Level 150 is the 'super' deep-water life jacket, which exists in a class on its own; Level 100 is the same as the old 'Type 1' category – basically the traditional life jacket; Level 50 (the same as the old 'Type 2') is a buoyancy vest worn in protected waters or near the shore; and Level 50S ('Type 3') is described as
A TYPE III PFD, or FLOTATION AID, is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This PFD type will not turn unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD.
All of the care that you give to your PFD will prolong its use. There is no expiry date for a personal floatation device and/or lifejacket, but it becomes void if it has been repaired or altered; therefore, it is no longer usable and must be replaced and discarded for recycling.
PFD's. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), unlike traditional lifejackets, are more comfortable because they are designed for constant wear. However, they do not generally offer the same level of protection as lifejackets for staying afloat and turning an unconscious person onto their back so you can breathe.
Type II PFDs are intended for calm inland waters, where fast rescue is likely. These PFDs are designed so wearers can put themselves in a face-up position, but they may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in water. Type III PFDs come in inherently buoyant, inflatable or hybrid designs.
Get the right size: For adults, your chest size—not your weight—will determine what size PFD you need. (For children, their weight will determine the size.) To get your chest size, measure the circumference of your chest at its broadest point.
Since the average person in water needs about seven to 12 additional pounds of buoyancy to float, a life jacket does not have to support the entire physical weight of a human body. Instead, it supports those seven to 12 pounds, with a few pounds to spare.
Maintenance. Inflatable life jackets require more frequent maintenance than inherently buoyant life jackets. Check the status of the inflator to be certain cartridge is properly installed. Check for leaks every two months; inflate life jacket orally and leave it overnight to check for leaks.
We recommend performing this inspection every two to three months if you wear your vest regularly, or if your boating location is hot and humid, since the inflation mechanism may be subject to corrosion. This time, unfold the vest and carefully remove the CO2 cylinder and the bobbin.
Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going face-down. Will not hold the face of an unconscious wearer clear of the water. In rough water, a wearer's face may often be covered by waves. Not for extended survival in rough water.
NRS PFD Leg Straps are an extra safety measure that you will really appreciate if you go for an unexpected swim. They help prevent ride up of your life jacket and keep your head higher above the water.
A Type II PFD is an approved device designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face downward position to a vertical or slightly backward position, and to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. A Type III PFD is an approved device designed to have more than 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
Here are five easy tips to get you started.
- Stamp of Approval. The lifejacket must be United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved.
- Size. Make sure the life jacket is the correct size.
- Condition. In order to work properly, the life jacket must be in good and serviceable condition.
- Style.
- Wear It!
Type I: Offshore Life Jackets
These vests are designed for rough or remote waters where rescue may take some time. They provide the most buoyancy, are excellent for flotation and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.Type I jackets offer the greatest buoyancy (over 20 pounds) and are designed primarily for offshore use. They're bulky to wear but have the distinct advantage of turning an unconscious person face up in the water. Type II jackets are likewise designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water.
A Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be carried for each person on board.
All vessels (including canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards) must carry at least one properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (Personal Flotation Device or PFD) for each person on board a vessel.
California boating law requires that all boats 16 feet or more in length, except canoes and kayaks must carry one wearable life jacket (Type I, II, III or V) for each person on board and one throwable (Type IV) device in each boat. PFDs must be readily accessible.
Though not always required by law, a lifejacket should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable lifejacket can save your life, but only when you wear it. Wearable lifejackets must be readily accessible.
Life jackets are required for boating.
Federal law requires that you have a US Coast Guard-approved, wearable life jacket for each person on board the vessel. Boats that are 16 feet or longer, excluding canoes and kayaks, must also have a throwable ring buoy.
