1. XM have issued a recall on their Bosun’s Chair ref.176856, old ref. BC, after an incident when a yachtsman was working at the top of a 40ft mast and the stitching of the webbing parted from the ring attaching it to the halyard. Luckily he was also wearing a harness and a climber’s hook which saved him from a disastrous fall. Although XM have not been able to identify any other faulty chairs they have recalled all those with the above reference numbers sold since 2000. Tel: 01489 778869.
This incident does emphasize the need to have a second means of support in reserve for safety when working aloft.
2. The BFA liferafts have had some failures with the overpressure valves which malfunction, and allowing the compartment to completely deflate. The models affected are: Atlantic, Pacific, Baltic, XM/BFA Offshore manufactured from 1997 until April 2007, serial nos. from 10,001 to 50,180 until year 2002 and numbers starting with the prefix XDC after that year. www.bfa-marine.com
3. The problem with Crewsaver lifejackets concerns the Mk3 standard automatic head fitted to Crewfit and Survivor models manufactured prior to 1997. These are said to be at the end of their useful life. Crewsaver say that owners should not attempt to carry out the replacement themselves but to contact the company at: www.crewsaver.co.uk
