Mustang Survival MD3181 User manual

FOR MODEL NUMBERS MD3181 / MD3183 / MD3184
OWNER'S MANUAL
INFLATABLE PFD
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
MD3181 MANUAL INFLATION MODEL
USCG APPROVALS: RECREATIONAL: TYPE III
UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSELS: TYPE V
WARNING: THE MD3181 WILL NOT INFLATE
AUTOMATICALLY UPON IMMERSION. TAB MUST BE
PULLED TO ACTIVATE INFLATION MECHANISM.
MD3183 HYDROSTATIC INFLATION MODEL
MANUAL WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUP
USCG APPROVALS: RECREATIONAL: TYPE II
UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSELS: TYPE V
MD3184 HYDROSTATIC INFLATION MODEL WITH HARNESS
MANUAL WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUP
USCG APPROVALS: TYPE V

TABLEOFCONTENTS
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS ............. 1
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE
OF INFLATABLE PFDsAND CO2CARTRIDGES .................................... 2
NOTE TO UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSEL OPERATORS ..... 2
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS............................................ 2
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?................................................................ 3
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE......................................................................... 4
UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSEL USE .......................................... 4
INSPECTING COMPONENTS........................................................................ 4
READINESS CHECKLIST ............................................................................... 5
SIZING AND FIT................................................................................................ 5
PUTTING ON (DONNING) YOUR PFD...................................................... 5
INFLATING YOUR PFD................................................................................... 6
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INFLATABLE DEVICES.................7
DEFLATING YOUR PFD ................................................................................. 8
USAGE BELOW FREEZING........................................................................... 8
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD................................................................................. 9
REPACKING YOUR PFD................................................................................13
SAILING HARNESS.........................................................................................16
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICABLE CONDITION? ................. 17

iii
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS........................................17
INSPECTING YOUR PFD...............................................................................17
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS FOR UCV OPERATORS.........................18
CLEANING AND STORING YOUR PFD....................................................18
WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?..........................19
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD.....................................................19
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
AUTOMATIC INFLATOR?
(FOR MODELS MD3183 AND MD3184) ..................................................20
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
MANUAL INFLATOR?....................................................................................21
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
ORAL INFLATOR?.........................................................................................22
WEAR YOUR PFD..................................................................................... 23
HYPOTHERMIA......................................................................................... 23
HOW HYPOTHERMIA AFFECTS MOST ADULTS ................................23
SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT
HYPOTHERMIA PROTECTION...................................................................23
EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED
TO HELP YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE ................................................. 25
INFLATABLE PFD SAFETY ACCESSORIES.......................................... 25
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................................................................26
DO NOT ATTACH PFDsTO YOUR BOAT ..............................................26

1 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – MD3181 / MD3183 / MD3184 / INFLATABLE PFD
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Recreational – This inflatable personal flotation device (PFD) is
approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as a Type III (Model
MD3181), Type II (Model MD3183), or Type V (Model MD3184) 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 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.
Model MD3184 has Type II performance but is approved as a Type V
Recreational PFD because it has a built-in sailing harness that can
cause injury if not properly used. A separate section titled “Sailing
Harness,” p. 16, discusses requirements and features on the MD3184
only. USCG approval does not apply to the sailing harness because
some of the risks associated with its use have not been evaluated.
Commercial – Models MD3181 and MD3183 are USCG-approved Type V
inflatable PFDs, approved ONLY WHEN WORN for use on uninspected
commercial vessels less than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers
for hire as a substitute for a Type III PFD (MD3181) or Type II PFD
(MD3183) when used in accordance with this owner’s manual.
MD3184 IS NOT USCG APPROVED FOR UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSELS.
Conditions for Type V Approval in commercial applications:
1. The MD3181 or MD3183 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 an uninspected commercial vessel is responsible
for servicing and maintaining the MD3181 or MD3183 in good
serviceable condition in accordance with this owner’s manual. See
Care and Maintenance Instructions, p. 17, for servicing information.
3. The operator of an uninspected commercial vessel is responsible
for providing each person onboard with the safety information
required for use of the MD3181 or MD3183. See p. 2 for information.
General – When fully inflated, this PFD will provide Type III (MD3181)
or Type II (MD3183) in-water performance. This PFD will turn most
wearers from a face down to a face up position and provide support
suitable for offshore conditions. See Re-arming Your PFD, p. 9.

2
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF INFLATABLE PFDs
AND CO2CYLINDERS
Regulations may apply to the air transport of inflatable PFDs. Only
with the approval of the aircraft operator may carbon dioxide
cylinder(s) be transported in checked or carry-on baggage. Please
consult airline operator policy. If your airline does not allow transport,
you may consider shipping your PFD and its CO2cylinder separately
to your destination or purchasing a re-arm kit once you arrive (check
availability before you go).
NOTE TO UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSEL OPERATORS
The operator of the vessel is required to provide the following user
information to each person on board.
Inflatable PFDs will not provide any buoyancy without being inflated.
Follow these instructions to be sure your PFD is armed and donned
correctly, and that you understand how to inflate the device.
• Basic visual inspection, see Readiness Checklist, p. 5
• Inflation system check, see Inspecting Components, p. 4
• Putting on (Donning) Your PFD, see p. 5
• Inflating Your PFD, see p. 6
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry Coast
Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with
the Coast Guard 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 non-
functional 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.

3 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – MD3181 / MD3183 / MD3184 / INFLATABLE PFD
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?
While traditional PFDs are inherently buoyant, inflatable PFDs rely
entirely on inflation for buoyancy. Uninflated, the Inflatable PFD is
a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at any time with a
33-gram CO2gas cylinder. The inflatable PFD is designed to offer
maximum mobility with minimum bulk. The models MD3183 and
MD3184 can be inflated either automatically by water immersion,
manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally by mouth. The model MD3181
can be inflated manually by jerking the pull-tab or orally by mouth.
It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the procedures
outlined in Instructions For Use, p. 4.

4
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance, and safety
information for models MD3181, MD3183, and MD3184. The model
number is listed on the underside label.
UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSEL USE
This inflatable PFD is not approved for “hot work,” and care must be
taken to avoid damage from abrasion and sharp objects.
INSPECTING COMPONENTS
1. Examine the single point
status indicator through the
window panel (Fig. 1). Ensure
the indicator is green. If the
indicator (Fig. 2 for MD3183
and MD3184, or 2a for MD3181)
is red, the mechanism has
been fired or is incorrectly
fitted (see Re-arming Your
PFD, p. 9).
THE SINGLE POINT STATUS INDICATOR
MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
2. Undo the zipper on the
wearer's left side, exposing
the oral inflator.
3. Ensure the oral inflation cap is
in the stowed position (Fig. 7).
4. Ensure the single point status
indicator is green and the
pull-tab lanyard is hanging
on the outside; secure the
zippers on the PFD (see
Repacking Your PFD, p. 13).
5. Ensure the current date is not
past the date on the inflator.
If it is, replace the inflator
(see Re-arming Your
PFD, p. 9).
Oral Inflator
(behind cell)
Velcro
TM
Tab
Pull-tab
Front
Buckle Adjustment
Point
Zipper
End
Waist Belt
Unpacked
Inator
Window
Panel
Single
Point
Status
Indicator
Water Inlet Valve
Lanyard
Manual Inflation
Pull-tab
Yellow Inflator Cap
Cap/Locking Ring
Tabs
Black Locking Ring
Inflator
Body
Expiry
Date
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
Black Locking Ring Yellow Inator Cap
Single Point
Status Indicator
Inator Body
Expiry Date
Lanyard
HAMMAR
FIGURE 2A
UNPACKED
INFLATABLE PFD
MD3183 AND MD3184
MD3181

5 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – MD3181 / MD3183 / MD3184 / INFLATABLE PFD
READINESS CHECKLIST
Check your PFD and ensure all of the checkpoints listed below are
true before use.
Single point status indicator is green (Fig. 2 or 2a).
Ensure the current date is not past the date on the inflator. If it is,
replace the inflator (see Re-arming Your PFD, p. 9).
All zippers, Velcro™, and waist buckle are securely fastened.
Ensure both zipper stops are in place under Velcro™Tab (Fig. 25)
Oral inflation cap is in the stowed position (Fig. 7).
Inflatable PFD is not twisted.
Ensure the inflation pull-tab is hanging on the outside (Fig. 31).
No rips, tears, excessive abrasion, or holes; all seams are securely
sewn; and the cover, straps, and hardware are still strong.
CONTACT YOUR MUSTANG SURVIVAL DEALER IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT
THE READINESS OF YOUR INFLATABLE PFD.
SIZING AND FIT
This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 pounds 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) and weighing over
80 pounds (36 kg).
PUTTING ON (DONNING) YOUR PFD
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.
For the non-harness models MD3181 and MD3183, the belt should fit
below your rib cage adjusted to a tight personal fit.
For the harness model MD3184, the bottom of the belt must always
be worn at least two inches (5 cm) above the lowest rib and
adjusted to a tight personal fit.
2. Put the PFD on just like a jacket (Fig. 3) 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.
WARNING: DO NOT WEAR INFLATABLE PFDS UNDER CLOTHING AS THE INFLATION
COULD BE RESTRICTED OR YOU COULD BE INJURED.

6
FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
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. 4). The PFD should fully inflate within five seconds.
2. AUTOMATIC BACKUP INFLATION
(FOR MODELS MD3183 AND MD3184 ONLY)
When the inflator is lowered more than about four inches in the
water, 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 carbon dioxide (CO2)
cylinder, which is now punctured so that the CO2instantly fills the
PFD. Total buoyancy is normally reached within four to five seconds.
Once the PFD is inflated, the CO2will 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 very prolonged immersion.
SEE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INFLATABLE DEVICES.
FIGURE 3
MD4031 MD4032
Manual Inflator Automatic Inflator
DONNING YOUR PFD
MANUAL INFLATION ORAL INFLATION

7 MUSTANG SURVIVAL/ OWNER'S MANUAL – MD3181 / MD3183 / MD3184 / INFLATABLE PFD
INFLATING YOUR PFD (CONT'D)
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. 5) should inflation not occur, or
if you are in a non-emergency situation.
i. To orally inflate the PFD, first ensure that both of the two
zippers are completely opened.
ii. Locate the oral inflation tube by opening the wearer’s left
front panel. Remove the cap from the end of the oral tube
and blow into the tube until the PFD is fully inflated.
WARNING: DOUBLE INFLATION – DO NOT MANUALLY ACTIVATE THE INFLATOR
WHEN YOUR PFD IS FILLED WITH AIR. DOING SO WILL RESULT IN EXCESSIVELY
HIGH PRESSURE WITHIN THE INFLATION CHAMBER, WHICH MAY CAUSE
PERMANENT DAMAGE. WHEN YOUR PFD IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH AIR, THE
INFLATOR MAY NOT AUTOMATICALLY INFLATE WHEN EXPOSED TO WATER.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INFLATABLE DEVICES
The inflatable PFD might not be armed when needed, either
knowingly or unknowingly. Inadvertant inflation causes several
risks that you must address to avoid drowning. Much less common
but also important are:
1. Double inflation (CO2cylinder inflation after full oral inflation)
could damage the PFD.
2. Inflation when stored in a tight space could damage the PFD.
3. The PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place
or position.
If this PFD should inflate inadvertently, a re-arm kit is required to
re-arm the device (MA7214 for models MD3183 and MD3184, and
MA3181 for model MD3181).
THE INFLATABLE PFD SHOULD ALWAYS BE RE-ARMED ACCORDING TO THE
INSTRUCTIONS (SEE RE-ARMING YOUR PFD, P. 9).