5
Safety On Board
Refer to the USCG minimum equipment requirements
at the end of this chapter. It is meant to be a guide only.
Contact state and local agencies for additional equipment
requirements. Remember as the captain of your vessel
you are responsible for its safe operation.
T Y PE II - Al so k now n as
near-shore buoyant vest, it is
recommended for calm, inland
water where rescue time will
be minimal. It will turn some
unconscious people face-up in
the water but not as numerous
as Type I. They use the same
buoyancy minimum poundages as the type I PFD’s.
TYPE III- Known as a otation
aid it is good for calm, inland
water or where there is a chance
for quick rescue. It is designed so
wearers can place themselves in
a face-up position in the water.
e wearer may have to tilt their
head back to avoid face-down
positions. Type III o er the same buoyancy minimum
poundages as the Type II. ey are generally the most
comfortable for continuous wear. Float coats, shing
vests, and vests featuring designs for various sport
activities are examples of Type III.
TYPE IV- Intended for calm,
inland water with heavy vessel
tra c, where help is constantly
present. It is designed to be
thrown into the water for
someone to grab on to and held
until rescued. It is not designed
to be worn. Type IV includes ring
buoys, buoyant cushions, and horseshoe buoys.
TYPE V- Also known as a
special use device this is the
least bulky of all PFD’s. It
contains a small amount of
inherent buoyancy, and an
in atable chamber. It is rated
even to a Type I, II, or III PFD
(as noted on the jacket label)
when in ated. Some Type V
devices provide signi ciant hypothermia protection.
Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing
vests and Hybrid PFD’s. Remember that this Type V type
PFD may be carried instead of another PFD only if used
according to the approval condition on the label.
Note: A water skier or wakeboarder is considered on
board the vessel and a PFD is required for the purposes
of compliance with the PFD carriage requirements. It is
advisable and recommended for a skier or wakeboarder
to wear a PFD designed to withstand the impact of hitting
the water at a high speed. “Impact Class” marking on the
label refers to PDF strength, not personal protection.
Some state laws require a skier or wakeboarder to wear
a PFD.
TYPE I- Also known as an o -
shore jacket, it provides the most
buoyancy. It is a PFD for all
waters and is especially useful
in rough waters where rescue
may encompass additional
time. It is designed to turn most
unconscious users in the water to
a true face-up position. Type I PFD is available in adult
& child sizes Buoyancy minimum poundages are 15.5
adult, 11 medium child, and 7 for small child and infants.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
