result in a condition that allows leakage of fuel from the tank.  The products affected are marked as: Cavity 2 with a date code of February 15, 2006 shift 1, 2 or 3.


Since there is a potential for leakage and therefore possible harm to the consumer, we are taking the precaution of asking that any #8867 product with this cavity and date code marking be returned to Attwood or the retail location that you purchased it from.  Please contact Attwood's customer service department, at 616-897-2290, if you have questions regarding the procedure for replacing your fuel tank. 


While Attwood believes the chance that a leak will occur to be relatively low, there are obviously serious potential safety risks associated with any fuel leak.  We urge you to not use any affected product after receipt of this notification.


We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding regarding this matter. 


Sincerely,


Dean Shore

Quality Manager

Attwood Corporation

[spetro]

Fire Extinguisher Recall


PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
STRIKE FIRST CORPORATION OF AMERICA
SERVICE BULLETIN #002

Strike First has determined that the valve stem seat in a number of its 2.5 and 5 lb fire extinguishers assembled between December 2002 and February 2004 may prevent the extinguisher from discharging properly when the lever is activated. As a result of this condition, Strike First has initiated a fire extinguisher retro-fit program for these units. RETRO-FIT KITS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE BY CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL STRIKE FIRST DISTRIBUTOR, OR BY CONTACTING STRIKE FIRST DIRECTLY.
For details visit;  http://www.strikefirstusa.com/serv_bull_002.htm

[spetro]

CO2 PFD Inflator Failure


 


PFD INFLATION FAILURE DUE TO FALSE-POSITIVE SERVICE INDICATORS AND INCORRECT CO2 CYLINDER INSTALLATION


The U.S. Coast Guard has been made aware of a potential problem when installing CO2 cylinders that have bayonet tips in inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets).  If a cylinder is not properly installed, the PFD will not inflate with CO2.  The problem may affect several thousand PFDs, but the Coast Guard is only aware of one incident to date. 


Some Mustang, Protexion, and  Stearns/SOSpenders PFDs using Halkey-Roberts' inflators can indicate a green "Ready" status when the CO2 cylinder is not properly installed.  This false positive green indication occurs when the cylinder-bayonet assembly is inserted in the inflator, not turned, and the cylinder is not ejected. 


Cylinders with bayonet tips are designed to be pushed in and turned 1/8th turn clockwise to a full stop to secure the cylinder.  When the cylinder is not turned to secure it in place, the PFD will not inflate with CO2.  The PFD may still be inflated orally.  If the CO2 cylinder is not turned, the mechanism is supposed to eject it.  In some production units a false positive green indication can be achieved by simply pushing the cylinder into the mechanism without turning it 1/8th turn to a full stop.  According to the consumer report, a user was led to believe the cylinder-bayonet was properly engaged without turning it due to the firm seating of the cylinder-bayonet, which also prevented the cylinder-bayonet from ejecting as designed.


Consumers should check the model number of the PFD (located on the manufacturer's label) to see if your PFD is affected.   The models numbers are:


Manufacturer
PFD Model #
Contact Number

Mustang Survival

Customer Service

3870 Mustang Way

Bellingham, WA 98226

USA
MC1900 Automatic

MC1900HR Automatic w/ Harness

MD0100 LIFT Vest Manual

MD0200 LIFT Vest Automatic

MD3081 Manual

MD3082 Manual with Harness

MD3083 Automatic

MD3084 Automatic w/ Harness

All colors and Styles
1-800-526-0532 (USA)

1-800-661-6181 (CAN)

www.mustangsurvival.com

Protexion Products Inc.

643 Speedvale Ave W

Guelph Ontario

N1K 1E6  CANADA
NIV3000, Manual

NIV3500, Manual with Harness

NIV4000, Automatic

NIV4500, Automatic with Harness

1-800-268-3112

www.nautilusbyprotexion.com



Stearns Inc.

1100 Stearns Drive

Sauk Rapids, MN

56379

(also SOSpenders)
38MLNG, Manual

38MHRN, Manual w/ Harness

24MSPT, Manual

38MREG, Manual

38MBP, Manual

38ASSTD, Automatic

38ASHAR, Automatic w/ Harness

38ASPRO, Automatic

38CHR, Automatic and Manual

1469, Automatic

1473, Automatic with Harness
1-800-328-3208 EXT 1

www.stearnsinc.com



Updated cylinder installation instructions are on the home pages of manufacturers' websites and at the Coast Guard website listed below.  Review and follow the instructions.  Check your device to ensure that the inserted CO2 cylinder-bayonet has been fully turned clockwise prior to use.


If your PFD inflator does not eject an unturned cylinder-bayonet, contact the PFD manufacturer for servicing. 


To see the updated rearming instructions for these inflators and to see other safety alerts and recall notices, visit the following Coast Guard websites:

[spetro]

Non-serviceable unicellular foam PFD


Recently during several annual inspections of small passenger vessels, Coast Guard Marine Inspectors discovered a number of problems with Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) manufactured by Atlantic-Pacific Manufacturing Company (APCO).  The following alert identifies problems associated with Type I unicellular plastic foam life preservers.

[spetro]

Burner Tube Recall


Webasto has uncovered a potential issue with the burner tube of the DBW 2010 coolant heater manufactured from November 2002 until February 05, 2005  wherein the stainless steel walls of the burner  tube, in some cases, is made out of material that is not within specification and in those cases could fail prematurely.  If such a failure occurs, the surface temperature of the exhaust tube exiting from the heater can increase and could potentially ignite combustible materials in or around the installation area of the heater resulting in a fire which could cause personal injury.  Occupants may notice an increase in noise relating to such an occurrence and may observe heat related discoloration of components of the heater's exhaust system.

If you are the owner of a DBW 2010 coolant heating system installed on your watercraft, Webasto urges you to contact your selling Dealer/ Distributor or Sure Marine at (206) 784-9903 to arrange to have the burner tube replaced.  Please note that the burner tube is also supplied as Webasto replacement / spare part no. 26553A and may have been fitted into your DBW 2010 during routine maintenance or repairs.

Please contact us at 1-800-555-4518 with questions concerning this issue.  If you call, be sure to have the serial number of the heater available

[spetro]

Service Bulletin Safety Recall


SERVICE BULLETIN
Safety Recall: Champion# MC60 – Marine Carburetor

In our continuing effort to provide quality products and information to the Marine market, Champion Parts, Inc. is voluntarily issuing the following Recall of approximately 1,170 MC60 carburetors in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard.

PRODUCT:  Champion Parts, Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 1,170 carburetors, sold as CPI Marine Part# MC60. 

PROBLEM:  The problem may exist that the carburetor may have a fuel/fume pipe that is not drilled through to the bore/throat.  A fuel/fume line on a marine designed mechanical fuel pump provides a safe fuel exit to the carburetor in the unlikely event of a rupture of the fuel pump's double diaphragm. 

If the recall condition exists and the fuel pump's double diaphragm were to experience a catastrophic rupture, excess fuel could spill into the engine compartment and a fire could result and could cause serious personal injury and/or death.

Champion Parts, Inc. is not aware of any injuries or incidents involving these carburetors.

WHERE THIS WAS USED:  Champion Carburetor# MC60 is a replacement part fitting:

1987-95 MerCruiser 200 5.0L SN# 0B525982 - 0F600999 engines
1996-97 MerCruiser 5.7L SN# 0F601000 - 0K999999 engines
1996-97 MerCruiser Ski 5.7L SN# 0F775200 - 0K999999 engines
WHAT TO DO:  Only MC60 carburetors are involved in this recall.  Consumers possessing the recalled carburetor are to stop using it immediately, and bring it to a service center to perform an inspection of the carburetor to determine if the recall condition exists. 

WHERE TO LOOK:  To determine if your carburetor is part of this recall, look for part number MC60 on the product label.  If your carburetor has a fuel/fume line attached to the carburetor, it will be necessary to perform the following inspection. With the engine off and the battery disconnected, remove the flame arrestor and inspect the carburetor.  Carburetors with a square notch must have a hole drilled through to the bore/throat for the fuel/fume line (see picture below).



If your MC60 Carburetor is part of the recall (without the hole drilled through) contact the service center or retailer where purchased for repair or free replacement.  Call Champion Technical Service Department for warranty details.

For more information, contact Champion Technical Service Dept. toll-free at: 800-850-0846 (Monday-Friday 7:00a.m.-5:00p.m. CST)

[spetro]

Safety Alert GPS Receiver Position Offset


   
U.S. Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis distributed Safety Alert 1-05 regarding GPS Receiver Position Offset. The manufacturer, Furuno U.S.A. Inc. has provided additional information describing the position offset problem and the availability of a software update. This information may be accessed at  

[Mike Cork]

Great info Spetro, thank you for posting it. Everyone check your equipment some of these could easily apply to you.

[spetro]

GROCO Through Hull Valve Recall


Some through hull valves manufactured by GROCO between 2004 and 2006 may experience premature valve stem corrosion resulting in failure to operate.  Owners of GROCO models: IBV, FBV, FV and TWV are encouraged to visit the GROCO website for details.  http://www.groco.net/svc-bltn/cat-svc-bltn-2-08.htm




Nobeltec Navigation Software Defect


  Certain Nobeltec Passport chart features (including, but not limited to buoys, markers, contours, underwater obstructions, etc.) may display incorrectly, or not at all, when used in conjunction with certain Nobeltec navigation software packages, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solutions.

For further information and correction of defects visit the following link

NobeltecAlert1.pdf




BFA Life Raft Recall

 
BFA marine (*) has identified some overpressure valves failures (**) on life rafts in use (***), which may lead to a complete deflation of the compartment when broken.

In the event both overpressure valves of the 2 independent compartments would happen to break, the life raft will not be functional anymore and be useless.

As a preventive measure, BFA marine urges its owners to bring back, without delay, their life raft to the nearest BFA approved service station, in order to check and potentially replace those overpressure valves.

The valve replacement will be free of charge. This is yet your responsibility to bring the life raft to the service station for inspection. Models concerned : ATLANTIC, PACIFIC, BALTIC, XM/BFA OFFSHORE



Fire Extinguisher Recall


PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
STRIKE FIRST CORPORATION OF AMERICA
SERVICE BULLETIN #002

Strike First has determined that the valve stem seat in a number of its 2.5 and 5 lb fire extinguishers assembled between December 2002 and February 2004 may prevent the extinguisher from discharging properly when the lever is activated. As a result of this condition, Strike First has initiated a fire extinguisher retro-fit program for these units. RETRO-FIT KITS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE BY CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL STRIKE FIRST DISTRIBUTOR, OR BY CONTACTING STRIKE FIRST DIRECTLY.
For details visit;  http://www.strikefirstusa.com/serv_bull_002.htm

[spetro]

Orion Safety Products, manufacturer of the Skyblazer hand-launched red aerial flare ("Skyblazer"), has received a report indicating the safety sleeve on the Skyblazer may become detached from the launch tube body during ignition.  A report from the field indicates that upon this occurrence, users experienced bruised knuckles, a punctured finger nail and a lacerated finger in at least one instance.


Orion is currently focusing on Skyblazer production occurring since April 2008 and is working closely with its injection molder for the Skyblazer plastic parts to determine what the cause of the problem may be and when it first appeared. The detachment of the safety sleeve from the launch tube body does not affect flare performance (i.e., altitude, candela, burn time). This problem is specific to the Skyblazer signal and does not affect any other Orion products.
To the extent much remains unknown at present, Orion is recommending that all retailers, distributors and dealers of the Skyblazer product remove such product from their shelves and discontinue the sale of this product to the marketplace at this time. Orion will notify all such parties as to the proper disposition of this product once the investigation has sufficiently progressed.
Orion has not instituted a recall of the Skyblazer product at this time. For product users that are in emergency situations, Orion suggests that the Skyblazer signal only be used if alternative emergency distress signals are unavailable. For added protection, if Skyblazer signals must be used, Orion suggests:
• The user hold the signal body (not the sleeve) tightly in the upper hand during launch
• Gloves be worn to protect the lower hand (the hand pulling the ignition chain) from being jammed against the launch tube body and ignition chain following ignition
Orion is critically concerned about the safety of our customers. We are notifying the U.S. Coast Guard of this problem and will be posting updates and consumer information on the Orion website at www.orionsignals.com. We want to make certain more Skyblazers are not sold until the cause of the current problem is known and remedied. We want to make certain that current product users relying on the Skyblazer product are not put at unnecessary risk. We thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue our investigation of this matter.
Orion Safety Products
Peru Plant
3157 North 500 West
Peru, IN 46970-7559
(800) 851-5260
www.orionsignals.com
v
v
v
v
INSTRUCTIONS

[spetro]

> The US Coast Guard has just issued
> two new safety alerts that all recreational boaters should
> heed.
>
> The first alert describes the discovery of counterfeit fire
> extinguishers, and begins this way:
>
> "The Coast Guard has recently become aware of counterfeits
> of U.S. Coast Guard approved portable fire extinguishers
> manufactured by Amerex Corporation and Buckeye Fire
> Equipment. Both companies are major producers of genuine
> approved fire extinguishing equipment and serve a worldwide
> market. These counterfeit extinguishers present a
> significant safety hazard. Their capability to extinguish a
> fire is unproven; they may be charged with a powdery
> substance that is not a fire extinguishing agent, the
> pressure cylinder is not DOT approved, and the pressure
> gauge may not function or give false readings..."
>
> The second alert pertains to bow-riding in heavy weather:
>
> "Several passengers standing in the bow pulpit of a 106'
> inspected whale watching vessel were injured while underway.
> The vessel struck a large wave, its bow rose and slammed
> down causing the passengers in the pulpit to lose their
> balance and fall to the deck. Injuries ranged from cuts and
> bruises to a broken patella (knee) and jaw. Although there
> were many other passengers on board at the time, only the
> passengers standing in the pulpit were injured..."
>
> You can download and read copies of both alerts as a
> printable PDF here:
>
>