What is the consequence of ignoring the expiration date on safety equipment?

Ignoring the expiration date on safety equipment can indeed lead to malfunction during emergencies. Safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares, is designed to function optimally within specific time frames. Over time, the materials used in these devices can degrade, lose effectiveness, or may not work as intended when needed most. For example, a fire extinguisher with an expired date may fail to properly release the extinguishing agent, putting lives and property at risk.

Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial to ensuring safety equipment operates correctly. An expired product may not only provide a false sense of security but also compromise safety and response capabilities in critical situations. This is why adherence to expiration dates is essential for maintaining reliability and effectiveness in safety measures on a boat.