Axis Wake Research A20 - Personal Flotation Devices

disconnected/pulled from the switch. You should not be able to restart the engine unl the
lanyard is back in place.
Federal law requires that you have at least one wearable Personal Flotaon Device (PFD)
of the proper size (Type I, II, III or V), for each person on board or being towed, and at least
one throwable PFD (Type IV) in the boat. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in good and
serviceable condion and the appropriate size for the user. To meet requirements, each
lifesaving device must have a current, legible USCG approval stamp permanently axed.
At the beginning of each season, inspect life jackets (PFDs) for damage and test for proper
otaon. Refer to the lifejacket (PFD) manufacturer’s informaon.
REMEMBER- The best PFD is the one that is worn – that is, the one that can save your
life. PFDs are intended to save lives; it is highly recommended that you and your passengers
wear them while in the boat. Learn how to use them and adjust as necessary for comfort. It
is especially important that children and non-swimmers wear a life jacket (PFD) at all mes.
Make certain all passengers know where life jackets are located, how to put on and properly
adjust their life jackets (PFDs), and that life jackets are readily accessible at all mes.
Your dealer can help you select appropriate life jackets (PFDs) and throwable
lifesaving devices for your area. Some PFDs are specially made for use while waterskiing
or wakeboarding and are not U.S.C.G.-approved. Please check local law with respect to
their use. Some states require children to wear a PFD at all mes. There are four types of
wearable PFDs (Type I, II, III or V) and one throwable type of PFD (Type IV) used for throwing
in emergency situaons. Examples of these USCG approved PFDS are shown below:
Type I PFD – Oshore Lifejacket: This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough,
open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up and has over 22 pounds of
buoyancy. This is the best PFD to keep you aoat in remote regions where rescue may be
slow in coming.
Type II PFD – Near Shore Buoyant Vest: This “classic” PFD comes in several sizes for adults
and children and is for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky
and less expensive than a Type I, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the
water.
Type III PFD - Flotaon Aid: These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable,
with styles for dierent boang acvies and sports. They are for use in calm water where
there is good chance of fast rescue since they will generally not turn an unconscious person
face-up. Flotaon aids come in many sizes and styles.
Type IV Throwable Device: These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water.
Throwable devices include boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. They are not
designed to be worn and must be supplemented by wearable PFD. It is important to keep
these devices immediately available for emergencies.
Type V PFD - Special Use Device: Special use PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and
hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inatable to
provide addional otaon. These PFDs may be used instead of a Type I, II, or III PFD with
non-towed parcipants if used in accordance with the approval condions on the label and
if worn when the boat is underway. Some Type V PFDs provide increased protecon against
hypothermia.
PERSONAL
FLOTATION
DEVICES
Type I PFD Type II PFD
Type III PFD Type IV PFD
Type V PFD Type IV PFD
A Type V PFD must be worn to be counted toward the minimum
carriage requirements.
Special lifejackets are available for skiing and other water
sports. These non-Coast Guard approved lifejackets do not
count as PFDs.
2016 Axis Wake Research Owner’s Manual . . . Page 1-9