Stearns Recreational 1339, 1341 manual Conditions for this Type V Approval, Approved Only When Worn

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

2