§ 181.701 Applicability.

This subpart applies to all personal flotation devices that are sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

§ 181.703 PFD information pamphlet; manufacturer requirements.

Each manufacturer of a Type I, II, III, IV, or V personal flotation device that is sold or offered for sale for use on a recreational boat shall furnish the text required by § 181.705 with each device by meeting one of the following:

(a) If the personal flotation device package is not transparent

(1) The text in paragraph (a) of § 181.705 of this subpart must be provided in a manner such that it can be read prior to purchase; and

(2) The text in paragraph (b) of § 181.705 of this subpart must be printed in a pamphlet and the pamphlet must be enclosed in each package.

(b) If the personal flotation device package is transparent

(1) The text in paragraph (a) of § 181.705 of this subpart must be printed in a pamphlet and the pamphlet must be enclosed in each package so that the text can be read through the package; and

(2) The text in paragraph (b) of § 181.705 of this subpart must be print

ed on the remaining pages of the pamphlet or in another pamphlet which must be enclosed in each package.

(c) If the personal flotation device is not in a package, a pamphlet that meets § 181.705 of this subpart must be attached to each personal flotation device so that a purchaser can read the text of paragraph (a) of § 181.705 of this subpart prior to purchase.

§ 181.705 PFD information pamphlet; contents.

Each manufacturer of a Type I, II, III, IV, or V personal flotation device shall furnish with each PFD that is sold or offered for sale for use on a recreational boat the text specified in the following paragraphs. Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included. 1

(a) The following text must be visible or in an attached pamphlet.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE PERSONAL
FLOTATION DEVICES

Coast Guard regulations in Part 175 of Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations require personal flotation devices in the following three situations:

(a) No person may may use a recreational boat less than 16 feet in length or a canoe or kayak unless at least one personal flotation device of the following types is on board for each person:

(1) Type I PFD. (2) Type II PFD. (3) Type III PFD. (4) Type IV PFD.

(b) No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, unless at least one personal flotation device of the following types of is on board for each person:

(1) Type I PED. (2) Type II PED. (3) Type III PFD.

(c) No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, unless at least one Type IV PFD is on board in addition to the PFD's required in paragraph (b).

'The illustrations required by paragraph (a) of § 181.705 may be photographs or drawings. Each manufacturer should use illustrations of his own products. If this is not possible, illustrations of other Coast Guard approved PFD's may be used.

80-110 0-81--58

THERE ARE FIVE TYPES OF PERSONAL FLOTATION

DEVICES

This is a Type (I, II, III, IV or V) PFD. NOTE: The following types of PFD's are designed to perform as described in calm water and when the wearer is not wearing any other flotation material (such as a wetsuit).

Type I.-A Type I PFD has the greatest required buoyancy and is designed to turn most unconscious persons in the water from a face down position to a vertical and slightly backward position and to maintain the person in the vertical and slightly backward position and, therefore, greatly increase his or her chances of survival. The Type I PFD is suitable for all waters, especially for cruising on waters where there is a probability of delayed rescue, such as large bodies of water where it is not likely that a significant number of boats will be in close proximity. This type PFD is the most effective of all the types in rough water. The Type I PFD is easiest to don in any emergency because it is reversible and available in only two sizesAdult (90 lb. or more) and child (less than 90 lb.) which are universal sizes (designed to fit all persons in the appropriate category).

(Illustration of Type I PFD)

Type II-A Type II PFD is designed to turn the wearer to a vertical and slightly backward position in the water. The turning action is not as pronounced as with a Type I and the device will not turn as many persons under the same conditions as the Type I. The Type II PFD is usually more comfortable to wear than the Type I. This type PFD is normally sized for ease of emergency donning and is available in the following sizes: Adult (more than 90 lb.)-Medium Child (50 lb. to 90 lb.), and two categories of Small Child (less than 50 lb. or less than 30 lb.). Additionally, some models are sized by chest sizes. You may prefer to use the Type II where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities.

(Illustration of Type II PFD)

Type III.-The Type III PFD is designed so that the wearer can place himself or herself in a vertical and slightly backward position, and the device will maintain the wearer in that position and have no tendency to turn the wearer face down. A Type III can be the most comfortable, comes in a variety of styles which should be matched to the individual use, and is usually the best choice for water sports, such as skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. This type PFD normally comes in many chest sizes and weight ranges; however, some universal sizes are available. You may also prefer to use the Type III where there is a

probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities.

(Illustration of Type III PFD)

Type IV-A Type IV PFD is designed to be grasped and held by the user until rescued as well as to be thrown to a person who has fallen overboard. While the Type IV is acceptable in place of a wearable device in certain instances, this type is suitable only where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities. It is not recommended for non-swimmers and children.

(Illustration of Type IV PFD)

Type V.-A Type V PFD is a PFD approved for restricted uses. No Type V PFD is currently approved for use on recreational boats to meet the mandatory carriage requirements listed in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) above.

(b) The following text must also be supplied.

YOUR PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE

You are required by Federal Regulations to have at least one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person in your recreational boat. You may not use your recreational boat unless all your PFD's are in serviceable condition, are readily accessible, are legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number, and are of an appropriate size (within the weight range and chest sizes marked on the PFD) for each person on board.

WHY DO YOU NEED A PFD?

Your PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head above the water and to help you remain in a satisfactory position in the water. The average weight of an adult is only 10 to 12 pounds in the water and the buoyancy provided by the PFD will support that weight in water. Unfortunately, your body weight does not determine how much you will weigh in water. In fact, your weight in water changes slightly throughout the day. There is no simple method of determining your weight in water. You should try the device in the water to make sure it supports your mouth out of the water. Remember, all straps, zippers, and tie tapes must be used and of course the PFD must be the proper size (size limitations are on the

label).

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT PFD'S

(1) USCG approval of a PFD does not imply that it is ideal for all uses. For in

stance, there are a number of PFD's which are better suited for water skiing and others for white water canoeing and kayaking. These and other PFD's are labeled accordingly.

(2) Some PFD's are more rugged and durable than others but usually cost more. You should evaluate the trade-offs of cost, your intended use, and how often the PFD will have to be replaced.

(3) The use of most Type IV throwable PFD's usually requires you to grasp the device until rescued, which could prove difficult if there is an extended delay or if you are overcome by hypothermia (loss of body heat to the water). Also it implies that if you find yourself in the water there will be someone available to throw it to you.

EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE

For your PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to insure that it fits, floats, and remains in good condition:

(1) Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of the water.

(2) Try your PFD out in the water. This will show you how it works and will give you confidence when you use it. You should be aware that your PFD may perform differently under different conditions such as in swift water, with bulky clothing, etc.

(3) Mark your PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.

(4) Do not alter your PFD. If it doesn't fit properly, get one that does. An altered device is no longer Coast Guard approved.

(5) Your PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling pad.

(6) Inspect your PFD periodically to ensure that it is free of rips, tears, or holes, that the flotation pads have no leaks, and that all seams and joints are securely sewn. (7) Keep your PFD away from sharp objects which may rip the fabric or puncture the flotation pads.

(8) If your PFD contains kapok, the kapok fibers may become waterlogged and lose their buoyancy after the vinyl inserts are split or punctured. When the kapok becomes hard or if the kapok is soaked with water, the PFD is no longer serviceable. It may not work when you need it and must be replaced.

(9) If your PFD is wet, allow it to dry throughly before storing it. Store it in a well ventilated area.

(10) Do not dry your PFD in front of a radiator or other source of direct heat.

(11) If you must swim while wearing your PFD use a back or side stroke.

PFD'S AND CHILDREN

A child is difficult to float in a safe position because of the distribution of body

weight and because a child tends to panic when suddenly in an unfamiliar environment. The violent movement of the arms and legs in an attempt to "climb out" of the water tends to nullify the stability of the PFD. An approved device will keep a child afloat, but not always in a face up position. A child should be taught how to put on the device and should be allowed to try it out in the water. It is important that the child feels comfortable and knows what the PFD is for and how it functions. Parents should note, however, that PFD's are not a substitute for adult supervision.

PFD's can increase survival time because of the insulation they provide. Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation one will require. When operating in cold waters (below 40° F.) consideration should be given to using a coat or jacket style PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest style PFD's.

Some points to remember about hypothermia protection:

(1) While afloat in the water, do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb. Unnecessary swimming increases the rate of body heat

loss. In cold water drownproofing methods that require putting your head in the water are not recommended. Keep your head out of the water. This will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your survival time.

(2) Keep a positive attitude about your survival and rescue. This will improve your chances of extending your survival time until rescue. Your will-to-live does make a difference!

(3) If there is more than one person in the water, huddling is recommended while waiting to be rescued. This action tends to reduce the rate of heat loss and thus increase the survival time.

(4) Always wear your PFD. It won't help you fight off the effects of hypothermia if you don't have it on when you go into the water.

Subpart H-Flotation Requirements for Outboard Boats Rated for Engines of 2 Horsepower or Less

183.41 Persons capacity: Outboard boats. 183.43 Persons capacity: Boats rated for manual propulsion and boats rated for motors of two horsepower or less.