Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

A father makes sure his daughter's PFD is on securely before going out on their personal watercraft. Note: The father is also wearing a PFD.

Type I – Offshore Life Jacket	Type II – Near Shore Life Vest	Type III – Flotation Aid
The PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It has 22 pounds of buoyancy and usually will turn an unconscious person face-up. This is the best type of PFD to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming.	This "classic" PFD is for calm inland water where there is usually a chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive than Type I, and may turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.	These PFDs are generally considered most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. They are for use in calm water where there is a good chance of fast rescue. They are not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up.

Type IV PFDs	Type V PFD	Inflatable PFD
There are also Type IV, throwable PFDs. These are usually cushions, rings or horseshoe buoys. Type IV PFDs work best in calm water where help is nearby. Since they can be thrown to a person in the water they are a good back-up to wearable PFDs. Boats 16 feet and greater must carry a Type IV throwable PFD that must be immediately accessible.	Type V lifejackets are designed for specific activities like sail boarding or rafting. Rafting vests, deck suits and work vests are the most common Type V lifejackets.	Lightweight inflatable devices that can be used for approved activities. They are less bulky than standard PFDs and provide a high flotation when inflated. Inflatable PFDs are not to be used by persons under 16 years of age, in whitewater, or on a PWC. See the PFD's label for use restrictions. The user must make sure the inflation chamber is maintained so the device has the required buoyancy. Always follow the maintenance recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are a required part of your personal watercraft's equipment. All operators and riders must wear a PFD at all times. There are various Coast Guard approved inflatable PFDs which must be used in accordance with the directions on the PFD label. Inflatable PFDs are not appropriate for use on PWCs!

Boat operators, including those on PWCs, must be alert to changing boating conditions and inform all persons on board they should be wearing PFDs in dangerous conditions such as high boat traffic, severe weather, dangerous water conditions, dangerous local hazards, a distance from shore, night time operation (where permitted and with proper navigational lights) or in the case of boating alone. It is far better to have a PFD on when a person falls in the water than it is trying to retrieve a PFD and get it on while in the water. PFDs are designed to be buoyant and can be extremely difficult to get on and secure in the water.

Read the label to make sure it is for a person your size and weight. Only use a PFD for its intended use and within the label restrictions presented. A PFD that is too small or too large or does not fit properly will not work correctly and could lead to injury or death.

Lightweight inflatable PFDs can be used for approved activities. They are less bulky than standard PFDs and provide a high flotation when inflated. Inflatable PFDs are not to be used by persons under 16 years of age, in whitewater, or on a PWC. See the PFD's label for use restrictions. The user must make sure the inflation chamber is maintained so the device has the required buoyancy. Always follow the maintenance recommendations provided by the manufacturer.

All boats must be equipped with U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or PFDs. Each PFD must be in good condition, the proper size for the intended wearer, and be readily accessible so the operator and passengers can put on and secure the PFD in a reasonable amount of time in the event of an emergency (boat sinking, on fire, etc.). PFDs should not be stowed in hard to get to areas or have other boating equipment placed on top of them.

Boat operators should ask everyone on their boat to wear a PFD whenever on the water.

Try on your PFD to see if it fits comfortably snug, then test it in shallow water to see how it handles. Relax your body and let your head tilt back. Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and you can breath easily. If your mouth is not above water, get a new PFD - one with more buoyancy. Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. PFD can provide that extra lift until help comes. A person's weight isn't the only factor in how much "extra lift" a person needs. A person's body fat, lung size and the water conditions are also important. A PFD may not act the same in swift or rough water as in calm water. The clothes a person wears and items in their pockets may affect how a PFD works.

Some manufacturers of life jackets are producing special models designed for specific activities like waterskiing or PWC use. They are available in Types II, III, and V. Check your PFD label to make sure it is suitable for your boating activity.

Falling off a PWC at 50 mph or more can be very painful when you hit the water. In addition to PFDs, PWC manufacturers recommend the use of protective clothing, like a wet suit or wet suit bottom to prevent possible severe internal injuries as a result of water being forced into body cavities.

Federal law requires that one Coast Guard approved Type I, Type II, or Type III PFD in good, wearable condition is onboard a personal watercraft for each passenger. Check the label to ensure compliance with this regulation. Make sure your PFD is in serviceable condition and readily accessible. Most states require that PFDs are worn while operating a personal watercraft.

Check fabric for signs of wear and tear and that all straps, buckles or zippers are in good order and functioning properly. A PFD that is not in good working condition is not going to be effective in keeping a person afloat. If a PFD is showing signs or wear and tear, it's time to get a new one.

Although the Coast Guard does not require that the PFD actually be worn, most states have rules requiring it. The USPS and PWCSafetySchool.com strongly urge you to wear a PFD while you're on the water.

PFD Guidelines

• Don't alter a PFD if it doesn't fit. Get one that does fit. An altered PFD may not work properly.



• Don't put heavy objects on a PFD or use it as a kneeling pad or fender. PFDs lose buoyancy when crushed.



• Let the PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. Always stow in a well- ventilated place.



• Don't leave the PFD onboard for extended periods when the boat is not in use.



• Never dry the PFD on a radiator or any other direct heat source.



• Put the name of the person on the PFD if they are the only user.



• Practice throwing a Type IV PFD. Cushions throw best underhanded.