PFD, Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:30 pm
PFD - Personal Flotation Device - Life Jackets
The most important fishing accessory is having and wearing a proper personal flotation device (PFD). If you spend time on the water you need to be prepared for anything that could possibly happen.
A personal flotation device can save the life of the most experienced swimmer. Don't ever be guilty of falling into the "macho-man trap". There have been many a macho-men that have drowned because they were too embarrassed to wear a life jacket.
There are five types of personal flotation devices. In selecting a PFD, it must be Coast Guard approved. Choosing the correct PFD is essential for boating safety. This is especially true if children are to be in the boat.
Types of PFDs
A Type 1 PFD provides the most buoyancy and is better known as an "Offshore Life Jacket". This life jacket is recommended for any type of water conditions from rough, remote to open waters. This type of life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face-up. The Type 1 PFD is ideal for children and non-swimmers.
A Type 2 PFD provides the next level of protection. Better known as a "Near Shore Vest". This life jacket is better suited for inland rivers, lakes and ponds. It is somewhat less effective as a Type 1 in turning an unconscious person face-up.
Again, this is a very good selection for small children, infants and non-swimmers.
A Type 3 PFD is designed to be used for inland waters, such as ponds and lakes. The protection value is not as effective as a Type 1 or Type 2 PFD, as this life jacket does not have the functional ability to turn an unconscious wearer face-up.
The Type 3 PFD is more widely used as fishing vest or in other various water sports activities. A Type 3 PFD is qualified in many inflatable fishing vest. This type is more often worn by fishermen because of the ease of use, compact, light, comfortable and cool to wear.
A Type 4 PFD is also intended for calm inland waters such as ponds or lakes and is not to be confused as a life jacket. Better known as a "Throwable Device" and in no way serves as a proper PFD.
Boaters may use this type as seat cushions that could double for a thrown flotation device to be held by a person until rescued.
A Type 5 PFD is not actually any form of life jacket and serves little purpose as a flotation device. The Type 5 variety includes wet suits, deck suits or work vest. There are Hybris PFDs that offer small buoyancy with an inflatable chamber.
Always place safe boating at the top of the list. Be prepared for any boating condition. Storms can approach quickly, accidents can happen to anyone. Be responsible for yourself and any passenger you may have aboard by requiring that all occupants wear the appropriate personal flotation device (PFD).
The most important fishing accessory is having and wearing a proper personal flotation device (PFD). If you spend time on the water you need to be prepared for anything that could possibly happen.
A personal flotation device can save the life of the most experienced swimmer. Don't ever be guilty of falling into the "macho-man trap". There have been many a macho-men that have drowned because they were too embarrassed to wear a life jacket.
There are five types of personal flotation devices. In selecting a PFD, it must be Coast Guard approved. Choosing the correct PFD is essential for boating safety. This is especially true if children are to be in the boat.
Types of PFDs
A Type 1 PFD provides the most buoyancy and is better known as an "Offshore Life Jacket". This life jacket is recommended for any type of water conditions from rough, remote to open waters. This type of life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face-up. The Type 1 PFD is ideal for children and non-swimmers.
A Type 2 PFD provides the next level of protection. Better known as a "Near Shore Vest". This life jacket is better suited for inland rivers, lakes and ponds. It is somewhat less effective as a Type 1 in turning an unconscious person face-up.
Again, this is a very good selection for small children, infants and non-swimmers.
A Type 3 PFD is designed to be used for inland waters, such as ponds and lakes. The protection value is not as effective as a Type 1 or Type 2 PFD, as this life jacket does not have the functional ability to turn an unconscious wearer face-up.
The Type 3 PFD is more widely used as fishing vest or in other various water sports activities. A Type 3 PFD is qualified in many inflatable fishing vest. This type is more often worn by fishermen because of the ease of use, compact, light, comfortable and cool to wear.
A Type 4 PFD is also intended for calm inland waters such as ponds or lakes and is not to be confused as a life jacket. Better known as a "Throwable Device" and in no way serves as a proper PFD.
Boaters may use this type as seat cushions that could double for a thrown flotation device to be held by a person until rescued.
A Type 5 PFD is not actually any form of life jacket and serves little purpose as a flotation device. The Type 5 variety includes wet suits, deck suits or work vest. There are Hybris PFDs that offer small buoyancy with an inflatable chamber.
Always place safe boating at the top of the list. Be prepared for any boating condition. Storms can approach quickly, accidents can happen to anyone. Be responsible for yourself and any passenger you may have aboard by requiring that all occupants wear the appropriate personal flotation device (PFD).