All the RO units sold by the Navy have had good care and regular servicing and overhaul. The reason they are being sold is that we have fewer life rafts and need fewer MRODs so there is a surplus of these items.
My biggest concern is the biocide used, sodium bisulfate IIRC, breaks down over time and stuff begins to grow inside. Now our testing hasn't found anything truly dangerous, however we do know that the biocide doesn't work indefinitely.
I contacted the Government Liquidators people and advised them to include a more visible notice that these items require service prior to useage. They are coded as condition "F7" which means it requires overhaul, but I'm sure many of the people buying these don't understand that code. Since the MRODs are packed, sealed, and look new, some people may assume it's OK to use it out of the box.
If the MROD is within five years of its overhaul date then it's good to go. Anything over that should be tested or at the very least, the biocide should be replaced.
Regards,
Tom A.