Models recommended for boating activities where rescue is nearby and must be worn when underway. Type V – Hybrid Inflation and some special notes: Some models feature a combination of CO2 inflation and built-in foam and provide 15.5 to 22 lbs. Some manufacturers claim Type II performance. Not guaranteed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up. Must be worn to meet federal requirements. Restricted to the one use for which it is designed, ex. Simply having a Type V PFD on board will not meet the USCG carriage requirements.
![type 3 pfd type 3 pfd](https://www.imperialsupplies.com/ProductImageThumbs400/91/77/PI_Asset_1139177.jpg)
Must be worn when underway to meet minimum US Coast Guard requirements. Restricted to the special use for which each is designed, for example: sailboard harness, deck suit, paddling vest, commercial white water vest or float coats. Having one in a locker under the driver's seat isn't considered "immediately available." You must have one at arm's length to throw over the side in an emergency. NOTE - Type IV devices must be IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE for use. This degrades the foam and reduces the amount of floatation that is provided. Although these devices are often referred to as seat cushions, you should never use it as such. for boat cushion.Ī Type IV throwable device can be a square style, or a ring buoy or horseshoe buoy mounted on deck.Ī Type IV is not for unconscious persons, non-swimmers or children.
#TYPE 3 PFD MANUAL#
Type III – Inflatable recommended uses and features:įor boating inshore and near shore and for supervised activities such as sailing regattas, dinghy races, canoeing.Īdvantages: more comfortable than a Type III Inherently Buoyant jacket.ĭisadvantages: one manual inflation mechanism only.Ī Type IV is designed to be thrown to an overboard victim or to supplement the buoyancy of a person overboard. Inflatable Life Jacket Care Infographic.More comfortable to wear than a Type I or a Type II, but provides far less floatation than a Type I. Not designed to turn unconscious people face up in water. Not suitable for extended survival in rough water. Good for protected, inland water near shore, where chance of immediate rescue is good. Supervised activities, such as sailing regattas, dinghy races, water skiing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and during personal watercraft operation. Type III – Inherently buoyant recommended uses and features:
![type 3 pfd type 3 pfd](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iysAAOSwKMJh3JP0/s-l300.jpg)
Inflatable PFDs are not meant for children under the age of 16. There are many Type V (special use) inflatable jackets (covered later in this section) that provide Type II performance characteristics. Not guaranteed to turn unconscious wearer face-up.Īdvantages: very comfortable, more buoyant than Type II Inherently Buoyant jackets.ĭisadvantages: High price may be manual or automatic. Type II - Inflatable recommended uses and features:įor serious inland and near shore cruising. Provides far less flotation than a Type I. More comfortable but less buoyant than Type I. Poor performer in rough water, often requires you to tread water in order to keep your head above water. Will turn SOME unconscious wearers face-up in water. Good for protected, inland water near shore, where chances of immediate rescue is good. Inland day cruising, fishing and sailing.
![type 3 pfd type 3 pfd](https://used-kayaks.com/sites/default/files/products-images/2018-08/181729/181729-151580.jpg)
Type II – Inherently buoyant recommended uses and features: Does the best job of retaining body heat, as it has additional foam and fabric, and keeps your head higher above water.Ĭurrently, there aren't any Coast Guard approved Type I inflatable PFD's available to the general public. Offers the best protection, but is somewhat bulky and uncomfortable. Will turn MOST unconscious wearers face-up in water. for child size)īest for open, rough or remote water where rescue may be slow to arrive. When cruising, racing and fishing offshore, or when boating alone, or in stormy conditions.Ģ2 lbs. Type I – Inherently buoyant recommended uses and features: Boat Owners Association of The United Statesĭifferent Types of Life Jackets Different Life Jackets for Different Boating Activities Below is a brief description of each type of life jacket, their intended use and the buoyancy they provide.