Operating instructions

SAFETY INFORMATION 11
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep
your head above the water and to help
you remain in a satisfactory position
while in the water. Body weight and
age should be considered when se-
lecting a PFD. The buoyancy provided
by the PFD should support your
weight in water. The size of the PFD
should be appropriate for the wearer.
Body weight and chest size are com-
mon methods used to size PFDs. It is
your responsibility to ensure that you
have the proper number and types of
PFDs on board to comply with federal
and local regulations and that your pas-
sengers know where they are and
how to use them.
PFD Types
Five types of PFDs have been ap-
proved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
PFD Type I, Wearable has the greatest
required buoyancy. Its design allows for
turning most unconscious persons in
the water from face down position to a
vertical or slightly backward, face-up po-
sition. It can greatly increase the chanc-
es of survival. Type I is most effective
for all waters, especially offshore when
rescue may be delayed. It is also the
most effective in rough waters.
TYPE I — WEARABLE
PFD Type II, Wearable turns its wearer
in the same way as Type I, but not as
effectively. The Type Il does not turn as
many persons under the same condi-
tions as a Type I. You may prefer to use
this PFD where there is a probability of
quick rescue such as in areas where
other people are commonly involved in
water activities.
TYPE II — WEARABLE
PFD Type III, Wearable allows wearers
to place themselves in a vertical or
slightly backward position. It does not
turn the wearer. It maintains the wear-
er in a vertical or slightly backward po-
sition and has no tendency to turn the
wearer face down. It has the same
buoyancy as a Type Il PFD and may be
appropriate in areas where other peo-
ple are commonly involved in water ac-
tivities.
TYPE III — WEARABLE
PFD Type IV, Throwable is required in
addition to the PFDs previously dis-
cussed. The most common Type IV
PFD is a buoyant cushion or ring buoy.
It is designed to be thrown to a person
in the water, grasped and held by the
user until he or she is rescued. A Type
IV PFD should always be in serviceable
condition and immediately available
for use. Grasping this PFD may be dif-
ficult if the rescue is delayed or if the
user is overcome by hypothermia (loss
of body heat).
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lmo2004-004a_safety.fm Page 11 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 11:18 AM