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CONDITIONS FOR THIS TYPE V APPROVAL
This manual/automatic inflatable PFD is approved for use as a
substitute for a Type II PFD
ONLY WHEN WORN
.
Conditional approvals are granted by the Coast Guard for PFDs
that:
1. Do not meet all the requirements for approval under the
Type I through IV categories but offer other significant
safety features, or
2. Have features or uses not found in Type I through IV PFDs
that require special user knowledge.
The conditions let the user overcome design traits that would
otherwise prevent approval.
“Approved Only When Worn”:
This PFD has the, “Approved Only When Worn”, condition on
its approval because if it is not worn whenever above deck
and underway, it is less likely to be in working order and
cannot be counted as a PFD to meet the carriage requirements
on your boat.
This manual/automatic inflatable PFD requires more frequent
checks than ones that are inherently buoyant or have manual
inflation. Wearing this PFD will:
1. Provide it the extra attention associated with use,
2. Help you address its disadvantages, and
3. Increase safety enormously because you have it when
needed.
Read the discussion under SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THE
MANUAL/AUTOMATIC INFLATOR ON THIS PFD and understand
its implications on your safety.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THE MANUAL/AUTOMATIC
INFLATOR ON THIS PFD
Premature automatic inflation creates several risks that you
must address to avoid drowning. The PFD might not be armed
when needed, either knowingly or unknowingly. Much less
common, but also important, are:
1. Double inflation could damage the PFD,
2. Inflation when stored in a tight space could damage the
PFD, and
