Is this old PFD still good?

[OHbassaholic]

How do you tell when a PFD is no longer useful?  I have been on some boats that had some nasty old seat cushion type PFDs.  There must be some point when they are no longer per regulation and need to be replaced.

[Pferox]

I know that the covers can't be damaged, other than that, my rule of thumb has been when they start to look faded, because about that time the foam has started to break down.

Thats just been a personal rule, don't know what the PFD guys say.

[spetro]

Not a bad rule Pferox69 

Click here.....This spells it out http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mse4/pfdseldata.htm#RECREATIONAL

[Warpath]

I was praised by the watercraft officer who did my inspection at East Fork Lake about a month and a half ago for having more safety equipment than necessary.  I will be sporting two SOSpenders next year, and I still carry a throwable cushion even though by boat's length does not require it.  I figure if I have room for it, I'll carry it.  It may just save someone's life.  I think I paid a whole $15 for it it at West Marine. 

Eric

[Bman]

It is better to be safe than sorry!!!!!!


Bman

[spetro]

I will be sporting two SOSpenders next year, and I still carry a throwable cushion even though by boat's length does not require it.

Eric

Keep in mind that inflateables do not count as a pfd unless they are being worn at the time of inspection.  If they are stowed.....they don't count.

[Mike Cork]

I did not know that thanks Spetro, makes complete sense though

[Ouachita]

On federally controlled waterways the law centers around "serviceable, in good condition". As long as PFDs can support the labelled use, person size/weight, we pass them unless it appears the PFD could come apart under a load, such as dry rotted or foam protruding. We could insist on testing flotation, looking for at least 7 pounds of lift, especially if we suspect a waterlogged PFD. They slowly sink put in the water. Age, fading, tears, etc. isn't a direct inspection factor, being a subjective call that can result in poor public relations and resistance to compliance. We want safety way above strict legality. Having them readily available for adults and actually worn by children is a major factor. We make sure a child is wearing a PFD that fits well, not so tight it can't be buckled, not so loose we can lift it over their head. Adults are required to wear a serviceable PFD when operating PWCs. PFDs inside a compartment can get boaters a citation, but that usually doesn't get our attention if only adults are aboard and the vessel is being operated safely. Once in the water a victim can't benefit from anything inside the boat, but we do respect personal responsibility among adults.

Jim

[spetro]

When I am doing a vessel safety check....via federal standards, inflatables must be worn during the inspection.  If they are stowed without other described flotation devices....they will fail the VSC.

[Ouachita]

So far our guidance is if a boater has at least one CG approved Type I, II or III PFD on board he doesn't have to wear an inflatable. We look mostly for exposed availability of one of the 3 basic types in lieu of actually wearing an available inflatable, and of course enough of the first 3 types for all occupants. We are recommending users of inflatables carry an extra arming kit, or continue carryng a backup basic type. There are instances of rain-soaked inflatables inflating. If that's the only type and there's no arming kit, the boater is left without a CG approved PFD. Children under 13 must wear an approved, well-fitting PFD anytime while in a boat, moving or not, except inside a houseboat or cruiser or inside the railings of a party barge at rest.

Jim

[nlareau]

I know that the covers can't be damaged, other than that, my rule of thumb has been when they start to look faded, because about that time the foam has started to break down.

Thats just been a personal rule, don't know what the PFD guys say.

So you mean the 15 year old, stiff as a board, PFD I wear might not be much good?

[Ouachita]

Been getting chaffed under the arm pits?    You wouldn't believe how many boaters explain not wearing a PFD is because they are so uncomfortable. Well, many are very uncomfortable, but so might the inside of a cold coffin be a miserable place to be.     Some will stand on end tossed on the deck. You could beat an aligator up with some of them.    I wear an inflatable from before launching until getting in the truck to pull out, and I don't notice it except when trying to scratch my back. There needs to be a battery operated back scratcher inside them.   

Jim

[spetro]

The link that I posted in this thread says it all.  Scroll down in it to find what you're looking for