One of the reasons I chose to buy a Crewsaver Ergofit 190NOS PFD was the provision to carry a PLB in the zipped pocket, and to secure it on the PFD in a proper orientation when deployed. This was something I discussed with their sales people before I bought it: they agreed with my intention and did not advise me against it.

So I was alarmed to recently find said zipper frozen due to corrosion of the slider which, unbelievably, is made of alloy. This is a puzzling design choice compared with non-corroding nylon, as used on the main zipper sliders. I had to slit the pocket and destroy the zipper to get my PLB out.

How would I have gone if I was in the water actually needing to use it? The coroner would conclude I was injured, and you guys would have agreed on how stupid I was not to activate my PLB.

Anyway, I phoned the Melbourne sales rep and he is looking into it, and promised to get back to me. It is well out of warranty so I am sure they won't repair it, but I encourage others to check all zips on their PFD's.

Cheers, Graeme

I heard back from Survitec pretty quickly and was advised that the current model uses a nylon slider. I will consider my next move, but strongly advise users of the old model not to store anything in the zipper pocket, and in fact to regard the zipped pocket.

I do take your point Allan, and it could be argued that a product recall is warranted.

Cheers, Graeme