Mustang Survival MD3003 - User Manual

Owner’s Manual
MD3003 Inflatable PFD
Manual Inflation Model
USCG Approved Type V,
Approved Only When Worn,
Special Use Device
MD3031 Inflatable PFD
Manual with Automatic Backup Inflation Model
USCG Approved Type V,
Approved Only When Worn,
Special Use Device
www.mustangsurvival.com
3870 Mustang Way TOLL FREE 1.800.526.0532
Bellingham, WA EMAIL mustangusa@mustangsurvival.com
USA 98226
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the highest of all international standards. This is our guarantee you’re receiving the ultimate
in design and manufacturing.
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WE SAVE LIVES FOR A LIVING

Summary

Approval Conditions and Carriage Regulations

Mandatory Carriage Requirements

What Is an Inflatable PFD?

Instructions for Use

Check Your Inflatable PFD Before Using It

Verify the PFD has an unused CO2 cylinder and inspect inflator components, including the auto cap and indicator pin.

Sizing and Fit

Ensure the PFD fits correctly by adjusting all belts and straps for a secure and comfortable fit.

Donning Instructions

Learn the correct way to put on the PFD like a jacket and secure the waist belt for proper fit.

Inflating Your Inflatable PFD

Practice inflating the PFD using manual pull-tab, oral tube, or automatic immersion methods.

Re-arming Your PFD After Manual Inflation (MD3003)

Re-arm the MD3003 PFD after manual inflation by replacing the CO2 cylinder and ensuring the green indicator pin is installed.

Special Considerations for Automatic Devices (MD3031)

Be aware of risks like premature inflation, damage from double inflation, or inflation in awkward positions for the MD3031.

Re-arming Your PFD as Manual (MD3031)

Convert the MD3031 to manual-only inflation to prevent accidental automatic inflation in high moisture conditions.

Re-arming Your PFD as Manual with Automatic Backup (MD3031)

Re-arm the MD3031 for manual use with automatic backup, by installing a new bobbin and CO2 cylinder correctly.

Deflating the Inflatable PFD

Deflate the PFD by inserting the oral inflation tube dust cap into the valve and squeezing out air.

Repacking

Follow the folding sequence to repack the deflated PFD, ensuring it is compact and ready for storage or deployment.

Usage Below Freezing

Understand that cold temperatures may reduce CO2 cylinder effectiveness; use oral inflation to top up the PFD.

Is Your PFD in Good and Serviceable Condition?

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Each Use

Inspect CO2 cylinder, components for corrosion, and manual lever/indicator pin for proper installation.

Every Three (3) Months

Perform a leak test by inflating the PFD orally, letting it stand overnight, and checking if it holds pressure.

Annually

Test the oral inflation valve, inspect for damage, and replace the automatic inflator bobbin annually.

Why Are PFDs Required Safety Equipment?

How and Why to Test Your PFD

How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Manual Inflator?

Test manual inflation by actuating the pull-tab, floating in shallow water, and checking for proper buoyancy.

How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Automatic Inflator? (MD3031)

Test automatic inflation for MD3031 by immersing the inflator in water and checking for quick, automatic inflation.

How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Oral Inflator?

Test oral inflation by removing the CO2 cylinder and using your mouth to inflate the PFD for buoyancy testing.

Wear Your PFD

Hypothermia

Each of These Devices Is Intended to Help You Save Your Own Life

Additional Information

Do Not Attach PFDs to Your Boat

Airline Operator Policy on Carriage of Inflatable PFDs and CO2 Cartridges

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Mustang Survival Inflatable PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is a safety device designed to provide buoyancy and aid in survival in water. It is available in two models: the MD3003, which is a manual inflation model, and the MD3031, which features manual inflation with an automatic backup system. Both models are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as Type V PFDs, meaning they are approved only when worn and are considered special use devices. They are not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers, and users must be at least 16 years old.

Function Description:

Unlike traditional PFDs that are inherently buoyant, these inflatable PFDs rely entirely on inflation for buoyancy. In their uninflated state, they present as a comfortable, slim collar designed for maximum mobility and minimum bulk. Inflation is achieved using a 33-gram CO2 gas cylinder.

For the MD3003 model, inflation is activated manually by jerking a pull-tab or orally by mouth. The MD3031 model offers additional flexibility, inflating automatically upon water immersion, or manually via a pull-tab, or orally. When inflated, the PFD provides 33.7 lbs of buoyancy, designed to support wearers with a chest range of 30-52 inches and weighing over 80 pounds. The primary function is to keep the wearer's head above water, maintain a face-up position, and increase the chances of survival and rescue, particularly in cold water conditions where hypothermia is a significant risk.

Usage Features:

The PFD is designed for ease of use and comfort.

• Donning: It is worn like a jacket, with all belts and straps pre-threaded for simple adjustment. The waist belt should be fastened securely. It's crucial not to wear the PFD under clothing, as this can restrict inflation and potentially cause injury. Some models may include toggles for attachment to sailing jackets, allowing for integrated use.
• Inflation (MD3003 - Manual): To inflate manually, firmly jerk the pull-tab downwards. The PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
• Inflation (MD3031 - Manual with Automatic Backup): Manual inflation is the same as the MD3003. For automatic inflation, the device will inflate within seconds of the inflator being immersed in water, as a water-sensing bobbin disintegrates and triggers a spring-loaded plunger to puncture the CO2 cylinder.
• Oral Inflation: In non-emergency situations, or if CO2 inflation fails, the PFD can be inflated orally. This involves locating the oral inflation tube (under the wearer's left front panel), removing the dust cap, and blowing into the tube until the PFD is firm.
• Deflation: To deflate, reverse the oral-inflation tube dust cap and insert it into the valve, or depress the valve with a fingertip. The dust cap does not lock in the deflate position, so it must be held in place. Once deflated, gently squeeze the PFD to expel all air or gas, avoiding wringing or twisting.
• Hypothermia Protection: Wearing the PFD is vital for hypothermia protection, as it allows flotation without expending energy treading water and provides some insulation. In cold water, the H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) position is recommended, drawing legs up to a seated position to conserve body heat. Huddling with others in the water can also reduce heat loss.
• Pre-Use Check: Before each use, verify that the CO2 cylinder is unused and properly attached, the manual lever is in the up-and-ready position with the green indicator pin installed, and the oral-inflation dust cap is in its stowed position. For the MD3031, also check the auto cap for proper tightness and ensure the red spring indicator is not exposed.

Maintenance Features:

Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to ensure the PFD remains in good and serviceable condition.

• Post-Inflation Re-arming: After any inflation (manual or automatic), the PFD must be re-armed. This involves unscrewing and inspecting the CO2 cylinder (discarding if used or damaged), checking the manual lever and green indicator pin, and installing a new, unused CO2 cylinder. For the MD3031, the bobbin also needs to be removed, inspected, and replaced if used, damaged, or over four years old.
• Repacking: After deflation and re-arming, the PFD needs to be repacked according to specific folding instructions to ensure proper function and storage.
• Cleaning: To clean, remove the CO2 cylinder (and auto-cap/bobbin for MD3031). Hand wash or sponge the PFD in warm, soapy water, then rinse with clean water. Hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Ensure the inflator is thoroughly dry before re-installing components.
• Storage: Always store the PFD in a warm, dry place, out of direct sunlight. If wet, allow it to dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat sources like radiators.
• Periodic Checks:
  • Every Three Months: Perform a leak test by orally inflating the PFD until firm and letting it stand overnight. A leaking PFD will not hold its firmness and should be replaced or serviced by a Mustang dealer.
  • Annually: Check the oral inflation valve by fully inflating the PFD and holding the valve under water to check for bubbles. Visually examine the PFD for damage, excessive abrasion, wear, tear, or contamination, paying close attention to stitching. The automatic inflator bobbin (MD3031) must be replaced annually.
• Professional Servicing: If you are not confident in self-inspection and servicing, it is recommended to take your PFD to a Mustang dealer for professional servicing.
• Testing: It is recommended to test the PFD's inflation system (manual, automatic, and oral) in shallow water to familiarize yourself with its operation and verify its performance. For MD3003, two re-arming kits (MA7170) are recommended (one for testing, one spare). For MD3031, two automatic re-arming kits (MA7172) are recommended. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends testing the automatic inflation system in water at the start of each boating season.
• Conversion (MD3031): The MD3031 can be converted from automatic to manual-only inflation for use in conditions with heavy moisture or spray that might inadvertently trigger automatic inflation. This involves removing the auto cap and bobbin and installing a yellow manual cap.
• CO2 Cylinder Information: The carbon dioxide used to inflate PFDs will slowly permeate through the fabric cell over time, leading to a slight reduction in pressure after several hours. Oral inflation may be needed for topping up during prolonged immersion. Below freezing temperatures, a fully discharged cylinder may not adequately inflate the PFD, necessitating oral inflation. However, avoid oral inflation if the PFD is already CO2 inflated, as this could over-pressurize and damage the device.

The manual emphasizes that these devices are intended to help save lives, underscoring the importance of proper fit, good condition, and regular checks of the inflation mechanism status indicators. It also advises against altering the PFD, using it as a fender or kneeling pad, or attaching it to the boat.

Mustang Survival MD3003 Specifications