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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.
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.
TYPE II PDF
BUOYANT VEST
minimum poundages as the type I PFD's.
Type III offer the same buoyancy minimum poundages
as the Type II. They are generally the most comfortable
for continuous wear. Float coats, fi shing vests, and vests
featuring designs for various sport activities are examples
of Type III.
TYPE I- Also known as an off-
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
T Y P E I I - A l s o k n ow n a s
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
TYPE III- Known as a fl 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. The
wearer may have to tilt their head
back to avoid face-down positions.
Safety On Board
cushions, and horseshoe buoys.
provide signifi 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.
5
TYPE IV- Intended for calm,
inland water with heavy vessel
traffi 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
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 inflatable
chamber. It is rated even to
a Type I, II, or III PFD (as
noted on the jacket label) when
infl ated. Some Type V devices
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