The best PFD is the one you wear!
Mustang Survival is continually improving the design and performance of Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) to encourage full-time use of PFD's. The result is a wide choice of PFD's to suit activities, water conditions and lifestyle.
This Buyer's Guide provides information on flotation, PFD types, and tips for choosing a PFD, or lifejacket as they're commonly called.
Safety Requirements
The US Coast Guard's Federal Requirements state, "All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II, II, or Type V) for each person aboard... [and that] any boat 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable Type IV PFD."
PFD's should be Coast Guard approved and in good condition. They must also be the proper size for the intended user. State laws vary on PFD use, but units must be readily accessible in case of an emergency. In some states children must wear PFD's in certain sized boats or for specific boating activities. Furthermore, adults accompanying children should also wear PFD's at all times to immediately assist a child in an emergency situation. Federal, State, and local park authorities may also have regulations regarding PFD's in their waters.
The new Deluxe Inflatable PFD with Hydrostatic Inflator is U.S.C.G. approved for Uninspected Commercial Vessels (UCV) less than 40 feet long, when worn in lieu of Type II and III PFD's under 46 CFR 160.064 and are approved under 160.076.
Categories of PFD Flotation
PFD flotation can be divided into two main categories. Inherently Buoyant PFD's and Inflatable PFD's.
Inherently Buoyant PFD's
These device's buoyancy is a result of the materials used, often foam panels. These PFD's come in all sizes and are for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Inherently buoyant PFD's were the mainstay for years for water sports and recreational boating. Improvements in design and features have made these PFD's more comfortable to wear.
Inflatable PFD's
Inflatable PFD's can be seen as the new generation of lifejackets. It must be worn to qualify as a PFD. These devices come in automatic or manual inflating models. Manual models are inflated by pulling a tab. They can also be blown up with an included tube if for some reason the tab doesn't operate properly. Automatic models are inflated via a C02 cartridge. Inflation is generally triggered by a dissolving bobbin when it is immersed in water. They also can be activated manually by pulling the tab. Inflatables are less bulky than inherently buoyant PFD's because they are only inflated when an individual is in the water. A version with integrated sailing harness is also available.
Five Type's of PFD's
Type I
PFD's, or offshore lifejackets, are the most buoyant PFD's and suitable for all water conditions, including rough or isolated water where rescue may be delayed. Although bulky in comparison to Type II and III PFD's, offshore jackets will turn most unconscious individuals to the face-up position. They range in sizes from adult to child.
Type II
PFD's, or near-shore buoyancy vests, are for calm and open water where a rescue will occur quickly. They are not designed for long periods in rough water. These vests will turn some, but not all, unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Some inflatable Type II models will turn wearers to the face-up position as well as a Type I PFD. This vest is less bulky than a Type I and often the least expensive of the PFD types. Type II PFD's are available in a variety of sizes.
Type III
PFD's, or flotation aids, are for calm and open water where a rescue will likely occur quickly. These PFD's are designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position. It is the wearer's responsibility to maneuver themselves into a face-up position, usually accomplished by tilting their head back. Type III inflatable models will keep unconscious wearers face-up as well as a Type II inherently buoyant vest. This PFD is not recommended for rough water conditions. These PFD's are the most comfortable to wear and popular for recreation boating and fishing. Type III PFD's come in various sizes from adult to child.
Bomber Jacket and Coverall with buoyant foam provide hypothermia protection and classify as Type III PFD's. They are ideal for recreational sailing and (ice) fishing on lakes or near shore.
Type IV
PFD's, or throwable devices, are for calm conditions where rescue will happen quickly. Not designed to be worn, these PFD's are tossed to a conscious person who can hold onto it for flotation until rescued. A square buoyant cushion, a life ring, or a horseshoe buoy, are some Type IV examples.
Type V
PFD's are also referred to as special use devices. These devices are to be worn for specific activities as described on the unit's label. To be effective Type V PFD's must be used in accordance with the label's specifications. Many must be worn at all times in order to qualify as a PFD. A Type V's label will also list its performance as a Type I, II, or III PFD. A Type V PFD, like a full body survival suit, provides protection from hypothermia; however, these suits are best suited for cool climates as they can become quite warm in mild or hot weather.
The Inflatable Pouch (or Belt-Pack) PFD provides 35 lbs of buoyancy and is ideal for calm water. This product does require donning (passing your head through the collar once inflated) and is classified as a Type V PFD. The OCX Jacket with Inflatable LIFT PFD is classified as a Type V PFD special device. The integrated PFD was designed to provide extra safety and protection in extreme conditions. It provided 3 times the Freeboard (distance between the water and the users mouth) of a typical life jacket and radically reduces mouth immersions in higher wave conditions. This jacket is ideal for offshore power boating, fishing and sailing.