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How Do You Test Your PFD? |
How
to test your PFD
Test your own wearable PFD in a pool
or shallow water close to shore to
see how it works. If it fits
properly and is correctly fastened,
it should stay in place and not ride
up or slip over your chin. To work
best, PFDs must be worn with all
straps, zippers, and ties properly
fastened and any loose ends tucked
away. To check the buoyancy, relax
your body and let your head tilt
back. Make sure your PFD keeps your
chin above water and that you can
breath easily. If your mouth is not
well above the water, select a
different PFD with more buoyancy. If
possible, the best test of all is to
jump into a pool, feet first, from a
platform the same height as your
boat. (Be sure you are in deep
enough water.) Your PFD should not
ride up and try to pop off over your
head. Throwable PFDs (life rings,
boat cushions) should be tested by
heaving them. Test how accurately
you can aim at a specific spot,
keeping in mind the adjustments you
need to make for changing wind
conditions.
BE AWARE: Your PFD may not act the
same in swift water or heavy seas as
it does in calm water.
If the life jacket rides up, try securing it
tighter to your body. If it still rides up, you
may need a different style. You should be
comfortable and able to swim without significant
restriction. You should have someone else to act
as a lifeguard or assistant if you are
uncomfortable with being in the water or are
trying this activity for the first time.
Inflatable PFDs:
If
you do not wish to test the CO2 inflation
system, remove the CO2 cylinder (and if the PFD
has an automatic feature, remove the
water-sensing element). Put your life jacket on
and fully inflate it. Then test it like an
inherently buoyant PFD.
Because of the design, ride-up is generally not
an issue with inflatable PFDs. The amount of
buoyancy provided with inflatable PFDs will
probably require the user to swim using some
form of side or backstroke, as it will be
difficult to swim on your stomach when the PFD
is properly secured.
 Maintenance
and Storage Tips
If you want your PFD to take good
care of you -- take good care of
your PFD. Follow these tips and your
PFD will last for many years.
Don't
-
alter your PFD to make it
fit. Buy another that does fit.
-
put heavy objects on it or
use it for a knee pad or fender,
it can lose buoyancy when
crushed.
-
leave your PFD on board
for long periods when the boat
is not in use, the heat can
degrade its flotation.
-
dry your PFD in a dryer,
on a radiator, heater, or any
other direct heat source. This
can degrade and damage the
buoyancy material.
-
let your PFD lie out in
the sun when the boat is not in
use. Sunlight weakens some
synthetic fabrics very rapidly.
-
leave your PFD onboard for
long periods of time when the
boat is not in use, the heat can
degrade its flotation.
-
dry your PFD in a dryer,
on a radiator, heater or any
other direct heat source. This
can degrade and damage the
buoyancy material.
Do
-
let your PFD drip dry
thoroughly before putting it
away.
-
If your PFD has been in salt
water, rinse it thoroughly with
fresh water.
-
stow your PFD in a well
ventilated place.
-
check your PFD for rips,
tears, and holes and make sure
seams, straps and hardware are
okay.
-
make sure there is no sign of
water-logging, mildew odor, or
shrinkage of the buoyant
materials.
-
check and replace spent
cartridges in inflatable PFDs.
-
put your name on your PFD if
you are the only wearer. It will
keep you from mistakenly putting
on one that is not sized for
you.
-
test all your PFDs at the
start of every boating season.
-
discard old PFDs by cutting
them up and properly disposing
of them. You don't want someone
finding one you discarded and
using it.
-
give your PFDs all the above
checks, plus check their
buoyancy in the water, at least
twice a year.
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