Getting my PFD to Hawaii

[JMKiel]

Didn't think this would be a problem, but I'm flying to Hawaii to crew on one of the SHTP boats coming back, and I have discovered that my airline won't let me take my inflatable PFD in either my carry-on or checked bag. The CO2 cartridges are considered hazardous goods. I thought of sending them by FedEx to the Hanalei Bay Resort, but FedEx wants them packaged by a dangerous goods shipper before they will accept them. This can't be that difficult can it?

Getting short on time so any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
J.M. Kiel

[pogen]

I have taken PFDs on the airplane.

Print out this document (from TSA):

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/fi...s_brochure.pdf

put an extra copy in your bag with your gear. Also, take the cylinder out of the vest arming device .

See also (from FAA)

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...ersandcrew.pdf

which quotes 49 CFR 175.10(a)(24)

Small cartridges fitted into
devices with no more than four small
cylinders of carbon dioxide or other
suitable gas in in Division 2.2. The
water capacity of each cylinder must
not exceed 50 mL (equivalent to a
28g carbon dioxide cartridge), with
the approval of the operator.

[DaveH]

Exactly right.
Have done this dozens of times with no problem.
Be upfront about it when you check in and point it out, so its not a surprise situation for them behind the curtain.
Very important to provide the extra highlighted copy of the printout in the bag with the vest / cartridges.
Tape or rubber band it to the gear for the inspector going through the bag without you there.

I also found that gently pointing out that this is identical equipment to what is in the pretty yellow vests under the seats helps with really recalcitrant counter folks at check in.
But don't be that condescending about it!

[Steevee]

According to the TSA inflatable PFD's are okay as pogen pointed out and I too have flown with them multiple times and not had a problem on airlines that are okay with it, but it is ultimately up to the airline on which you fly. You may have to switch carriers. Most major airlines allow inflatable PFD's. Good luck!

[Wylieguy]

I sent my new CO2 cartridge re-arming kit to Hawaii in Jim Quanci's crate with his delivery sails, etc - but I suppose that's next time for you. An alternative is taking the CO2 cartridge out and leaving it home. Order a spare arming kit from WM and have it available at their Honolulu store. A spare is always a good thing to have around anyway, so when you've sailed back you'll have one. Order 2, just in case yours goes off accidently on the trip. I suppose you could also have WM deliver it to a Hawaii address.

[Mewes]

Will West Marine deliver intra-Island?

Ship to the RC Condo c/o

SHTP Lythcott Pu'u Poa 312
c/o Oceanfront Realty
5-4280 Kuhio Hwy
Princeville HI 96722