Spinlock Deckvest DURO FC — Owner's Manual

Inflating

Below freezing even a fully charged cylinder may not inflate the jacket adequately: top up with the oral tube after the CO2 has been discharged (and not before). Topping up may also be needed after prolonged immersion.

Deflating and Testing

• Deflate: invert the oral-tube end cap, insert it into the valve, hold it there and gently squeeze out all air or gas; return the cap to its normal position.
• Do not fire the CO2 into a jacket that is already fully inflated: it can over-pressurise and damage it.
• Test in shallow water or a pool, just deep enough for your head to be above the surface: automatic inflation should be complete within five seconds of water contacting the firing head.
• For an oral-only test, remove the cylinder and automatic capsule (firing head) before entering the water – no re-arm kit needed.
• After testing deflate fully with the oral inflator and let the Deckvest dry thoroughly, away from direct heat.

Owner Checks

• During use: check buckles and other fastenings regularly.
• Before and after use: look for damage, abrasion, wear, tear or contamination, especially stitching and webbing; check the cylinder is tight and not pierced.
• Annually: inspect the fabric; inflate through the oral tube until firm and leave 24hrs – any loss of firmness means a leak and the jacket is unsafe; check the oral valve under water; remove and inspect all components.
• Clean by hand with the cylinder and automatic components removed; rinse in fresh water (maximum 30° C); dry in a cool, ventilated dark room. Store in a well ventilated bag away from direct light.
• Any modification or repair is forbidden unless carried out by Spinlock Ltd.

Service Centre Checks

• Bladder test: cylinder and firing cap removed, inflate with clean dry air to approx. 2 psi (14 kPa), cap off; leave 24 hrs at stable temperature. More than a slight softening (approx. 10%) = replace the bladder.
• Firing mechanism tightened to the manifold at 3Nm with a calibrated torque driver; cutting pin and indicator pin must move freely; gasket or O-ring in place.
• Cylinders: check gas and size on the label (33g for 170N, 60g for 275N) and total weight against the bottle stamp; slight marking is acceptable, deteriorated coating with corrosion = replace.
• Pro Sensor: both indicators green. Mk5: green retaining clip over the firing arm. Cylinder tightened firmly by hand.
• Jackets over 10 years old should not be serviced.

Pylon Light

Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to test; it switches off automatically out of the water. Replacement light for all Deckvest models: DW-PY/L1. The stalk curves inwards, Spinlock logo outside.

Lume-On and MOB1

• Lume-On: water-activated LED lights bonded to the underside of the bladder; battery life 6 hours (minimum 2 hours flashing at full intensity).
• Bladder must be clean and thoroughly dry; place each light clear of toggles, straps and folds where it will be in the water; leave 24 hours before repacking.
• Ocean Signal MOB1: fit the ribbon so it is no longer than the bladder weld-to-weld length, leaving roughly 60mm of tail; secure the safety lanyard to the lower right bladder toggle webbing so the unit stays attached on inflation.