THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 20, 1995 TAG: 9505200510
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bob Hutchinson
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Here's a list of the different personal flotation devices:
Type I: Offshore life jacket. Provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. Designed to turn unconscious wearer face-up in the water. Not required for recreational boats.
Type II: Near-shore buoyancy vest. Intended for calm inland waters or where there's a good chance of a quick rescue. Will turn some unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Not required on recreational boats.
Type III: Flotation aid. Good for calm inland waters or where there's a good chance for a quick rescue. Most comfortable type for continuous wear.
(All recreational boats must have a Type I, II or III PFD for each person aboard.
Type IV: Throwable device, often used as a seat cushion. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least one of these in addition to wearable types. No longer accepted on boats under 16 feet in place of a wearable PFD.
Type V: Special-use device. May substitute for Type I, II or III when used according to label. Includes such PFDs as deck suits, work vests, board-sailing vests or hybrid vests.
KEYWORDS: PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES PFD by CNB