Do you have any questions about our products? Then this is the right place to find answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right lifejacket for children
Welche Rettungsweste ist für mein Kind die richtige? Worauf muss ich bei Kinderrettungswesten achten? Sind Kinderfeststoffwesten nicht ausreichend? Immerhin sind diese quasi wartungsfrei, können fast nicht kaputt gespielt werden und sind zudem günstiger in der Anschaffung.
Bei der Auswahl der richtigen Rettungsweste für Ihr Kind sollten Sie zunächst einige Grundsätze zum Verhalten von Kindern im Wasser sowie deren Anatomie wissen, auf die wir hinweisen wollen:
My kid is one year old, which lifejacket do you recommend? ( Inflatable / Inherent buoyancy )
This is one of the most difficult decisions. Our inflatable lifejackets are suitable from a body weight of 35 lbs. (15 kg) upwards but are a problem when a child wearing nappies falls into the water.It goes without saying that this is also true of inherent buoyancy lifejackets, which we have in our programme from […]
How do I have to store my lifejacket?
Several possibilities: While sailing: Ready for use, or even better, always on the man/woman. A lot of accidents happen when peeing. After sailing: dry, in the dark and not too warm or too cold.
Is one obliged to have one´s lifejacket serviced?
If we had our say, yes. If you had the final say, that ought to be the case, too. If we go by legislation, the law is keeping out of it in this case. But if there has been an accident which was due to a lifejacket not having been serviced, then the law becomes […]
My life jacket has never been used and looks like new. Can I now use it without any worries after 15 years?
If you use a life jacket which is that old, you must always be aware of the possibility of failure of the inflation device or bursting of the buoyancy chamber due to OLD AGE. For safety reasons, we must suggest that you replace your life jacket. After such a long time, we also refuse to […]
Can I use any kind of cartridge for a SECUMATIC 3001 S?
No, that is not possible. Only specific SECUMAR cartridges with very exact volume measurements are suitable for SECUMAR life jackets. Any other cartridges might not sufficiently fill the chamber or, on the other hand, they might burst the chamber.
Why does the life jacket only have one D-ring?
Sometimes a lesser quantity is better. One D-Ring gives additional safety because you are always secured when you hook on to this one ring. With two-ring systems there is a danger that in the heat of the moment one only hooks on to one ring and the system is then dysfunctional because it is not […]
What purpose does the back mesh part serve?
To enable you to don the life jacket more easily. To give better distribution of forces on the shoulders and when the harness is under tension. It adds to your comfort in wearing the life jacket.
Will the dog’s vest also save my cat?
If your cat is prepared to wear one, then a vest like that may be quite helpful. Our dogs' vests were designed so that dogs, but cats too, could be grabbed hold of IN the water. To pick them up by their fur would be fairly impossible.
My child is one year old, which life jacket do you recommend? ( Inflatable / Inherent buoyancy )
This is one of the most difficult decisions. Our inflatable life jackets are suitable from a body weight of 35 lbs. (15 kg) upwards but are a problem when a child wearing nappies falls into the water.It goes without saying that this is also true of inherent buoyancy life jackets, which we have in our […]
Can´t I buy the life jacket for my son a little bit bigger, then he can grow into it ? (instead of Mini- Junior, or Junior- Survival for adults)
We would strongly advise against doing so. This has to do with the circumference of a child's neck. If a child wears an adult's life jacket, the child will slip down inside the buoyancy chamber. The child's head will not be far enough above the surface of the water.
Can I switch off the automatic inflation device when I am taking part in paddling sports, and switch it back on again when I go sailling?
Yes, you can, as long as your life jacket is fitted with a SECUMATIC 3001 S or 4001 S type of inflation device. We carry a manual override for both of these inflation devices in our range. Function: If the manual override is inserted, the function of the automatic inflation device is restricted to semi-automatic […]
Will I be able to get into a life raft at all in my inflated 275 N life jacket which is so bulky?
It is always difficult to get into a life raft. However, there are entry ramps for greatly improved entry. If there is an entrance which is large enough, then it should be possible even for people who are not practised in doing so to enter.
What is a Newton?
A Newton is a unit in which buoyancy is measured.150 N (Newton) is approx 15 kg or approx 15 Liter.
Why do you have blue and dark-coloured life jackets? They can’t be seen very well in water, can they?
We also have life jackets in red, silver, grey and also rainbow-coloured colours. What is important is that the inflated life jacket is in the international signalling colour orange or yellow. This is the case with all of the SECUMAR life jackets.
I go sailing and my weight is over 200 lbs. ( 90 kg ), which life jacket do I need ?
Your weight is only of marginal interest to us. What is important is what kind of clothing you are going to be wearing. In most cases today, we recommend life jackets with 275 Newton. We do this for the following reasons: As a rule, a life jacket has a life time of 10 to 15 […]
I have never used my life jacket, why should I have it serviced?
Servicing is tremendously important. Through this servicing and care, the lifetime of the life jacket will be prolonged and the safety of the product increased. There are gaskets in the inflation device which have to be renewed. These age too. The triggering forces have to be tested. The cartridges are tested for hairline cracks. The […]
How long do the emergency life jacket lights shine for?
There are several variations of emergency life jacket lights. The SECUMAR WAB-MX 8 shines for 8 hrs with an intensity of 0.75 candelas. The SECUMAR WAB H12 shines for 12 hrs.
Can I carry out the service myself?
To check the buoyancy chamber and the seams definitely makes sense. You should always do that before a sailing trip. You cannot service the inflation device yourself because you have not got the appropriate tools and spare parts. For this you would require the equipment which a service station has .
How long is the life time of a life jacket?
The average life time is 10 years. After that life jackets are only serviced by us at yearly intervals. When a life jacket reaches an age of 15 years, no further service is carried out.
What does Duo Protect mean?
Duo Protect system is an inner protection for the buoyancy chamber against damage, which has a self-sealing functionality for the buoyancy chamber. Inside the swim chamber is another airtight stretch laminate so that if the outer skin (2) is punctured the internal gas pressure will force the inner skin (1) to overlap the hole and […]
Can the life jacket be involuntarily inflated by rain and spray water?
No. It can however inflate prematurely if the life jacket has been exposed to high humidity over a lengthy period of time. Then it can happen that the life jacket inflates on a beautiful summer's day. The way around this:after heavy rain or after a sailing trip, replace the tablet in the inflation device.
How do I have to store my life jacket?
Several possibilities: While sailing: Ready for use, or even better, always on the man/woman. A lot of accidents happen when peeing. After sailing: dry, in the dark and not too warm or too cold.
What is the difference between the life jackets which are available from EUR 50,-?
There is no difference. They are all the same. Certified in accordance with EN, manufactured by SECUMAR. They are for occasional use, ought to be serviced annually and have a life expectancy of 5 years.
Can I have my life jacket fitted with a spray hood / a lifejacket light later?
Each life jacket in the SECUMAR SURVIVAL series can be fitted with a spray hood and an emergency life jacket light at some later stage. You can do this yourself with the Duo Protect life jackets. We will gladly do it for you in the case of the older Survival models.
Where can one do safety training?
At the Navy training school in Neustadt, Germany (cruiser department).
Is one obliged to have one’s life jacket serviced?
If we had our say, yes. If you had the final say, that ought to be the case, too. If we go by legislation, the law is keeping out of it in this case. But if there has been an accident which was due to a life jacket not having been serviced, then the law […]
Can I take my inflatable lifejacket on a plane?
Yes you can. The IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations allow for two inflatable type lifejackets, plus two replacement CO2 cylinders to be carried in either hand or checked-in baggage. However, the authorities have left the final decision to individual airlines who have then deferred to each individual flight captain as to whether they comply […]
How to buy SECUMAR products?
Lifejackets should not be bought off the rack. They need to fit the for the purpose and the person. As this requires consultation, SECUMAR products are exclusively sold through authorized dealers. To find a store near you that carries SECUMAR products, first select your country, then select by postal code or region. Or contact us.
Do I have to look after or store the kayaks in any particular way?
They do not need any special care. They should be cleaned once in awhile and over the winter you should partially inflate them and store them in a dark place.
Are spare parts available?
Yes, of course. As the manufacturer, we have a legal obligation to hold stocks of spare parts for 7 years after they are produced.
Can the sport kayak be used with an outboard engine?
Outboard engines are too heavy and have too much power to be used with the sport kayak. You can, however, power the boat with an electric engine. This way, both you and the environment will benefit.
What are the weight capacities of the kayaks?
The total permissible weight is printed on the DIN-label. The greater the load, the more one must paddle in order to move forward.
What kind of material is the kayak made of?
The boats consist of a double-layer-system. The inside layer is made of flexible polyvinyl chloride while the outer layer is made of highly tear-resistant coated material. This way, the boat's hull is especially protected.
How many chambers does the kayak have?
All SECUMAR kayaks are equipped with a double-chamber system. This is a requirement of the DIN standard.
Can I purchase the outer layer separately?
Yes. We can deliver any spare part that is needed. This includes an outer layer, an inside layer, or a seat.
Will there be enough buoyancy left if one chamber suddenly loses air?
Yes, this is also part of the DIN standard. You can still stay on track if this happens, however you will move somewhat more slowly.
Do the kayaks capsize easily?
It is relatively difficult to capsize the kayaks. You would have to lean out of the boat considerably to manage that.
Can the kayaks also be inflated by using a pressure pump?
They can, but this should be done very carefully. Many boats have bursted in the past while doing so.
Do the kayaks have to be serviced?
We don't have a regular service for them. In order to enjoy your boat for a long time, you should clean it now and then with fresh water and you should check the valves.
My husband weighs 260 lbs. (120 kg). Can he paddle the kayak?
There is no problem with regards to the buoyancy. The question is whether or not he fits in the boat. He would have to try one out for size.
What does self-bailing mean?
Self-bailing means that the boat has holes in the floor so any water which comes over the side flows out again due to the speed of the kayak. Only our white water kayak has this characteristic, though.
Do your kayaks qualify as life-saving equipment which can be used as a substitute for life rafts?
Under no circumstances whatsoever should kayaks be used as a life-saving device. Life rafts are the final possible option in an emergency situation. Only they should be used for this purpose.
What is the white plastic part on the sport kayak for?
If you paddle in different places, you may need various kinds of permits. The plastic part allows one to write any necessary identification or permit numbers on the boat.
What is the life expectancy of a kayak?
This depends, of course, on how well the kayak is maintained. On average, however, you can expect it to last 12-15 years.
Is the polyvinyl chloride environmentally conscious?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is harmful only when burned. Otherwise the PVC is extremely robust and durable and therefore is no threat to the environment.
Are the kayaks easy to maneuver and do they have good tracking qualities?
This depends on the model you buy. Easy maneuverability and good tracking are two qualities that are difficult to find together. A boat which is easy to steer most likely doesn't have optimal tracking qualities. However, we do our best to combine these two properties for a sufficient solution. Our white water kayak, however, has […]
What kind of equipment do I need – standard or emergency?
This depends on where you are going. If you are travelling in an area relatively close to the shore, you can assume you will be picked up within 24 hours of an emergency at sea. In that case, the emergency pack would be overdoing it. However, if you are doing offshore sailing, then you should […]
Is there forced ventilation?
Yes. There is an opening in the canopy, in order for the CO2 produced by breathing to be released. In addition, this allows for an exchange of fresh air.
Is the floor insulated?
Yes, every SECUMAR ISLAND has an inflatable insulated floor.
Does the emergency pack contain food?
To call it food would be an exaggeration. However, our emergency pack does include drinking water, packaged in 100 ml bags, and emergency sea rations. In the first 24 hours after an emergency at sea, one should not consume any food or drinking water due to a shock effect. As a rule of thumb, a […]
Is there an emergency transmitter in the emergency pack?
No. As we do not know the regions to where people are travelling, and since the market for electronic equipment is enormous, we have deliberately decided not to include this instrument. Additionally, there is no worldwide standard for emergency transmitters.
Can an emergency transmitter be included in the pack?
Yes, an emergency transmitter can be packaged with the island. In such cases, a special protective packaging is used so that the equipment and the life raft do not suffer any damage. The additional price of changing the order is approximately EUR 80.