Required Safety Equipment; Personal Flotation Devices (Pfds); Pfd Types - Scarab jet boat Owenrs Manual

nently secured to your ring buoy, etc. could at some
time save your passengers lives, or save your boat
from damage.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a "Courtesy Ex-
equipped with all of the necessary safety equip ment.
A. Required Safety Equipment
One of the most important pieces of required safety
(PFD). Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) must
NOTICE
As the owner/operator of the boat, you are
responsible for assuring that all required safety
equipment is aboard and meets the boating
regulations as prescribed by both federal and
local authorities in your area.
B. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Federal regulations require that you have at least
(PFD) for each person in a recreational boat. You
should not use your boat unless all PFDs are in ser-
viceable condition, readily accessible, legibly marked
with the Coast Guard approval number, of an ap-
propriate size (within the weight range and chest size
marked on the PFD) for each person aboard.
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head
above the water and to help you remain in a satisfac-
tory position while in the water. Body weight and age
should be considered when selecting a PFD. The
buoyancy provided by the PFD should support your
weight in water.
The size of the PFD must be appropriate for the
wearer. Body weight or chest size are common
methods used to size PFDs. It is your responsibility
to ensure that you have the proper number and types
Boating Safety & Information - Section A
of PFDs on board and that your passengers know
where and how to use them.
C. PFD Types
Five types of PFDs have been approved by the US
PFD Type 1, Wearable (Figure A1) has the greatest
required buoyancy. Its design allows for turning most
unconscious persons in the water from face down
position to a vertical or slightly backward, face-up
position. It can greatly increase the chances of sur-
vival. Type 1 is most effective for all waters, especially
offshore when rescue may be delayed. It is also the
most effective in rough waters.
Figure A1: Type I, Wearable
PFD Type II, Wearable (Figure A2) turns its wearer
in the same way as Type I, but not as effectively.
The Type II does not turn as many persons under the
same conditions as a Type I. You may prefer to use
this PFD where there is a probability of quick rescue
such as in areas where other people are commonly
involved in water activities.
Figure A2: Type II, Wearable
PFD Type III, Wearable (Figure A3) allows the wearer
to place themselves in a vertical or slightly backward
position. It does not turn the wearer. It maintains the
wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position and
has no tendency to turn the wearer face down. It has
the same buoyancy as a Type II PFD and may be
appropriate in areas where other people are commonly
involved in water activities.
Owner's Manual Page 16