Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

SailNet · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2000

Each style of PFD offers advantages and disadvantages and should be selected based on the type and location of your sailing. The life saving properties of a properly chosen PFD are based on its availability for use, that it contains enough buoyancy to keep your head above water, fits properly, and that it performs to US Coast Guard approved standards when used. Most sailors, unfortunately, do not wear PFDs while sailing, and if a Man Overboard (MOB) occurs, he or she would not have the benefit of a PFD.

Buoyancy, as defined by Merriam Webster is "a: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid b: the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it; also: the upward force exerted." As a minimum, a PFD with 15 pounds of buoyancy will float most people. The average adult requires only 11 pounds of buoyancy to float. A body is pulled downward by gravitational forces equal to its weight. Going back to high school science we know that muscle weighs more than fat, therefore people with lean, muscled bodies will displace more water and require more buoyancy than an overweight person with more fat tissue.

PFD TYPES

Type I PFD is also called the Off-Shore Life Jacket. This PFD is effective and approved for use in all waters and would be suitable for the offshore sailor who is often in rough, open waters, and possibly even in remote locations where rescue could be slow in coming. The Type I jacket is designed to turn an unconscious and facedown person, face up. Two sizes are available: the adult jacket provides 22 pounds of buoyancy, and the child’s jacket provides 11 pounds of buoyancy.
Type II PFD is referred to as the Near-Shore Buoyancy Vest and is intended for use in inland waters and near shore where a quick rescue is likely. This jacket would be preferable for use if sailing on the Intracoastal Waterway, on lakes and harbors, or for a day sail off the coast in calm weather. The jacket may turn a facedown person face up in some sea conditions, but not at the same consistency as a Type I. The minimum buoyancy for an adult jacket is 15.5 pounds, and a child’s jacket is 11 pounds. The small child or infant jacket provides at least 7 pounds of buoyancy.
Type III PFD, also known as a Flotation Aid, like the Type II is intended for use in inland waters and near shore where a quick rescue is likely. Wearers must position themselves in the face-up position and tilt their head back to avoid turning into the facedown position. Type III PFDs have the same minimum buoyancy as the Type II units. Of the three types, this one is the most comfortable for continuous wear.
Type IV PFD, or Throwable Device, is a buoyant ring, cushion, or horseshoe-shaped buoy. It’s designed to be thrown to someone in the water and held on to, not worn. These are also intended for use in calm waters where a quick rescue is likely.
Type V PFD, or Hybrid Inflatable PFD must be worn underway to be legal. They are the least bulky, and are somewhat inherently buoyant with an inflatable chamber. Also in this category is a Special Use Device that can be used in lieu of another type of PFD if used for the approved use on the label. If sailing in northern waters, this PFD can provide a significant amount of hypothermia protection. When inflated they provide the same performance as the Type II or III PFDs.
Multi-purpose devices will be noted as "Type III/V" or some such combination.

A word about Inflatable PFDs…

Automatically Inflatable PFDs are Coast Guard approved and rated as Type I, II, or III and are intended for the same use as their non-inflatable cousins, the inherently buoyant life jacket.
There are three methods of inflating these PFDs:
    1. Jerking a lanyard that causes a pin to puncture the CO2 cartridge.
    2. Automatic where, when immersed in water, a water-soluble element causes a pin to activate the CO2 cartridge.
    3. Manually, by blowing into the bladder through a tube.
Inflatable PFDs require maintenance. They cannot be thrown into a locker and forgotten. Inspect regularly.
Once used, the cartridge has to be rearmed and repacked.
They are extremely difficult to don in the water. You probably chose an inflatable because of their wearability. So wear them when on board.

Inflatable PFD

FLOTATION MATERIALS

Polyethylene Foam is stiff, restricts movement, and provides minimal hypothermia protection but is lightweight. When torn or punctured it won’t become waterlogged or rot.
Aquafoam is soft and flexible. This PVC foam maintains its buoyancy when punctured or torn and is mildew, UV, and chemical resistant. It conforms to body shape and provides some hypothermia protection.
Airex is another PVC foam, but it is softer and more flexible than Aquafoam and provides maximum hypothermia protection. It will not absorb water and is also mildew, UV, and chemical resistant.
CrossTech is soft, flexible, lightweight, and more durable than polyethylene foam. It is a good thermal insulator, and is resistant to cell disintegration caused by crushing.

TIPS

For offshore sailing, consider buying an inflatable and Type I PFD.
Check buoyancy ratings of the inflatable PFDs prior to purchase. Buoyancy of 35 pounds provides a Type II performance rating and 24 pounds provides Type III.
Inflatable PFDs are not approved for children under the age of 16. Carry an approved and well-fitting device for children.
One size does not fit all. Buy a PFD that fits each individual and label it with the owners name using an indelible marker.
PFDs, depending on the flotation material used, lose buoyancy when crushed.

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