Proper Care and Use of Personal Flotation Devices - Answer -About Personal Flotation
Devices
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and lifejackets can save lives and should be worn
while boating whenever a vessel is in operation. If not worn, they must be readily
accessible. Therefore, Transport Canada requires that there be at least one approved
PFD or lifejacket for each person onboard a vessel. When choosing a PFD, ensure that
it can support the size and weight of the wearer.
It is the responsibility of the boat operator to ensure that there are properly fitted PFDs
onboard for all passengers. If not worn, inform all passengers of the location of the
PFDs, and ensure that passengers know how to put on the PFD properly. Before
heading out on the water, it is a good idea for all passengers to test the PFD (as
indicated below). Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using a PFD.
In Canada, flotation devices are categorized into three different types:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs);
Lifejackets; and
Inflatable lifejackets.
For a personal flotation device to be approved in Canada, it must have a label stating
that it has been approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries
and Oceans Canada, or any combination of these three organizations.
Note: PFDs differ from lifejackets in that they may not turn a wearer face-up when in the
water. There is also no colour requirement for an approved PFD.
Approved Lifejackets
Lifejackets and personal flotation devices must both bear Canadian approval; however
in order for a lifejacket to be approved, it must be red, orange or yellow in colour, and be
designed to turn the wearer face-up when in the water. There are three basic types of
lifejackets:
The SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) lifejacket offers the greatest amount of buoyancy
and will turn the wearer face-up very quickly.
, The Standard Type lifejacket has a sta
Testing a Personal Flotation Device - Answer -Be sure you know the following
technique to test personal flotation devices and/or lifejackets:
While wearing the personal flotation device and/or lifejacket in chest-deep water...
the person shall bend their knees...
then float on their back, and...
ensure that the wearer of the PFD or lifejacket keeps their chin above water so that it's
easy for them to breathe.
PFD Sizing
To ensure that the PFD fits properly, have the wearer put it on and adjust straps as
necessary to make it fit snugly. A properly fitted PFD will not ride higher than the
wearer's ears or mouth.
When to Replace a PFD - Answer -Make sure your PFDs are in good shape before you
go boating. Regularly check for rips and tears. In particular, check straps and hardware
before you leave the dock. PFDs with rips, tears or other damage will NOT receive
Coast Guard approval and you may be fined.
Regularly check PFDs for buoyancy: while wearing your PFD, wade into waist-high
water, bend your knees, roll onto your back, and ensure that you are floating sufficiently.
Cleaning a Lifejacket or PFD - Answer -When cleaning a PFD, it is important to:
Use mild soap and running water;
Never dry your PFD close to a direct heat source, dry-clean it, nor clean it with strong
detergents;
Air dry your PFD in a well-ventilated space that's not exposed to direct sunlight; and
Never use your PFD as a cushion for kneeling, sitting, nor to serve as a fender.
Inflatable PFDs - Answer -Inflatable personal flotation devices are available in two
styles:
Vest types - These are worn similar to a normal PFD and can be inflated either orally,
manually (with a CO2 system), or automatically
Pouch types - These are worn around the waist and can be inflated orally or manually
by pulling a toggle to activate a CO2 inflation system
Inflatable type PFDs are considered approved if they are:
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