Floatation: PFD's Inflatable

Choosing the right Inflatable PFD can be overwhelming, but using the chart below should make things a bit easier! One thing to note; you should replace your CO2 cartridge every 3 years.. and check the status window every time to use it to ensure the activation switch is still armed!

Features to think about:

• Automatic Inflation vs. Manual Inflation
  • When you fall into the water, an automatic vest will automatically inflate, whereas a manual vest requires the user to pull a yellow tab to inflate it.
  • The big question is, will you be conscious or mobile enough to pull the tab when you need to? The auto feature adds about $50.

• Auto Inflation Switches: Hydrostatic Release vs. Salt Tablet
  • There are 2 types of Automatic Inflation switches. In traditional auto vests, the switch contains a Salt Tablet. This tablet dissolves in contact with water, activating the vest. It is not supposed to be affected by spray or extreme humidity, but from time to time, it can happen. Leaving your vest in a puddle might activate it. Washing down your vest with freshwater from a spray gun shouldn't. For example, after months of rain, tropical humidity and ocean storms, I have witnessed a vest auto-inflate by accident. Therefore, odds are, it will never happen - but it can!
  • A Hydrostatic Release activates from water pressure; when immersed 6 inches underwater, the associated pressure activates the vest's inflation switch. This almost completely eliminates the worry of accidentally activating the vest. However, this technology is quite a bit more expensive ($80-90 more)
• Harness vs. No Harness
  • Are you using harnesses and jacklines on board? If heading offshore, sailing at night, boating alone, or traveling from shore a greater distance than you can swim, you should consider having a safety line/jackline system.
  • While you can puchase harnesses separately, why not have a lifejacket with an integrated harness? This feature costs about $40 more.
• Other options
  • LIFT feature: Mustang MD0200's LIFT feature elevating the user's mouth out of the water by up to 9 inches (23cm), reducing underwater mouth immersions by 80%
  • Pouch jacket: Mustang MD3021's Pouch jacket wears like a waist pack and when inflated, the user removes the pack from the waist and fits it over their head. Not the ideal type for everyday use, but ideal for those who cannot wear a lifejacket.
  • Hood feature: Spinlock's Deck Vests include a spray hood. This is a fantastic feature for extreme (hurricane) conditions - blowing foam and spray can cause drowning while in the water and a spray hood can prevent this. It also provides lots of warmth.
  • Emergency Light: Spinlock's Deck Vests include an emergency light so you can be spotted.
  • Line Cutter: Spinlock's Deck Vests also include an emergency line cutter just in case you need to cut away from your tether.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE RIGHT INFLATABLE PFD FOR YOUR NEEDS: