By the BSC Office
Personal flotation devices must be on board every recreational vessel and carry enough for each person. The life-jackets must be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and the appropriate size for the intended user. When a vessel is underway, children under 13 must wear a PFD unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. At Boston Sailing Center, we have PFD’s on all of our vessles. Please check the boat before heading out to make sure you have enough on board for every passenger. Boston Sailing Center has childrens life jackets available to borrow as well in the office. Ask a member of the BSC team if you have any questions!
Type I Inherently Buoyant and Inflatable
This is the standard, most buoyant PFD, suitable for all water conditions including open, rough, and remote waters where rescue may take some time. If a person is unconscious, this PFD will turn most people face up in the water. The inherently buoyant version is bulkier in comparison to other types, but the additional foam and fabric helps keep your head higher above water. The Inflatable PFD has two inflation mechanisms, both automatic and manual. Sizes range from child to adult. The minimum buoyancy is 22lbs for adults.
Type II Inherently Buoyant and Inflatable
These are typically used for near-shore activities. They are most appropriate for use in calm waters when a rescue team can get to the person quicker. This version is very buoyant but has the possibility of not turning an unconscious person face up in the water.
This version does not do well in rough waters and may require you to tread in order to keep your head above water. The inflatable PFD can be more expensive and may require manual inflation. The Inherently Buoyant minimum buoyancy is 15.5 lbs for adult sizes and the inflatable has a minimum buoyancy of 22.5 lbs for adult sizes and is not meant for kids under 16.
Type III Inherently Buoyant and Inflatable
Best used for supervised activities such as regattas, dinghy races, water skiing, or personal watercraft operation. This version is good for protected, near shore operations when a chance of rescue is quick. This version will not flip an unconscious person face up in the water. The Type III Inflatable is said to be more comfortable than the Inherently Buoyant jacket but more expensive. The inflatable PFDs are not meant for children under the age of 16 and have a minimum buoyancy of 22.5lbs for adult sizes.
Type IV Throwable Device
This device is designed not to be worn, but to be thrown to an overboard victim to support their buoyancy. Oftentimes this device is a ring buoy, horseshoe buoy, or cushion. This version cannot be used on unconscious victims or nonswimmers. These devices should not be sat on or used as a boat cushion because that degrades the quality of foam and flotation. Any boat longer than 16 feet must carry one of these throwable devices.