The Definition of Inflatable Life Jackets
Inflatable life jackets are personal flotation devices (PFD) that use air or carbon dioxide (CO2) to provide buoyancy. This distinguishes them from inherently buoyant life jackets that contain closed-cell foam. Inflatable life jackets, just like inherently buoyant life jackets, must meet Coast Guard regulations concerning life jackets, although the regulations are not exactly the same.
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Flotation
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The Coast Guard Type III vest-style life jacket that is typically worn for recreational boating is required to have 22.5 pounds of buoyancy when it is an inflatable vest versus 15.5 pounds if it is inherently buoyant. The Type I inflatable jacket for offshore activities such as deep-sea fishing has a minimum buoyancy of 34 pounds. Both types are made to keep a person face up with her head above the water. A fully inflated and properly worn inflatable life jacket will do a good job of keeping a person afloat.
Inflation
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Inflatable life jackets are inflated orally, manually or automatically as the primary method of actuation. Jackets equipped with automatic inflation activate when the life jacket is immersed in water. This method of inflation is backed up, for safety reasons, by manual actuation or oral inflation. Manual inflation is accomplished by the wearer activating the CO2 cartridges that inflate the vest. Oral inflation requires the wearer to blow the vest up like a balloon.
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Restrictions
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Only inflatable life jackets approved by the Coast Guard may be used to meet the carriage requirements for boats. They need to be in good condition, fit the wearer, and be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The use of inflatable life jackets is restricted to those 16 years old or older and to those who weigh more than 90 pounds.
Maintenance
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Inflatable life jackets, in contrast to inherently buoyant life jackets, require maintenance. They must contain full CO2 cartridges and all the status indicators must be green to meet the Coast Guard requirements for serviceable life jackets on board a boat.
History
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Inflatable life jackets have been used by the military and on commercial aircraft for more than 50 years. They were used for recreational boating in Europe for more than 20 years before they were approved for such use by the U.S. Coast Guard in September 1996.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit life-guards image by Olga Chernetskaya from Fotolia.com
