 Type
I Life Preserver
This device is intended for use offshore, in open or coastal
waters, or potentially rough seas where a quick rescue may not be
likely. Type I preservers have greater flotation value than other life
jackets; they are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in
the water.
 Type II Buoyant Vest
This vest is designed for use where rough water is unlikely,
or a quick rescue is probable. Less buoyant than a Type I, this device
will turn most unconscious wearers to a vertical or a slightly face-up
position. It is not suitable for extended survival in rough or cold
water.
 Type III Marine
This is a buoyant device intended for general or specialized
boating where rough water is unlikely or where a quick rescue is
available. A Type III is designed to provide a stable face-up position
in calm water for a conscious person floating with head tilted back.
Not intended to turn or maintain an unconscious wearer face-up.
 Type IV Throwable Device
This type is designed to be thrown to someone overboard. A
Type IV, cushion or ring buoy, should never be worn on the back. Using
these devices in this manner will force a wearer's face under water. A
Type IV is of little use to an unconscious or exhausted person and is
not recommended for children or non-swimmers.
 Type V Special Purpose Devices
Type V devices are designed and approved for restricted uses
or activities such as commercial whitewater rafting. Most Type Vs need
to be worn to meet legal PFD carriage requirements.
 Infant/Child
Life Jackets
An infant or child life jacket should have a crotch strap,
which helps keep the life jacket on; an oversized float collar, which
keeps the head out of the water; and a grab loop, which makes plucking
a youngster out of the water easier.
The US Coast Guard does not recommend taking
newborns below 18 pounds onboard a recreational boat unless the parent
is able to test their newborns out in a PFD, sized for infants, in a
swimming pool. Testing is the only way to ensure that the device will
float the infant with his/her head out of the water. Unless you know
the PFD you have works for your infant, why put the child at any risk.?
Infant life jackets can be hard to find. Check the large
discount department stores like Walmart, Target, ShopKo, K-Mart, etc,
or search online for "infant life jacket." Despite the difficulty of
finding them, officers will cite if infants are not properly
fitted.
Hybrid and Inflatables
A hybrid inflatable contains a small amount of built-in
flotation and an inflatable chamber. When fully inflated, its
performance is equal to that of a Type I, II or III life jacket. To
meet PFD carriage requirements, most hybrids need to be worn, except
when the boat is not underway or when the boater is in an enclosed
cabin or below deck. Hybrids and inflatables are not approved for
children. The U.S. Coast Guard has approved fully inflatable life
jackets that meet carriage requirements for recreational boats. Compact
and comfortable, they are worn as a belt pack or as suspenders.
Note: Both hybrid and inflatable life jackets must be
inspected in accordance with the instructions on the label. Some
hybrids and inflatables utilize CO2 cartridges which need to be tested
regularly. Expended cartridges need to be replaced.
Coast Guard Approval
 Life
jackets must be
Coast Guard approved and the right size for the wearer. Coast Guard
approval is shown by a stencil marking or tag on the PFD. The marking
or tag shows the amount of flotation in the device and the PFD type. If
your PFD or life jacket is damaged, it no longer meets legal
requirements. Check your jackets yearly for buoyancy, rips, rust and
rot.
Check for Proper Fit
Use the "touchdown test" to check if a life jacket fits.
With the jacket on, raise your arms as though signaling a
touchdown. If when looking to the left, right and over the shoulder,
the chest part of the jacket doesn't hit the chin, the device probably
fits. A good test for children is to have a child stand normally, arms
at sides. Grab the life jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. If
you can move the life jacket more than three inches up and down the
child's body, it doesn't fit.
A life jacket that doesn't fit could endanger the wearer as
much as not wearing one. Check the PFD label for restrictions and
limitations on its use and performance type.
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