91
92
93
94
95
96
97
dew; or loss of buoyant material
or buoyant material that is not
securely held in position.
3. In addition to meeting the requirements
of paragraph (1) of this section,
an inflatable PFD, including the inflatable
components of a hybrid inflatable
PFD, must be equipped with:
• Except as provided in paragraph
(4) of this section, a properly
armed inflation mechanism, complete
with a full inflation medium
cartridge and all status indicators
showing that the inflation mechanism
is properly armed;
• Inflatable chambers that are all
capable of holding air;
• Oral inflation tubes that are not
blocked, detached, or broken;
• A manual inflation lanyard or
lever that is accessible and not
broken; and
• Inflator status indicators that
are not broken or otherwise
non-functional.
4. The inflation system of an inflatable
PFD need not be armed when the
PFD is worn inflated and otherwise
meets the requirements of paragraphs
(1) and (3) of this section
CHILDREN & LIFE JACKETS
Teach Your Children Well
Teach your children to properly wear a life
jacket / PFD.
Children panic when they fall into the
water suddenly. This causes them to move
their arms and legs violently, making it hard
to float safely in a PFD. A PFD will keep a
child afloat, but may not keep a struggling
child face-up. That’s why it’s so important
to teach children how to put on a PFD and
to help them get used to wearing one in the
water.
To work correctly, a PFD must fit
snugly on a child. To check for a good fit,
pick the child up by the shoulders of the
Section 2: Required Safety Equipment 25
Table 2-2. CHOOSE YOUR PFD FOR
YOUR INTENDED WATER SPORT
If you cruise with friends: choose a manual
or auto-manual inflatable life jackets
for adults only. (not approved for children
under 16, non-swimmers, PWCs, white
water paddling or towed sports.) Comfortable,
compact size and high performance.
Flotation aid life jacket appropriate for
most adults.
If you boat near-shore with family:
choose a flotation aid life jacket appropriate
for all ages. Designed for general
boating on calm, inland water, not for
rough water. Must fit properly for size
and weight. Comfortable, many styles
and sizes available for different activities.
Inflatable life jackets also a good choice
for adults.
If you fish near-shore: choose a manual or
auto-manual inflatable PFD for adults only. A
PFD features pockets and straps for supplies
and tackle. Consider dual purpose
float coat for cold weather and water.
If you paddle: choose a manual or
auto-manual inflatable PFD for adults only.
PFDs are designed with large arm openings
for ease of movement while paddling.
Auto inflatable would not be used in wet
sporting events.
If you ride on a PWC or participate in
towed water sports: choose a PFD for
activities that involve frequent water
entry. Rugged with multiple buckles
designed for higher impact on water.
Inflatable PFDs are not permitted.
Most states require PWC riders and
“skiers” to wear their PFD.
If you are a boater that hunts on the water,
choose a manual or auto-inflating PFD with
camo, large enough to fit over heavy clothing.
Consider dual-purpose float coat for
cold weather and water.
A throwable device is not intended
to be worn. It is designed to be
thrown to assist persons in water.
Courtesy National Safe Boating Council
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
(86 is on
the next
page)