PFD Information (Life Jackets)

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Personal Flotation Devices - the true LifeSavers


Select the Right PFD for You!

PFDs come in a variety of colors, materials and shapes. Some are designed to be more durable than others. Some are made to protect you from cold water. But no matter which one you pick, be sure to choose the PFD that is best for you and the water conditions you expect to encounter. REMEMBER - spending a little time upfront may save you a lifetime later. ALWAYS look for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval number on any purchased PFD.

Do you know the correct number of PFDs you need?

The United States Coast Guard States (in USCG Regulation Title 33, Chapter1, Part 175, SubPart B) that you must have approved USCG PFDs on your recreational watercraft. The required number depends on the boat size and type, the type of performed boating and the number of people involved in your boating party.

For EACH person aboard your vessel, you must have any one of the wearable PFDs present:
  • Type I   - Off-Shore Life Jacket
  • Type II  - Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
  • Type III  - Flotation Aid
  • Type V   - Special Use Device
In addition, when your watercraft is 16 feet or longer (and is not a canoe or a kayak), you must must have at least one:
  • Type IV  - Throwable Device

For example, there are 20 people on your 32-foot boat. You are required to have at least 21 PFDs - 20 wearable PFDs (that fit each person) and 1 throwable PFD.



Type I PFD - Off-Shore Life Jacket

Best Usage:
  • Open, remote or rough water
    (where rescue may be slow coming)
Advantages:
  • Floats you the best.
  • Highly visible color.
  • Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in the water.
 Disadvantages: 
  • Bulky.
Sizes:
  • Adult
  • Children
Image courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Type II PFD - Near-Shore Buoyant Vest

Best Usage:
  • Calm and Inland water
    (where rescue may be fast coming)
Advantages:
  • Less bulky (than PFD Type I).
  • Turns some unconscious wearers face-up in the water.
 Disadvantages: 
  • Not for long hours in rough water.
  • Will not turns some unconscious wearers face-up in the water.
Sizes:
  • Adult
  • Children - Small & Medium
  • Infant
Image courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Type III PFD - Flotation Aid

Best Usage:
  • Calm and Inland water
    (where rescue may be fast coming)
Advantages:
  • Available in many styles, including flotation coats and vests.
  • Designed for General Boating or the activity that is marked on the device.
  • Generally the most comfortable PFD for continuous wear.
 Disadvantages: 
  • In rough water, the wearer's face may often be covered by waves.
  • Not intended for extended survival in rough water.
  • Wearer may have to tilt his head back to avoid going face-down in the water..
Sizes:
  • Adult
  • Children - Small & Medium
  • Infant
Image courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Type IV PFD - Throwable Device

Best Usage:
  • Calm, Inland water with heavy boat traffic
    (where rescue is always nearby)
Advantages:
  • Can be thrown to someone.
  • Good alternative in addition to wearable PFD.
  • Some can be used as a seat cushion.
 Disadvantages: 
  • Not for many hours in rough water.
  • Not for non-swimmers and most children.
  • Not for unconscious persons.
Kinds:
  • Cushions
  • Horseshoe buoys
  • Rings
Image courtesy of United States Coast Guard

Type V PFD - Special Use Device

Best Usage:
  • Varieties have special uses or conditions including -
  • Boardsailing Vests
  • Deck Suits
  • Hybrid PFDs
  • Work Vests
Advantages:
  • Made for specific activities.
  • Wearable PFD.
 Disadvantages: 
  • Refer to manufacturer's label.
Sizes:
  • Adult
  • Children


Type V PFD - Hybrid Inflatable Device

Best Usage:
  • Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD.
Advantages:
  • Good for continuous wear.
  • High flotation (when inflated).
  • Least bulky of all PFD types.
 Disadvantages: 
  • May not adequately float for some wearers (unless partially inflated).
  • Requires active use & care of inflation chamber.
Sizes:
  • Adult
  • Children
Performance Level:
  • Equal to either Type I, II or III performance (as noted on the label).
Image courtesy of United States Coast Guard



Wearing your PFD - Be Safe at all Times

Beat the Odds - Choose and Wear the proper PFD.

Most drownings do NOT occur way out at sea. The sad fact is 9 out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters. Most of the victims owned (or had access to) PFDs, but died without them. A wearable PFD can only save your life when it is worn.

If you do not wear your PFD because it is not stylish or uncomfortable, then there is good news. Today's PFDs look better, fit better and are more maneuverable. A brightly colored PFD is easier to see and significantly increase your likelihood of rescue.

One more thing - Before leaving the dock, be sure to confirm that everyone aboard are wearing their PFDs. To maximize protection, PFDs must be worn with all straps, ties and zippers fastened. To avoid getting hung-up, tuck in all loose strap ends.

When you do not wear your PFD, the odds are against you. You are taking a chance on your life.

Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard



Trying on and Testing out your PFD

After purchasing a new PFD and at the beginning of a new boating season, try out your PFD. Make sure that it fits snugly and comfortably. Test it in shallow water to ensure that it performs correctly.

In order to check the PFD's buoyance, relax your body and tilt your head back. Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and that you can easily breathe.

Be aware: your PFD may not act in the same manner in rough or swift water as in calm water. The clothing you wear (and any items in the pockets) may affect the PFD's performance. If your mouth is not well above the water, get another PFD with more buoyance. A PFD is not designed to "ride-up" on your body (when in the water). This may occur when the wearer's stomach is larger than their chest. Test the PFD in advance to determine that excessive ride-ups does not impair your PFD usage.
Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard



Staying on Top of the Water

Most adults only require an additional 7 - 12 pounds of buoyance to keep their heads above water. A PFD is designed to give that "extra lift", and keep you floating until help arrives. Remember that PFD is a personal flotation device; therefore, it is extremely important to obtain the correct one for you.

Weight is not the solitary factor in determining much "extra" buoyance you need. Body fat, clothing, lung size and water conditions are other factors to consider. Usually speaking, the more physically fit you are, the more "lift" you need.

Inspect the PFD label to ensure that it is appropriate for build of your physical build, especially your weight and size. Test the PFD in advance. When an emergency situation arises, do not panic. Relax, put your head back and allow your PFD to work for you.

Higher Buoyancy Means Greater Lift
Type of PFD Minimum Adult Buoyance
(Pounds)
Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard

  • I
  • II
  • III
  • IV Ring Buoy
  • IV Cushion
  • V Special Use
  • V Hybrid
  • 22.0
  • 15.5
  • 15.5
  • 16.5
  • 18.0
  • 15.5 to 22.0
  • 7.5 (deflated)
    22.0 (fully inflated)



Taking Care of your PFD

To be sure that your PFD remains in good condition, follow these safety tips:

  1. Do not alter your PFD. If it doesn't fit, then replace it with one that does fit.
    Be safe - An altered PFD may not save your life.
  2. Put your name on the PFD (especially when you are the only wearer).
  3. Never dry your PFD on a heater, radiator or any other direct heat source.
  4. Let your PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. Always stow it in a well-ventilated place.
  5. Do not place heavy objects on your PFD; Do not use it as a boat fender; Do not use it as a kneeling pad. When crushed, PFDs lose their buoyancy.
  6. Do not leave your PFD aboard your vessel for long periods of inactive use.
  7. Practice throwing a Type IV PFD. Best results are from an underhand tossing motion.
Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard



Checking out your PFD

On a regular (and often basis) be sure to check your PFD for holes, rips, tears and confirm that the fabric straps, hardware and seams are okay. Verify that the PFD belts and ties tapes are secure by a quick, hard pull on each one. Your PFD must be free of mildew odor, waterlogging or shrinkage of the buoyant materials.

When your PFD uses bags of KAPOK (a naturally, buoyant material), check for air leaks by gentlely squeezing each bag. If KAPOK gets wet, it usually becomes stiff and waterlogged, thus losing its buoyancy.

Fading can indicate a loss of material strength. A weathered PFD is more susceptible to damage and tearing, which typically results in loss of flotation material. For best protection, store PFDs in cool, dark and dry places.

At the beginning of a new boating season, be sure to test each PFD. The law reminds you that each one must be in a good, usuable condition before it can be placed on your watercraft. Worn out PFDs should be properly disposed of; when in doubt, ask for assistance.

Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard



Teaching Your Children to Wear a PFD

Most children panic when they suddenly fall into the water. They tend to flail their arms and legs violently about, making it more difficult for them to float while wearing a PFD. A PFD will keep the child afloat - it may not keep the struggling child face-up. That is why children should be taught on how to put on and wear a PFD.

To work properly, a PFD must snugly fit on the child. To ensure that it does, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. When correctly attired, the child's chin and ears will not slip through (as shown in the drawing below).

PFDs are NEVER babysitters. Adult supervision is required to ensure complete safety of children in the water. Inflatable rafts and toys are not acceptable replacements of a PFD.

While some children (in the 30 - 50 pound weight range) who can swim may prefer the freedom of movement afforded by a Type III PFD, a Type II PFD for children who can not swim is a more suitable choice.

Drawing courtesy of United States Coast Guard


      


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E-mail: Contact the webmaster with your questions, comments or suggestions.

PFD Information (Life Jackets)