6
Chapter 2
MAINTAINING YOUR PFD’S
A PFD is only useful if it is well maintained. Always be
awa
re of PDF age since it has a life expectancy like any
other piece of equipment.
√ Check periodically for broken zippers, frayed webbing,
water soaked kapok bags, missing straps, and sewing that
has become undone.
√ Clean each PFD with mild soap and water only. Again,
let dry su ciently before storing.
√ Keep PFD’s out of grease and oil since they can
deteriorate the jacket inner and outer materials.
√ Check any kapok-bagged jackets by squeezing. If you
hear air escaping the bag is defective and the PFD should
be thrown away.
√ Grab the cover with the ngers. If the cover material
rips, the PFD is rotted and should be thrown away.
√ If the kapok bag is hard the PFD should be discarded.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fire extinguishers are classi ed by a letter and numeric
symbol. e letter references the type of re the unit is
designed to extinguish.
For example, type B extinguishers commonly used on
boats are designed to put out ammable liquids such as
grease, oil and gasoline.
e number indicates the general size of the extinguisher
(minimum extinguishing agent weight).
Coast Guard Approved extinguishers are identi ed by
the following marking on the label:
“Marine Type USCG Approved, Size..., Type...,
162.028/.../”, etc.
MINIMUM PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
REQUIRED
VESSEL NO FIXED WITH FIXED
LENGTH SYSTEM SYSTEM
LESS THAN 26’ 1 B-1 0
26’ TO LESS THAN 40’ 2 B-1 OR 1 B-II 1 B-1
40’ TO 65’ 3 B-1 OR 1 B-1 & 1 B-II 2 B-1
OR 1 B-2
FIRE EXTINGUISHER CONTENTS
CLASS FOAM C02 DRY CHEM HALON
IN GALS. IN LBS. IN LBS. IN LBS.
B-I 1.25 4 2 2.5
B-II 2.5 15 10 10
PFD’S FOR PETS
If you are a skipper who needs to have his pet dog or
cat on board or dockside then a PFD is recommended.
e PFD will aid you in nding the pet if it should fall
overboard. e device must t the pet properly. Also, it
may take a bit of training before the pet is comfortable
wearing the PFD. Normally, dogs are easier to train
wearing a life vest than a cat.
Marine type retail stores will t a pet to a PFD by body
weight.
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