Boating Safety
B - 1
GENERAL
C. PFD Types
As the owner/operator of the boat, you are respon-
sible for assuring that all required safety equipment is
aboard. You should also consider supplying additional
equipment as needed for your safety and that of your
passengers. Check state and local regulations and
call the US Coast Guard Info line at 1-800-368-5647
for information about required safety equipment. Also
visit the United Power Squadron website at www.
usps.org.
Five types of PFDs have been approved by the US
Coast Guard. The PFDs are described as follows:
PFD Type 1, Wearable (Figure B1) 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
position. It can greatly increase the chances of sur-
vival. Type 1 is most effective for all waters, especially
offshore when rescue may be delayed. It is also the
most effective in rough waters.
A. Required Safety Equipment
Minimum requirements include the following:
•
•
•
•
Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
Visual Distress Signal
Bell or Whistle
Fire Extinguisher
•
Navigation Lights
Figure B1: Type I, Wearable
NOTICE
PFD Type II, Wearable (Figure B2) turns its wearer
in the same way as Type I, but not as effectively.
The Type II does not turn as many persons under the
same conditions 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.
As the owner/operator of the boat, you are
responsible for assuring that all required safety
equipment is aboard and meets the boating
regulations as prescribed by both federal and
local authorities in your area.
B. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Federal regulations require that you have at least one
Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD)
for each person in a recreational boat. You should
not use your boat unless all PFDs are in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, legibly marked with the
Coast Guard approval number, of an appropriate size
(within the weight range and chest size marked on the
PFD) for each person aboard.
Figure B2: Type II, Wearable
PFD Type III, Wearable (Figure B3) allows the wearer
to place themselves in a vertical or slightly backward
position. It does not turn the wearer. It maintains the
wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position and
has no tendency to turn the wearer face down. It has
the same buoyancy as a Type II PFD and may be
appropriate in areas where other people are commonly
involved in water activities.
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head
above the water and to help you remain in a satisfac-
tory position while in the water. Body weight and age
should be considered when selecting a PFD. The
buoyancy provided by the PFD should support your
weight in water.
The size of the PFD must be appropriate for the wear-
er. Body weight or chest size are common methods
used to size PFDs. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you have the proper number and types of PFDs
on board and that your passengers know where and
how to use them.
Boating Safety - Section B
Owner’s Manual Page 23
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns SL-Series Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns SL |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Download File |
|
| Document Type | Owner's Manual |
| Language | English |
| Product Brand | Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx |
| Document File Type | |
| Publisher | fourwinns.com |
| Wikipedia's Page | Outboard Marine Corporation |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
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