BoatingBasicsOnline

PFDs are important potential life saving devices and are required onboard. Make sure when selecting a PFD that it is Coast Guard approved and is designed for a person of your size and weight.

One wearable PFD for each person aboard is required and they should be stowed where readily accessible. (Readily accessible does not include being in the plastic wrapper in which it came or stowed forward in the v-berth under 5 cases of soda.)

In addition to a wearable PFD for each person, one Type IV throwable device, which should be immediately available, is also required on each vessel 16 feet or larger.

New Federal Regulations, enforceable 1/1/2003, mandate that the 15 states without child life jacket laws require that youths under 13 wear an approved PFD whenever a recreational vessel is underway, unless below decks or in a closed cabin. States with existing regulations are not required to alter their status. Make sure you check your state regulations before getting underway with children onboard.

Even if not required, every boater should wear a PFD when in dangerous conditions. Dangerous conditions include high boat traffic, severe weather, dangerous water conditions, dangerous local hazards, distance from shore, operations at night and boating alone. Any time you feel you are in danger or simply apprehensive about a situation remember the following: when in doubt, get it out, and put it on.

Putting on a PFD while on land or in a stable boat can be a simple task. However, donning a PFD while in the water can be a very difficult task. You don't have the same leverage or balance you would normally have. Although you should have on a PFD prior to entering the water, you should practice putting on a PFD while in a pool or in shallow water to experience first hand what it would be like.

DESCRIPTIVE TYPES OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDs)
	A TYPE I PFD, or OFFSHORE LIFE JACKET provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. The TYPE I comes in two sizes: Adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds, minimum.
	A TYPE II PFD, NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The turning action is not as pronounced nor as effective as a TYPE I. An adult size provides at least 15.5 pounds buoyancy, a medium child size provides 11 pounds. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy.
	A TYPE III PFD, or FLOTATION AID is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. It is designed so that wearers can put themselves in a face-up position in the water. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed for various water sports are examples. Some Type III PFDs are designed to be inflated upon entering the water.
	A TYPE IV PFD, or THROWABLE DEVICE is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.
	A TYPE V PFD, or SPECIAL USE DEVICE is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label. Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection. Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and Hybrid PFDs. A TYPE V HYBRID INFLATABLE PFD is the least bulky. It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber and must be worn when underway to be acceptable. This type is designed to automatically inflate upon entering the water.

Make sure your PFDs are in good condition before leaving the dock. Ultra violet sunlight, rough handling and improper storage make it necessary to ensure that your PFD is in serviceable condition. This is a USCG requirement. Check them for rips, tears, and holes and make sure seams, straps and hardware are okay. Make sure there is no sign of waterlogging, mildew odor, or shrinkage of the buoyant materials. Check and replace spent cartridges in inflatable PFDs.

Exposure to sunlight and moisture can deteriorate them rapidly. Let your PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. If your PFD has been in salt water, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Stow your PFDs in a well ventilated place.

To ensure the proper fit of a PFD have the wearer put on a PFD and adjust the straps as necessary to ensure a snug fit. Have the wearer raise his or her arms above their head. With his or her arms raised above their head, pull-up firmly on the upper straps of the PFD. A properly fitted PFD will not ride higher than the ears or mouth of the wearer. Note - This fitting procedure is not applicable to inflatable PFDs. For inflatable PFDs, the retaining strap should be adjusted loosely to allow for the inflation of the device.

Inflatable PFDs are now available in types III and V. However, the characteristics of inflatable PFDs are different than inherently buoyant PFDs. Inflatable PFDs are not inherently buoyant and will not float without inflation.

Although inflatable PFDs are considered one of the most comfortable PFDs to wear when it's hot, inflatable PFDs require regular maintenance and are not recommended for children or individuals who can't swim. Inflatable PFDs are not for use where water impact is expected such as when waterskiing, riding personal watercraft, or whitewater paddling.

An inflatable PFD requires regular maintenance - the owner's manual should be read and kept as reference.

Manufacturers include valuable information about each PFD on the product label. The label will give you information about what uses the jacket was intended for, along with information about the size of person it will fit, care instructions, and how to wear or 'don' the jacket. Keep in mind that using the jacket outside of its listed restrictions and intended use is illegal, and can result in receiving a ticket - or, more importantly, the loss of a loved one. The picture below shows what you would find on a typical life jacket.