· Learn how it works by:
• Activating the CO
2
inflation system
• Re-arming the CO
2
inflation system
• Using the oral inflator tube
To check the manual inflation system (with CO
2
cylinder and green pin
removed); determine that the CO
2
cylinder piercing pin and arm moves
freely when moving the lever (attached to the pull-tab) several times
down and up (for MD3003 see Fig. 2 and for MD3031 see Fig. 6). Repeat
this several times to check the manual inflation system.
FIGURE 21
MODEL MD3003
The U.S.Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two re-arming kits
(MA7170). One kit is to be used immediately in testing the inflation
system (see HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL
INFLATOR?, p. 16) and the other to carry on board as a spare.
MODEL MD3031
The U.S.Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two automatic
re-arming kits (MA7172). One kit is to be used immediately in testing
the automatic inflation system (see HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING
THE AUTOMATIC INFLATOR?, p. 16) and the other to carry on board as a
spare.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends you test the automatic inflation
system in the water at the beginning of each boating season. By
doing this, you demonstrate that the automatic inflation system is still
working properly and reduce the likelihood of premature inflation and its
associated dangers.
Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD
(MD3031)
To clean your Inflatable PFD, remove the CO
2
cylinder, auto-cap and
bobbin. Keep the bobbin dry. Hand wash or sponge down the Inflatable
PFD in warm, soapy water. Rinse the PFD and inflator with clean water.
Hang the Inflatable PFD to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Ensure the
inflator is thoroughly dry before installing the bobbin. Be sure to replace
CO
2
cylinder, auto-cap and bobbin (see Re-arming your PFD (MD3031) as
Manual with Automatic Backup or Manual Only).
Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct
sunlight.
WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY
EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water,
help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for
survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds (3 to
5 kg) of flotation to keep their heads above water. The proper size PFD
will properly support the weight of the wearer.
Since this Inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides
flotation only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this
Inflatable PFD so you know what to do in an emergency.
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD
Inflate your Inflatable PFD and try it out in the water to:
· Make sure it floats you:
• Comfortably (when worn properly)
• Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/
densities affect performance)
· Make sure it works:
• A flow of bubbles should not appear (see CARE AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests p. 12). It should
inflate quick and easily.
14 Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual 15
To Next Page
Loading...
