Because of the risk of malfunction the manufacturer has issued a voluntary recall of HRU’s and the NMA in this respect urges the shipowners to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The text below is an excerpt from the manufacturer's official released safety alert massage: http://safetbag.com/2015/12/14/safety-alert-hru-lr-1-and-ep-1/
EXCERPT OF MANUFACTURER'S SAFETY ALERT:
DESCRIPTION
This recall involves Hydrostatic Release Units (HRU) manufactured by SAFETMADE with model no LR-1 and EP-1 delivered to consumers for use on life rafts and EPIRBs; sold at retail locations such as ship chandlers, ship suppliers, life raft repair/service stations, EPIRB and radio communication service stations, and maritime equipment retailers.
Possible malfunction risks are detected due to harsh sea conditions and high levels of salty water effect on the product that may result in corrosion inside the unit.
REMEDY
REPLACING units in OPERATION (ASAP) and STOP SALES of units in stocks:
Consumers should not try to open and inspect HRU themselves; they should immediately contact SAFETMADE Marine Products CO. to arrange a replacement at the nearest port.
RECALL DEADLINE
All units should be reported and replaced until 01.09.2016 18:00 EET
NOTICE FOR DISTRIBUTORS AND SELLERS
Distributors and sellers should immediately STOP sales, count the remaining units in their stocks, issue a document for their serial numbers and contact SAFETMADE Marine Products CO.
