PFD Specifications ??

[Dynamite]

Do all types meet meet Coast Guard requirements for the ocean?

I am thinking of investing in inflatables with the idea they are more comfortable and the crew will wear them.

[id. painter]

. id. p.

[corrirod]

Dynamite, the inflatables only count as qualified PFD's if they are "worn". Meaning it doesn't count as a PFD if it is just stored on the boat.

Having inflatables is a good way to get your crew to wear them though. It's good to hear that your concerned for the safety of your crew. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Dynamite]

Corrirod,
So is that what a class V is?

[corrirod]

Inflatables are made in all the categories of Type I, II, III, and V. You need to decide which type fits your needs.

Life preservers are divided into three classes:

Inherently buoyant
Inflatable
Hybrid Inflatable

Meaning, inherently buoyant devices have built in flotation materials. Inflatables are exactly that, inflatable. And hybrids are both inherently buoyant and inflatable.

The different "types" represents the preservers Coast Guard approval for different situations.

Type I's are considered good for offshore.
Type II's are for near-shore vests
Type III's are flotation aids(water ski vests, kayak/rafting vests)
Type IV's are throwable devices
Type V's are special use(mustang suits, etc.)

Hope that helps.

[ 02-11-2004, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: corrirod ]

[Dynamite]

When does near shore become off shore?

[corrirod]

It's a Coast Guard rating that involves buoyancy testing. I'm not sure what criteria they use but I know that typically the offshore PFD's provide more pounds of buoyancy which is required to give you more support in rough waters.

Inherently buoyant Type I's have a minumum of 22 lbs. of buoyancy vs. Type II's that have 15.5 lbs.

Inflatable type I's have a min. of 34 lbs. as due the Type II inflatables, however, by design, the Type I will provide more support and be able to turn most unconcious victims face-up.

It is thru testing that they decide if a jacket provides enough support to be classified as a Type I or Type II.

Perhaps Coast Guard Ken will see this thread and be able to help us out? Ken? You out there?

[Salty Walty]

Dynamite, I bought some of the inflatables and really like them. They are very comfortable. They do require routine inspection of the arming device and it is also recommended that you manually inflate them periodically to check for punctures. They make them with manual and automatic deployment. They also sell rearming kits with the gas tubes if you have to use them. As Rod said the Type I is for offshore and is supposed to turn an unconscious person to a face up position. A Type II is for "inshore and inland cruising on calm waters where the chances of fast rescue are high". The inflatables run $125-$175 each. I have heard good and bad about them. Some don't trust them yet. I like mine and am of the opinion that if they are more comfortable people are more likely to wear them and that is good. Some stores will give a 10% discount on PFDs if you have passed the Coast Guard Aux. Basic Seamanship Class. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[Miss B Haven]

Originally posted by Dynamite:
When does near shore become off shore?

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">When it's farther than you can swim. Sort of a joke, sort of not.
Offshore is actually a SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) designation I believe. I don't think the CG recognizes anything but the "type I, type II etc, the "Offshore" is a marketing thing in PFDs fer as I know). Races use the Offshore/Inshore designation to specify rules/safety equipment required etc.

On a more practical note, off the coast of Oregon the water temp is such that you should consider yourelf offshore all the time. It's really a matter of how long you can survive vs how long a rescue would take. The farther you are from shore the longer you need to be able to survive. The colder the water, the faster they need to come or the more gear you need to survive.


PS- Inflatables are all Class V and as stated they must be worn to count in your boat inventory.

[ 02-12-2004, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]