Mustang Survival MD2021 User manual

FOR MODEL NUMBER MD2021
OWNER'S MANUAL
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
HT2021 REV 03SEP2021
MD2021 INFLATABLE PFD
CONVERTIBLE INFLATION MODEL
APPROVED BY TRANSPORT CANADA
WARNING: WHEN ARMED IN MANUAL ONLY MODE,
THE MD2021 WILL NOT INFLATE AUTOMATICALLY
UPON IMMERSION. TAB MUST BE PULLED TO
ACTIVATE INFLATION MECHANISM.

II
TABLE OFCONTENTS
INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICES....................................................................1
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICE?................................1
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS ..........1
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS...........................................2
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF INFLATABLE ...
PFDS AND CO2CARTRIDGES.......................................................................2
WHY ARE PFDsREQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT? .........................2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE .....................................................................................3
COMPONENT INSPECTION........................................................................... 3
READINESS CHECKLIST................................................................................. 4
SIZING AND FIT................................................................................................... 4
PUTTING ON (DONNING) YOUR PFD ..................................................... 5
INFLATING YOUR PFD. ................................................................................... 5
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONVERTIBLE
(AUTOMATIC/MANUAL) INFLATORS.......................................................7
DEFLATING YOUR PFD....................................................................................7
CONVERTING YOUR PFD .............................................................................. 8
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD IN AUTOMATIC MODE ................................. 9
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD IN MANUAL MODE .......................................12
REPACKING YOUR PFD .................................................................................14
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?....... 14
USING YOUR DEVICE IN COLD TEMPERATURES........................... 15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................15
BEFORE EACH USE..........................................................................................15
BEGINNING OF BOATING SEASON
AND EVERY SIX MONTHS............................................................................16
CLEANING AND STORING.................................................................................16

III
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD............................................................17
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
WITH THE INFLATOR IN AUTOMATIC MODE.....................................18
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
WITH THE INFLATOR IN MANUAL MODE............................................19
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
WITH THE ORAL INFLATOR ..................................................................... 20
CHOOSE A FLOTATION DEVICE
THAT YOU WILL WANT TO WEAR.................................................................20
COLD SHOCK...........................................................................................................21
HYPOTHERMIA........................................................................................................21
THIS DEVICE IS DESIGNED TO HELP
YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE.............................................................................22
SAFETY ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................................................................22
DO NOT ATTACH PFDsTO YOUR BOAT ...................................................... 22

1
INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICES
Inflatable flotation devices are special devices in that the flotation
of the wearer is not derived from inherently buoyant materials. In
order for them to do their job, you, the wearer, must do yours! This
means you have the responsibility to ensure you are familiar with the
operation and maintenance requirements of your flotation device!
You must also be aware of the limitations of the device and know
that it is not approved under the Small Vessel Regulations for certain
boating activities.
READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL AND THE INFORMATION LABELS ON YOUR DEVICE! IT
COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICE?
While traditional flotation devices are inherently buoyant, this
flotation device relies entirely on inflation for buoyancy. Uninflated,
the MD2021 is a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at any
time with a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas cylinder. It is designed to
oer maximum mobility with minimum bulk. The MD2021 uses a
convertible inflator. Depending on the installed inflator cap, operation
and instructions will dier: grey is Automatic Mode, and yellow is
Manual Mode. When the grey, automatic cap is installed, the PFD will
inflate either automatically during immersion, manually by jerking a
pull-tab, or orally (by mouth). When the yellow, manual inflator cap
is installed, the PFD will only inflate manually by jerking a pull-tab or
orally (by mouth).
APPROVAL CONDITIONS
This inflatable flotation device is approved by the Transport Canada
for use as a Type II or Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
depending on whether the convertible inflator is in Automatic Mode
or Manual Mode. It is not approved for water skiing or other high
impact, high speed activities. This PFD was designed to be more
comfortable and less restrictive to wear than inherently buoyant
PFDs. When worn, used, and serviced according to this owner’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.

2
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
The Small Vessel Regulations require that you carry on board a
Transport Canada approved personal flotation device, which bears a
mark or label indicating the approval and which is of an appropriate
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 a nonfunctional oral inflation
tube. Unless worn inflated, this PFD must also be properly armed with
a full CO2cylinder, 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.
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF INFLATABLE PFDsAND CO2
CARTRIDGES
Please be aware that regulations may apply to the air transport of this
product. With the approval of the aircraft operator, CO2cylinder(s)
may be carried by a passenger or crew in checked or carry-on
baggage. Please consult airline operator policy.
WHY ARE PFDsREQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above
water, help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your
chances for survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 3.2 to
5.5 kg (7 to 12 pounds) of flotation to keep their heads above water.
The proper size PFD will properly support the weight of the wearer.
Since this PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides flotation
only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this
PFD so you know what to do in an emergency.

3
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance, and safety
information for model MD2021. The model number is listed on the
underside label.
COMPONENT INSPECTION
1. Examine the service indicator through the window panel (Fig. 1).
Ensure the service indicator is green. If the service indicator is
red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted (See
“Re-arming your PFD in Automatic Mode,” page 9, or “Re-arming
your PFD in Manual Mode,” page 12).
THE SERVICE INDICATOR MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
2. Undo the Velcro™ strips along both sides of the PFD.
3. Ensure the oral inflator cap is in the stowed position (Fig. 6).
4. Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin, must have been
purchased within the last three years. If the purchase date is
unknown, check the expiration date printed on the bobbin: if the
current date is past the printed expiration, replace the bobbin
(see “Re-arming Your PFD in Automatic Mode,” page 9).
5. Ensure the service indicator is green and the pull-tab lanyard is
hanging on the outside (Fig. 1); secure the Velcro™ strips on both
sides of the PFD.
FIGURE 1
Pull-Tab
MD2021 SERVICE INDICATOR: AUTOMATIC MODE

4
READINESS CHECKLIST
Check your PFD and ensure all of the checkpoints listed below are
true before use:
 Service indicator is green.
 No rips, tears, or holes; all seams are securely sewn; and the fabric,
straps, and hardware are still strong.
 All Velcro™ are securely fastened.
 PFD is not twisted.
 Oral inflator cap is in the stowed position.
 Ensure the inflation pull-tab is hanging on the outside (Fig. 1)
 Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin, must have been
purchased within the last three years. If the purchase date is
unknown, check the expiration date printed on the bobbin: if the
current date is past the printed expiration, replace the bobbin
(see “Re-arming Your PFD in Automatic Mode,” page 9).
CONTACT YOUR MUSTANG SURVIVAL DEALER IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT
THE READINESS OF YOUR PFD.
SIZING AND FIT
This PFD provides a minimum of 15.3kg/33.7 pounds (150 Newtons)
of buoyancy when inflated and is designed for wearers over 16 years
of age, with a chest range of 76-132 cm (30-52 inches) weighing over
36 kg (80 pounds).

5
PUTTING ON (DONNING) YOUR PFD
It is important that the 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 sit below your rib cage
adjusted to a tight personal fit.
2. Put the PFD on just like a jacket (Fig. 2) and fasten the front
buckle. Adjust the waist belt using the side buckle on the belt,
and secure the belt’s loose end in the belt loop.
ALWAYS WEAR INFLATABLE PFDsOVER CLOTHING (AS THE OUTERMOST LAYER) TO
AVOID RESTRICTED INFLATION, WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU
AND/OR DAMAGE
FIGURE 2
DONNING
INFLATING YOUR PFD
Follow the below procedures to inflate your PFD:
1. Manual Inflation
Activate the inflation system
by jerking firmly downward
on the pull-tab (Fig. 3).
The PFD should fully inflate
within five seconds.
FIGURE 3 PULL-TAB

6
PULL-TAB
2. Automatic Backup Inflation
(only when the grey automatic inflator cap is installed)
Inflation will occur automatically within ten seconds after the
inflator is immersed in water. The water-sensing bobbin will
disintegrate, triggering a spring-loaded plunger, which punctures
the CO2cylinder (Fig. 8) to inflate the PFD.
Once the PFD is inflated, CO2will slowly escape through the fabric
over time. You will notice a slight reduction of pressure after several
hours of inflation. In the event of very prolonged immersion, you may
have to top up by oral inflation.
SEE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONVERTIBLE (AUTOMATIC/MANUAL)
INFLATORS
3. Oral Inflation
Properly armed and inspected inflatable PFDs will inflate when
manually or automatically
activated. However, you can
fully inflate the PFD by mouth
(Fig. 4) should inflation not
occur, or if you are in a non-
emergency situation.
To orally inflate the PFD, first
locate the oral inflation tube
by opening your left front
panel. Remove the cap from
the end of the oral tube and
blow into the tube until the
PFD is fully inflated. Place
the oral tube cap back in the
stowed position (Fig. 6).
AVOID DOUBLE INFLATION!
DO NOT MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATE THE INFLATOR WHEN YOUR
FLOTATION DEVICE IS FILLED WITH AIR. DOING SO WILL RESULT IN EXCESSIVELY
HIGH PRESSURE WITHIN THE INFLATION CHAMBER, WHICH MAY CAUSE PERMANENT
DAMAGE TO YOUR DEVICE AND/OR EXTREME DISCOMFORT TO YOU.
FIGURE 4 ORAL INFLATION

7
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONVERTIBLE
(AUTOMATIC/MANUAL) INFLATORS
The PFD might not be armed when needed, either knowingly by
the user or unknowingly. It is important to know in which inflation
mode your PFD is configured each time you use it. When the PFD
is in Automatic Mode, premature inflation may occur in certain
conditions, including when the device is subjected to heavy splashing,
high humidity, heavy fog, and heavy rain. Care and attention should
be taken to ensure that when the device is used in these types of
conditions, auto-inflation does not occur prematurely.
Much less common but also important are: inadvertent inflation when
stored in a tight space, which could damage the PFD; and inadvertent
inflation when you are in an awkward place or position.
If this PFD should inflate prematurely or inadvertently, a re-arm kit
(MA7113) is required to re-arm the device.
ALWAYS RE-ARM YOUR PFD ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS (SEE “RE-ARMING
YOUR PFD IN AUTOMATIC MODE,” PAGE 9).
DEFLATING YOUR PFD
1. To deflate the PFD, reverse the oral inflator cap and insert it into
the valve. The cap will not lock in the deflate position so you must
hold it in place (Fig. 5).
2. Gently squeeze the PFD until all air or gas has been expelled. To
avoid damage do not wring or twist the PFD. Put the oral inflator
cap back in its stowed position on the oral inflator (Fig. 6).
FIGURE 5
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
stowed
position
FIGURE 6
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
stowed
position
DEFLATE POSITION CLOSE-UP VIEW

8
CLOSE-UP VIEW
3. Examine the service indicator (Fig. 1). If the service indicator is
red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted and the
inflator requires service (see “Re-arming your PFD in Automatic
Mode,” page 9, or “Re-arming your PFD in Manual Mode,” page 12).
THE SERVICE INDICATOR MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
4. Your device is ready to be repacked (see “Repacking Your PFD,”
page 14).
CONVERTING YOUR PFD
To convert your PFD, you will need:
• Grey inflator cap (Automatic Mode)
• Yellow inflator cap (Manual Mode)
• Yellow bobbin supplied with your device
CONVERTING TO AUTOMATIC MODE (GREY INFLATOR CAP)
1. Open inflator cover flap to expose the inflator.
IF THE GREY CAP IS INSTALLED, THE PFD IS ALREADY IN AUTOMATIC MODE.
2. If the yellow inflator cap is installed, remove cap by turning
it counterclockwise.
3. Check housing to be sure it is clear and dry. If necessary, rinse the
inflator housing with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Let dry
before proceeding to step 4.
4. Inspect the yellow bobbin. If the bobbin has been fired or
damaged, replace it! Ensure the bobbin is valid: check the
expiration date printed on the bobbin: if the current date is past
the printed expiration, replace the bobbin.
5. IMPORTANT! The yellow bobbin must be installed into the housing
(Fig. 7), white side up, aligning the slots on the bobbin with the
ridges inside the threaded housing. The bobbin will slide in.
6. Install the grey cap by screwing it into the housing: turn it
clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder.
7. Check that the cylinder is in place and secure by turning
it clockwise.
8. Store the unused yellow manual inflator cap in the PFD
waist pocket.

9
CONVERTING TO MANUAL MODE (YELLOW INFLATOR CAP)
1. Open inflator cover flap to expose the inflator.
IF THE YELLOW CAP IS INSTALLED, THE PFD IS ALREADY IN MANUAL MODE.
2. If the grey inflator cap is installed, remove cap by turning it
counterclockwise.
3. Remove yellow bobbin from cap or housing unit. If bobbin is
unused, store in a dry location. If bobbin is used, discard.
4. Check housing to be sure it is clear and dry. If necessary, rinse the
inflator housing with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Let dry
before proceeding to step 5.
5. Install yellow inflator cap by screwing it into the housing: turn it
clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder.
6. Check that the cylinder is in place and secure by turning it
clockwise.
7. Store the unused grey automatic inflator cap in the PFD waist
pocket.
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD IN AUTOMATIC MODE
A re-arm kit (MA7113) with a valid (unexpired) bobbin (check re-arm
kit packaging) is required for this procedure. These re-arm
instructions are only valid when grey automatic inflator cap is
installed.
Follow instructions in the exact sequence below:
1. Open the inflator cover flap to expose the inflator (Fig. 7).
2. Unthread the cylinder by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove cap by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Remove bobbin from cap or housing unit. Discard bobbin.
THE YELLOW BOBBIN MAY REMAIN IN THE HOUSING OR IN THE CAP ASSEMBLY WHEN
YOU REMOVE THE CAP. ENSURE BOBBIN HAS BEEN REMOVED PRIOR TO RE-ARMING.
5. Check the housing to be sure it is clear and dry. If necessary,
rinse the inflator with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Let dry
before going to step 6.
6. Ensure the new bobbin is valid. Check the expiration date printed
on the bobbin: If the current date is past the printed expiration,
replace the bobbin.

10
7. IMPORTANT! Bobbin (yellow) must be installed into the housing
(Fig. 7), white side up, aligning the slots on the bobbin with the
ridges inside the threaded housing. The bobbin will slide in.
8. Install the grey cap by screwing it into the housing: turn it
clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder.
9. Check the new cylinder. Ensure that the CO2cylinder has not
been pierced (Fig. 8).
10. Push, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. Install a new
cylinder by turning clockwise to a full stop.
CYLINDER MUST BE TURNED TO A FULL STOP OR THE DEVICE WILL NOT INFLATE.
11. Examine the service indicator (Fig. 7) and ensure it is GREEN. If
the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is
incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service.
THE SERVICE INDICATOR MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
12. Refold the PFD in accordance with the Repacking section (see
“Repacking Your PFD,” page 14). Your MD2021 inflatable PFD is
now ready for manual use with automatic back up.
Your MD2021 inflatable PFD is now ready for manual use with
automatic back up.

11
FIGURE 7
Solid
Cylinder
Top
Pierced
Cylinder
Top
Caution:
Do not use if the
cylinder top is pierced.
FIGURE 8 CHECKING C02CYLINDER
MD2021 AUTOMATIC MODE
Automatic Cap (Grey)
Housing
Housing Shoulder
Service Indicator
Cylinder
Lever
(Inside Housing)
Pull -Tab
Yellow Bobbin
(white side up)
If GREEN,
unit is operable
If RED,
stop and service unit

12
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD IN MANUAL MODE
A re-arm kit (MA7113) is required for this procedure. These re-arm
instructions are only valid when yellow manual inflator cap is installed.
Follow instructions in the exact sequence below:
1. Unpack or open the PFD to expose the inflator (Fig. 9).
2. Unthread the used cylinder by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Check the new cylinder to ensure that it has not been pierced
(Fig. 8).
4. Push, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. Install a new
cylinder by turning clockwise to a full stop.
CYLINDER MUST BE TURNED TO A FULL STOP OR THE DEVICE WILL NOT INFLATE.
5. Examine the service indicator (Fig. 9) and ensure it is GREEN. If
the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is
incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service.
THE SERVICE INDICATOR MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
6. Refold the PFD in accordance with the Repacking section
(see “Repacking Your PFD,” page 14).
Your MD2021 inflatable PFD is now ready for manual use.

13
FIGURE 9 MD2021 MANUAL MODE
Manual Cap (Yellow)
Housing
Housing Shoulder
Service Indicator
Cylinder
Lever
(Inside Housing)
Pull -Tab
If GREEN,
unit is operable
If RED,
stop and service unit
MANUAL
ONLY

14
A B
CD
FIGURE 10
View Status Indicator
FIGURE 11
REPACKING YOUR PFD
Repack only after deflating and re-arming the PFD.
FOLD SIDES CORRECT
1. Fold sides (A) and (B) outward and (C) and (D) inward along
dotted lines. Secure with Velcro™ (Fig. 10).
2. Make sure inflator status indicator is viewable through window.
3. Make sure the inflator pull-tab is on the outside of the folded
PFD. Fig. 11 depicts a correctly folded PFD.
4. If the device is armed in Manual Only mode, make sure to
extend the inflator cap “Manual only” flag to the outside of the
device through the Velcro™.
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?
Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly
armed; that it is free of rips, tears, or holes; that all seams are
securely sewn; and that the fabric, straps, and hardware are still
strong (see “Readiness Checklist,” page 4). Inspect the inflatable
portion of the PFD in accordance with “Care and Maintenance,”
page 15.

15
USING YOUR DEVICE IN COLD TEMPERATURES
As temperatures approach freezing, your flotation device will provide
less buoyancy and will inflate more slowly. At temperatures near
freezing, the device should be worn partially inflated with the CO2
cylinder to ensure that some buoyancy is immediately available
to you if you fall overboard. The oral inflator can then be used to
adequately top up the flotation device after CO2inflation.
IN COLD, ONLY PARTIALLY INFLATE! DO NOT FULLY INFLATE THE DEVICE ORALLY
AND THEN ACTIVATE THE CO2CYLINDER. THE RESULTING OVERPRESSURE COULD
SERIOUSLY DAMAGE THE DEVICE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF FLOTATION.
In temperatures below freezing, flotation devices that inflate are not
recommended.
CAREAND MAINTENANCE
It is important to care for and maintain your flotation device in order
to ensure it will perform as designed when you need it. We suggest
you keep a record of the inspections performed on your flotation
device – using permanent ink on the Care and Storage label below
the oral inflation tube. If you are not confident in the self-inspection
and servicing of your flotation device in accordance with these
instructions, contact Mustang Survival Customer Service.
You are required to check this flotation device:
• Before each use (component inspection)
• At the beginning of each boating season, and then every six
months after (leak test and thorough visual examination)
• After each inflation (perform re-arm)
BEFORE EACH USE
• Examine the single point status indicator ensuring it is green. If the
indicator is red, your PFD needs to be re-armed (see “Re-arming
Your PFD in Automatic Mode,” page 9, or see “Re-arming Your
PFD in Manual Mode,” page 12).
• Ensure the manual pull-tab is accessible.
• Visually examine your PFD for damage or excessive abrasion, wear,
tear, and/or contamination. If any item shows signs of damage,
perform tasks listed in “Beginning of Boating Season and Every
Six Months,” page 16.

16
BEGINNING OF BOATING SEASON AND EVERY SIX MONTHS
In addition to the inspections specified for before each use, perform
the following at least at the beginning of each boating season and/
or every six months. (or more often if exposed to potential damage or
used in extreme conditions.)
When completing this check at the beginning of the season, record as
an “Annual Inspection,” noting the date in permanent ink on the Care
and Storage label, in the Date Maintained column. Repack the PFD as
outlined in the Repacking section, page 14.
• Component Inspection
Thoroughly check all components for dirt and/or corrosion. Clean
or replace, as necessary. If in doubt, contact Mustang Survival
Customer Service.
• Leak Test
Orally inflate your PFD until firm and let stand for at least two
hours, ideally overnight (16 hours), in a temperature stable
environment. A leaking PFD will not hold its firmness and should
be replaced. If your PFD leaks, contact Mustang Survival Customer
Service.
AFTER THE LEAK TEST, DEFLATE THE PFD TO CHECK THE COMPONENTS BEFORE
REPACKING.
• Cylinder Inspection
Unthread the CO2cylinder by turning it counterclockwise, then
remove and inspect the small end to ensure it is not pierced.
Re-install the unused CO2cylinder by pressing the manual inflator
arm up into the housing, and screwing the cylinder in clockwise so
it is hand-tight.
• Bobbin Inspection
Remove the automatic inflator cap (grey) by turning it
counterclockwise, and remove the bobbin from the inflator housing.
Check that the white “pill” in the bobbin is still intact; replace if
damaged. Ensure the current date is not past the expiration date
printed on the bobbin. Place the valid bobbin back in the housing
(it will slide in easily in the correct orientation) and screw the cap
back on clockwise, until it is stopped by the housing shoulder.
• Verify the service indicator is green, and repack the device.

17
CLEANING AND STORING YOUR PFD
To clean your PFD, hand wash or sponge down with warm, soapy
water, taking care not to expose the inflator to water. Rinse your PFD
with clean water, taking care to avoid the inflator (in particular the
bobbin), and hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Do not dry clean,
use chlorine bleach, or apply direct heat. Always store your fully dried
PFD in a warm, dry, well ventilated place out of direct sunlight.
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD
An inflatable device does not have inherent buoyancy, meaning that
it must be inflated to provide flotation. You must understand how to
arm, inflate, and maintain your inflatable device. Familiarize yourself
with the use of your flotation device so you know what to do in an
emergency.
Always test your flotation device in a safe manner, under controlled
conditions, and where help is readily available.
Inflate your flotation device and try it out in a pool, or some other
calm protected water, with proper supervision.
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/
Beginning of Boating Season and Every Six Months,” page 16)
• It should inflate quickly and easily
Learn how it works
• Activate the CO2inflation system
• Re-arm the CO2inflation system
• Use the oral inflation tube
To properly test your flotation device and to ensure you have a
replacement re-arming kit, it is recommended that you should
purchase two re-arming kits: one to be used immediately in testing
the inflator in Automatic Mode or Manual Mode, and the other to
carry on board as a spare. Remember you must re-arm your flotation
device after discharging the CO2cartridge.