HOW and WHY to Test Your PFD

Inflate your Inflatable PFD and try it out in the water to: Make sure it floats you:

•Comfortably (when worn properly)

•Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/densities affect performance)

Make sure it works:

•A flow of bubbles should not appear (see CARE AND

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests p. 9). It should inflate quick and easily.

Learn how it works by:

•Activating the CO2 inflation system

•Re-arming the CO2 inflation system

•Using the oral inflator tube

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming kits. One to be used immediately in testing the inflation system (see HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL INFLATOR?) and the other to carry onboard as a spare.

To check the manual inflation system (with CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly removed); determine that the CO2 cylinder piercing pin moves freely when pushing up on the lever arm by pushing down on the pins and releasing the pins followed by the lever arm. Repeat this several times to check the manual inflation system.

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL INFLATOR?

1)To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable PFD, and re-arming kit approved for your Inflatable PFD: MA7203

2)Put on the Inflatable PFD.

3)Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the pull-tab. The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.

4)Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface.

5)See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly

Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual