Mustang Survival MD318802 User manual

INFLATABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
MANUAL
MD3188
United States Coast Guard Approvals:
- Type V Work Vest
- Type V Uninspected Commercial Vessels
- Type II Recreational PFD

CONTENTS
Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
United States Coast Guard Approvals .....................................................................1
Approval Conditions and Carriage Regulations .......................................................................2
Conditions for Commercial Type V and/or Work Vest Approval in Commercial
Applications ...........................................................................................................2
Mandatory Carriage Requirements .........................................................................3
Note to Commercial Vessel Operators.....................................................................3
What is an Inflatable PFD? ......................................................................................................3
Instructions for Use..................................................................................................................3
Commercial Vessel Use ..........................................................................................3
Visual Inspection Instructions and Readiness Checklist .........................................4
Donning Instructions ..............................................................................................5
Removal Instructions...............................................................................................6
Inflating Your Inflatable PFD ...................................................................................6
Usage Below Freezing ............................................................................................8
Deflating the Inflatable PFD....................................................................................8
Re-arming Your PFD ................................................................................................8
Repacking Your PFD ..............................................................................................11
Is Your PFD in Good and Serviceable Condition?..................................................13
Servicing Instructions for Commercial Operators ..................................................13
Care and Maintenance instructions ......................................................................13
Commercial Training Content and Procedure.........................................................................17
Use........................................................................................................................17
Maintenance .........................................................................................................17
Service Record and Inspection Log Procedure.......................................................19
Why are PFDs Required Safety Equipment?...........................................................................20
How and Why to Test Your PFD .............................................................................20
Hypothermia ..........................................................................................................................22
How Hypothermia Affects Most Adults .................................................................23
Each of These Devices is Intended to Help You Save Your Life ..............................24
Inflatable PFD Safety Accessories..........................................................................24
Additional information...........................................................................................................24
Do Not Attach PFDs to Your Boat..........................................................................24
Airline Operator Policy on Carriage of Inflatable PFDs and CO
2
Cartridges..........24
Glossary .................................................................................................................................25
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual provides instructions and guidelines for safely using and maintaining the
Mustang Survival MD3188 Inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is strongly
recommended that users familiarize themselves with all the procedures presented in this
manual.
Full gear in-water testing is recommended to validate performance and to become familiar
with the use and feel of the PFD.
The MD3188 PFD provides flotation, helping to keep the head above water, to stay face up,
and to increase chances for survival and rescue. The PFD inflates automatically on submersion
using a hydrostatic inflator that significantly reduces the potential for accidental inflation due
to humidity, sea spray, or wet storage. The inflator must be submerged to activate.
The MD3188 PFD may also be inflated manually, prior to submersion, by pulling the manual
inflation handle.
The MD3188 PFD is designed to offer maximum mobility with minimum bulk. The MD3188
PFD is worn as a comfortable, slim collar that can be inflated at any time either automatically
(water immersion), manually (manual inflation handle), or orally (oral inflation tube).
Drowning is the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational and commercial vessels.
Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days, and in approximately 80 percent of all
boating fatalities, the victims were not wearing a PFD.
When worn, used, and serviced according to the instructions in this manual, Mustang Survival
MD3188 PFDs can greatly increase a user's chance of survival in the water.
United States Coast Guard Approvals
•Type V work vest
•Type V uninspected commercial vessels
•Type II recreational PFD
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE
REGULATIONS
Commercial Vessels – Model MD3188 is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as a
Work Vest ONLY WHEN WORN under 46 CFR 160.053 for use on all inspected and uninspected
commercial vessels of any length. Not approved for “Hot Work”.
Uninspected Commercial Vessels – Model MD3188 is USCG-approved for use in
lieu of a Type II PFD under 46 CFR 160.064 on uninspected commercial vessels less than 40
feet in length not carrying passengers for hire as a substitute for a Type II PFD when used and
serviced in accordance with this manufacturer’s manual.
Conditions for Commercial Type V and/or Work Vest
Approval in Commercial Applications
1. The MD3188 must be worn before getting underway and whenever above deck and not
within an enclosed space to meet the carriage requirement.
2. The operator of a commercial vessel is responsible for servicing and maintaining the
MD3188 in good serviceable condition in accordance with this manufacturer’s manual.
See Care and Maintenance Instructions (page 13) for servicing information.
3. The operator of a commercial vessel is responsible for providing each person onboard
with the safety information required for use of the MD3188. See Note to Commercial
Vessel Operators, page 3, for information.
4. All inflatable PFDs in use aboard a commercial vessel must be the same manufacturer
and model or have the same method of operation. Hydrostatic inflation and pill or
bobbin type inflation do not qualify as the same method of operation.
Recreational Boats – Model MD3188 is approved by the USCG for use as a Type II
Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is not approved for water skiing or other high impact, high
speed activities. This inflatable PFD was designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive
to wear than inherently buoyant PFDs. When worn, used, and serviced according to this
manufacturer's manual, this PFD can greatly increase your chances of survival in the water.
Not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of
inflatable PFDs must be at least 16 years old.
General – When fully inflated, this Inflatable PFD will provide Type II in-water performance.
This Inflatable PFD will turn most wearers from a face down to a face up position and provide
support suitable for offshore conditions. This PFD must be in good and serviceable condition
including properly armed with a full CO
2
cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an
accessible manual inflation lanyard.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

Mandatory Carriage Requirements
Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry USCG-approved personal
flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with the USCG-approval number which are in good
and serviceable condition and are the correct size for each person on board. To be considered
serviceable, this PFD shall not exhibit deterioration that could diminish its performance such
as broken or deformed hardware, detached webbing, rotted structural components, air leaks,
or nonfunctional oral inflation tube. This PFD must also be properly armed with a full CO
2
cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard. A PFD
which is "approved only when worn" or "required to be worn" must be worn under the
specified conditions.
Note to Commercial Vessel Operators
The operator of the vessel must note that this PFD is NOT approved for use by passengers
and is advised to tell passengers which PFDs are and are not suitable for their use during any
passenger safety orientation (reference 46 CFR 26.03-1 and 46 CFR 122.506).
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?
While traditional PFDs are inherently buoyant, inflatable PFDs rely entirely on inflation for
buoyancy. Uninflated, this Inflatable PFD is a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at
any time with a 33-gram CO
2
gas cylinder. The Inflatable PFD is designed to offer maximum
mobility with minimum bulk. The Inflatable PFD can be inflated either automatically by water
immersion, manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally by mouth. It is recommended that you
familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined in Instructions for Use (page 3).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance and safety information for model MD3188.
The PFD model number is listed on the underside label.
Commercial Vessel Use
This Inflatable PFD is not approved for “hot work”. Although the outer cover in the packed
condition is resistant to abrasion and puncture, care must be taken to avoid damage from
heat, abrasion, and sharp objects.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

Visual Inspection Instructions and Readiness Checklist
Before each use, perform a visual inspection and ensure each check box is checked.
FCheck that the single point status indicator is green.
•Examine the single point status indicator through the window panel of the
hydrostatic inflator (Figure 1 and 2). Ensure the indicator is green. If the indicator is
red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted (see Re-arming Your PFD,
page 8).
NOTE: The single point status indicator
must be green before proceeding.
FCheck that the current date is not past the date on
the inflator.
•If the current date is past the date on the
inflator, replace the inflator (see Re-arming Your
PFD, page 8).
FCheck that the oral tube dust cap is in the stowed
position (Figure 7).
•To access the oral tube, use the hook and loop
fastener™ tab
(Figure 1) to undo the zipper on the wearer’s left
side and unfold the inflatable cell.
FCheck for damage to the device.
•Check for rips, tears, excessive abrasion, fading, or holes.
•Check the seams for secure attachment.
•Check the cell cover, straps, and hardware for strength.
•Ensure the hardware is not deformed.
•If the device shows damage, it may need servicing or replacement.
Figure 1
Single
Point
Status
Water Inlet Valve
Lanyard
Manual Inflation
Pull-tab
Hydrostatic Inflator Cap
Yellow Inflator Cap
Cap/Locking Ring
Black Locking Ring
Inflator
Body
Expiry
Date
Figure 2
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

FCheck that the inflation pull-tab is hanging on the outside (Figure 32).
•If the pull-tab is not hanging on the outside, see Repacking Your PFD, page 11.
FCheck that all zippers, hook and loop fastener™ and waist buckle are securely fastened.
•If zippers are opened, repack the device according to Repacking Your PFD, page 11.
•Put on the inflatable PFD (see Donning Instructions, page 5).
FCheck that the inflatable PFD is not twisted.
•Feel the device around your neck to ensure it is not twisted.
Your Inflatable PFD is ready for use if all boxes are checked.
NOTE: Contact your Mustang dealer if you have any concerns about the
readiness of your Inflatable PFD.
Sizing and Fit
This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 lbs (150 N) of buoyancy when inflated and is designed
for wearers over 16 years of age, with a chest range of 30-52 inches (76-132 cm) weighing
over 80 pounds (36 kg).
Donning Instructions
It is important that the Inflatable PFD is properly adjusted to fit the person wearing it. An
incorrect fit or improper fastening of attachments could impede its effectiveness.
1. All belts and straps are already threaded correctly and only need to be adjusted for fit.
The belt should fit below your rib cage, adjusted to a tight personal fit.
2. Put the Inflatable PFD on just like a jacket (Figure 3) and fasten the front buckle.
WARNING: LOOSE VEST OR LOOSE ENDS CAN KILL OR MAIM YOU.
Figure 3
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

To secure loose ends:
3. Adjust the waist belt for a snug fit using the side buckle on the belt.
4. Reposition the plastic sliding loop as far back as possible to keep the free end from
hanging loose.
5. Wrap and tuck any remaining loose strap around belt.
6. Recheck loose ends and readjust as needed.
WARNING: Do not wear Inflatable PFDs under clothing as the inflation
could be restricted or you could be injured.
Removal Instructions
In some instances, quick removal of the PFD may be necessary for your safety.
Simply unfasten the front buckle, and remove the vest like a jacket.
In-water removal of your PFD may require deflation through the oral tube to access and open
the front buckle (see Deflating the Inflatable PFD, page8).
Inflating Your Inflatable PFD
It is recommended that the following procedures be
followed to inflate your Inflatable PFD:
1. Manual Inflation – Activate the inflation system
by jerking firmly downward on the pull-tab (Figure
4). The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5
seconds.
2. Automatic Backup Inflation – When
the inflator is lowered more than about
4 inches in the water, then the hydrostatic valve opens
and lets the water meet the water sensitive element
that in turn releases a stainless steel coil spring. The
spring then drives a needle into the end of the gas
cylinder, which is now punctured so that the gas
instantly fills the life jacket. Total buoyancy is normally
reached within 4-5 seconds.
Permeation Loss Information
Permeation loss is greater when the PFD is inflated with carbon dioxide (CO
2
gas) than with
air. When inflated, the CO
2
gas used to inflate the PFD will slowly escape through the fabric
over time. A slight reduction of pressure will be observed after several hours of inflation.
Topping up by oral inflation may be required in the event of prolonged immersion.
Figure 4
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

3. Oral Inflation – Properly armed and inspected
Inflatable PFDs will inflate when manually or
automatically activated. However, you can fully inflate
the Inflatable PFD by mouth (Figure 5) should inflation
not occur, or if you are in a non-emergency situation.
To orally inflate the Inflatable PFD in a non-emergency
situation:
i. Ensure the cylinder body and inflator cap are
properly installed.
ii. Open both of the zippers (2) starting from the
hook and loop fastener™ Tab (Figure1).
iii. Locate the oral inflation tube by opening the
wearer’s left front panel of the Inflatable PFD.
iv. Remove the dust cap from the end of the oral tube and blow into the tube until the
Inflatable PFD is fully inflated.
To orally inflate the Inflatable PFD in an emergency situation:
i. Locate the oral inflation tube by opening the zipper flap on the wearer’s left front
panel of the inflatable PFD.
ii. Remove the dust cap from the oral tube and blow into the tube. If the PFD does
not break out of the zippers entirely, separate the cover zipper by hand. Continue
blowing into the oral tube until the PFD is fully inflated.
WARNING: Avoid double inflation (CO2cylinder inflation after full oral
inflation) as it could damage the PFD.
Special Considerations for Inflatable Devices
The Inflatable PFD might not be armed when needed, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Inadvertent inflation causes several risks that you must address to avoid drowning. Much less
common but also important are:
1. Double inflation (CO
2
cylinder inflation after full oral inflation) could damage the
Inflatable PFD.
2. Inflation when stowed in a tight space could damage the Inflatable PFD.
3. If you need to jump from any height, always fold your arms over your chest to keep the
PFD in place when entering the water.
4. The Inflatable PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or position. If this
Inflatable PFD should inflate inadvertently, a re-arm kit (MA7214) is required to re-arm
the device.
IMPORTANT: The Inflatable PFD should be re-armed according to the
instructions (Re-arming Your PFD, page 8).
Figure 5
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual

Usage Below Freezing
When the temperature is below freezing, the Inflatable PFD should be worn partially inflated
because a fully discharged cylinder may not quickly or adequately inflate your Inflatable PFD.
If this happens, use the oral inflator to adequately top-up the PFD, after CO
2
inflation.
WARNING: CO2 inflation could over-pressurize and damage your Inflatable
PFD if already fully inflated.
Deflating the Inflatable PFD
1. To deflate the Inflatable PFD, reverse the oral-inflation
tube dust cap and insert it into the valve or depress
valve with fingertip. The dust cap will not lock in the
deflate position so it is necessary to hold it in place
(Figure 6).
2. Gently squeeze the Inflatable PFD until all air or gas
has been expelled. To avoid damage, do not wring or
twist the Inflatable PFD. Put the inflation tube dust
cap back in its stowed position on the oral inflation
tube (Figure 7).
IMPORTANT: Ensure all air has been removed
from the PFD.
3. Examine the single point status indicator (Figure 2).
If the indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired
and the inflator requires service (see Re-arming your
PFD, page 8).
IMPORTANT: The single point status indicator
must be green before proceeding.
4. Your device is ready to be repacked (see Repacking
Your PFD, page 11).
Re-arming Your PFD
NOTE: A valid re-arm kit (MA7214) is required for this procedure.
Warning
•This gas cylinder is under pressure, therefore misuse can be dangerous.
•Do not incinerate, expose to sunlight or store above 120°F (50°C).
•Do not throw into open fire or dump at sea.
•Keep away from children.
•Dispose of gas cylinders only when empty.
•Discharge and dispose of corroded or rusty cylinders.
Dust cap
position for
deflation
Dust cap
in stowed
position
Oral Inflator
Figure 7
Cap In
Deflate
Position
Figure 6
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual