What is the period of validity of the Hammar disposable hydrostatic release unit?

(b) Each disposable hydrostatic release unit must be marked with an expiration date of two years after the date on which the unit is installed.

What is the hydrostatic release?

What is a Hydrostatic Release Unit? A hydrostatic release unit or HRU is a pressure activated mechanism designed, to automatically deploy a life raft, when certain conditions are met. In case a vessel sinks, the HRU will activate and release the life raft on a depth between 1,5 and 4 meters.

How does a hydrostatic release unit work?

The Working of HRU: HRU acts as a connecting media between life raft container and ship deck, where it is stored. When vessel sinks, the HRU cuts the rope and the container floats to the surface of water. As vessel sinks further, the tension in the painter causes the life raft to inflate out of the container.

What is the normal dropping height of life raft?

18 m
Every liferaft shall be so constructed as to be capable of withstanding exposure for 30 days afloat in all sea conditions. The liferaft shall be so constructed that when it is dropped into the water from a height of 18 m, the life raft and its equipment will operate satisfactorily.

What is the purpose of hydrostatic release unit?

A part of the liferaft lashing used for automatic liferaft release. At up to 4m water pressure activates release mechanism and the liferaft is free to float clear to the surface.

How does a hydrostatic release work on a life raft?

A HRU uses water pressure to activate a spring-loaded blade, cutting through liferaft securing straps. As the raft floats upwards, it automatically inflates when the painter pulls tight. Additional buoyancy from the inflated raft then breaks the “weak link”, releasing the raft from the vessel.

How do you secure a life raft?

This is usually achieved by attaching the raft to its mount using straps and a hydrostatic release such as the Hammar H20. As with some automatic lifejackets, the device is activated by water pressure. When submerged in water to a depth of a few metres it cuts a loop of rope releasing the securing straps.

Is the Hammar H20 hydrostatic release unit made of glass?

H20R Hydrostatic Release Unit for liferafts – USCG/SOLAS/MED The Hammar H20 is a hydrostatic release unit designed to fit liferafts of all shapes and sizes. It is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon, which prevents it from corroding. The Hammar H20 needs no annual service, maintenance or spare parts.

How often do you need a Hammar hydrostatic release unit?

The Hammar H20 is a hydrostatic release unit designed to fit liferafts of all shapes and sizes. It is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon, which prevents it from corroding. The Hammar H20 needs no annual service, maintenance or spare parts. You simply install a new one every two years and dispose of the old one.

What is the serial number on a Hammar H20?

The release unit is labelled with a marking for year and month. Use a knife and carefully scratch away the appropriate square for month and year of expiry two years ahead. A hydrostatic release unit, which is not properly marked with its date of expiry, is not approved. Each Hammar H20 release unit has its own individual serial number.

How often do you need to replace a Hammar H20?

The Hammar H20 needs no annual service, maintenance or spare parts. You simply install a new one every two years and dispose of the old one. With the environment in mind, the old unit is 97% recyclable. The Hammar H20 release unit consists of a double looped white rope line, a release mechanism and a Red Weak Link.