Lifesaving Equipment - Sea Ray 185 Sport Owner's Manual

5. L E
IFESAVING QUIPMENT
Even strong swimmers can tire quickly in the water
and drown due to exhaustion, hypothermia, or both.
The buoyancy provided by a personal flotation
device (PFD) will allow the person who has fallen
overboard to remain afloat with far less effort and
heat loss, extending survival time necessary to find
and retrieve them.
Boat operators are required to carry one wearable
personal flotation device (Type I, II, III or V) for every
person on board. Boats must also have at least one
throwable device (Type IV).
The law requires that PFD's must be readily
accessible, if not worn. "Readily accessible" means
removed from storage bags and unbuckled. But,
children and nonswimmers must wear PFDs at all
times when aboard. It is common sense to have
everyone on board wearing PFDs. A throwable
device must also be right at hand and ready to
toss.
A. PFD C
LASSIFICATIONS
Off-Shore Life Jacket (Type I) –
(F . 1.4.1)
IG
most buoyant, it is designed to turn
an unconscious person face up;
used in all types of waters where
rescue may be slow, particularly in
cold or rough conditions.
Near-Shore Life Vest (Type II)–
(F . 1.4.2)
IG
"keyhole" vest with flotation-filled
head and neck support is also
designed to turn a person face
up, but the turning action is not as
pronounced; used in calm, inland
waters or where quick rescue is
likely.
(F . 1.4.3)
Flotation Aid (Type III) – vest is
IG
designed so conscious wearers
can turn face up; often designed for
comfort while engaged in sports
such as skiing.
1.4
S 1 • S
ECTION
(F
(F
Before purchasing PFDs, ensure that there is an
attached tag indicating they are approved by the
U.S. Coast Guard or by your national boating law
enforcement agency.
Children and nonswimmers must wear PFDs at
all times when aboard. All passengers and crew
should wear them. A loose PFD is often useless in
an emergency.
The operator is responsible for instructing everyone
aboard on the location and use of PFDs.
Size PFDs for the wearer. Children require special
attention in the use of PFDs.
Test PFD buoyancy at least once a year.
AFETY
Throwable Devices (Type IV)–
. 1.4.4)
IG
horseshoe buoys, ring buoys and
buoyant cushions are designed to
be grasped, not worn.
Special-Use Devices (Type V)–
. 1.4.5)
IG
sailboat harnesses, white-water
vests, float coats, and hybrid vests
which have minimum inherent
buoyancy and an inflatable
chamber.
185 Sport