PFD and Flotation Equipment
If you're heading out for a summer excursion in your Bay Boat, hitting the marshes in your hunting boat or playing on the lake with your Pontoon boat, you need to make sure that you and your passengers are safe, and that means having the right type of PFD on hand. PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) are a critical piece of your safety equipment on any boat, so L & M Marine has created this quick list so you can familiarize yourself with the different types of PFD you may encounter.
Type I
Type I PFDs are most often associated with the large, blocky orange life vests you'll often see used for commercial purposes. These life jackets can be a little awkward and uncomfortable, but they are one of the most effective devices for keeping you alive in the water. One of the defining characteristics a Type I PFD is that they will keep you face up in the water, even if you are rendered unconscious. That makes this a great option if you're out on a hunting boat with a non-swimmer, or taking on open ocean in a larger craft.
Type II
Type II PFDs are a usually less bulky than their Type I counterparts and thus more comfortable. The trade off here is that Type II PFDs are not guaranteed to turn you right side up if you wind up face down in the water. Because these PFDs have less aggressive flotation they're best used in calmer waters like for kids on the Pontoon boat, or when you're heading out to the duck blind in your hunting boat.
Type III
The Type III PDFs are definitely the most comfortable of all the wearable PFDs. These are most effective when worn by a strong swimmer, as they provide moderate flotation, and great range of movement. Some type III PFDs are buoyant clothing, like a jacket that resists the cold water effects of hypothermia, or a fishing vest. Similar to Type IIs these are best used in calm, flat water.
Type IV
Type IV PFDs don't fall into the 'lifejacket' category of Type I, II and III PFDs. Type IV PFDs are the throwable 'life saver' style flotation devices that are meant to help pull an overboard swimmer back to safety. Commercial boats are required to carry these devices, and even if you're just heading out to enjoy the water, it's better to be safe than sorry, bring one along.
Type V
Type V PFDs aren't really a class of their own so much as a designation given to PFDs created for a specific purpose. Examples include water skiing, or cold weather work. These PFDs have a dual classification, indicating whether the device is a Type I, II, or III in addition to the Type V designation.
Hopefully the next time you go out hunting, water skiing, or fishing, you feel familiar and confident with the safety equipment you have on your boat. Make sure you know where your PFDs are stored, and how to properly use this piece of critical safety equipment. And remember, have fun on the water!