Mustang Survival MD3188 User manual

I
FOR MODEL NUMBER MD3188
MANUFACTURER'S
MANUAL
INFLATABLE PFD
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
HT2132 REV 07APR2020
MD3188 HYDROSTATIC INFLATION MODEL
MANUAL WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUP
USCG APPROVALS:
COMMERCIAL: TYPE V WORK VEST
UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSELS: TYPE V
RECREATIONAL: TYPE II

II MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
TABLEOFCONTENTS
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............................................................................4
COMMERCIAL VESSEL USE ........................................................................ 4
VISUAL INSPECTION AND READINESS CHECKLIST ...................... 4
SIZING AND FIT................................................................................................... 6
PUTTING ON (DONNING) YOUR PFD .................................................... 6
REMOVING YOUR PFD.....................................................................................7
INFLATING YOUR PFD .....................................................................................7
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR INFLATABLE DEVICES.............. 9
USAGE BELOW FREEZING .......................................................................... 9
DEFLATING YOUR PFD................................................................................... 9
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD................................................................................ 10
REPACKING YOUR PFD.................................................................................14
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?................ 17
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATORS......... 17
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS......................................... 18
BEFORE EACH USE..........................................................................................18
AFTER EACH CO2INFLATION....................................................................18
EVERY THREE MONTHS................................................................................19
ANNUALLY......................................................................................................... 20
EVERY FIVE YEARS....................................................................................... 20
CLEANING AND STOWAGE OF YOUR PFD........................................21

III
DETERMINE IF YOUR PFD NEEDS SERVICING..................................... 21
COMMERCIAL TRAINING CONTENT AND PROCEDURE ....................22
USE..........................................................................................................................23
MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................24
WHY ARE PFDsREQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT? ............................25
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD.................................................... 26
HOW TO TEST YOUR PFD USING
THE AUTOMATIC INFLATOR.....................................................................26
HOW TO TEST YOUR PFD USING
THE MANUAL INFLATOR ............................................................................27
HOW TO TEST YOUR PFD USING
THE ORAL INFLATOR ...................................................................................27
WEAR YOUR PFD .......................................................................................28
HYPOTHERMIA............................................................................................28
HOW HYPOTHERMIA AFFECTS MOST ADULTS..............................28
EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU
SAVE YOUR LIFE........................................................................................ 30
INFLATABLE PFD SAFETY ACCESSORIES ........................................... 30
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .................................................................. 30
DO NOT ATTACH PFDsTO YOUR BOAT ............................................. 30
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF INFLATABLE
PFDsAND CO
2
CARTRIDGES .....................................................................31
COPYRIGHT © 2020 MUSTANG SURVIVAL CORP.
NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE REPRODUCED, TRANSMITTED, OR TRANSCRIBED
IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF MUSTANG
SURVIVAL CORP.
WHILE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE TECHNICAL ACCURACY,
INFORMATION WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

1 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
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 oer 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 pull-tab 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 the cockpit in any other type of boat, or
readily available to any other adult occupant while below deck.

2
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,” such as burning, welding,
riveting, grinding.
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 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 18, 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.

3 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
General – When fully inflated, this inflatable PFD will provide Type II
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. This PFD must be in good and serviceable condition
including properly armed with a full CO2cylinder, inflation system
status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard.
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 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.
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 PFD is a
comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at any time with a
33-gram CO
2
gas cylinder. The PFD is designed to offer maximum
mobility with minimum bulk. It 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 the “Instructions for Use” on the following page.

4
FIGURE 1 MD3188 PFD
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.
VISUAL INSPECTION AND READINESS CHECKLIST
Before each use, perform a visual inspection and ensure each check
box is checked.
FIGURE 2
Single
P
oint
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
¨Check that the single point
status indicator is green.
• Examine the single point
status indicator through
the window panel of the
hydrostatic inflator (Fig. 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 10).
THE SINGLE POINT STATUS INDICATOR
MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING. HYDROSTATIC INFLATOR

5 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
¨Check 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 10).
¨Check that the oral tube cap is in the stowed position (Fig.7).
• To access the oral tube, use the Velcro™ tab (Fig. 1: item C) to
undo the zipper on the wearer’s left side and unfold the
inflatable cell.
¨Check 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.
¨Ensure both zipper stops are in place under Velcro™ tab (Fig. 25).
¨Check that the inflation pull-tab is hanging on the outside
(Fig. 1: item F).
• If the pull-tab is not hanging on the outside, see “Repacking
Your PFD,” page 14.
¨Check that all zippers, Velcro™ and waist buckle are securely
fastened.
• If zippers are opened, repack the device according to
“Repacking Your PFD,” page 14.
• Put on the PFD (see “Putting on [Donning] Your PFD,” page 6).
¨Check that the PFD is not twisted.
• Feel the device around your neck to ensure it is not twisted.
CONTACT YOUR MUSTANG DEALER IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE
READINESS OF YOUR PFD.

6
SIZING AND FIT
This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 pounds (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).
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 fit below your rib cage,
adjusted to a tight personal fit.
2. Put the PFD on just like a jacket and fasten the front buckle (Fig. 3).
WARNING: LOOSE VEST OR LOOSE ENDS CAN MAIM OR KILL YOU.
3. Adjust the waist belt for a snug fit using the side buckle on the
belt (Fig. 3).
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 straps 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.
FIGURE 3
DONNING YOUR PFD

7 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
REMOVING YOUR PFD
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 Your PFD,”
page9).
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 –
When the inflator is lowered more
than about four 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 four to five seconds.
Permeation loss is greater when the PFD is inflated with carbon
dioxide (CO2) gas than with air: the gas 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 MANUAL INFLATION

8
FIGURE 5 ORAL INFLATION
3. Oral Inflation – Properly armed
and inspected 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.
To orally inflate the PFD in a
non-emergency situation:
i. Ensure the cylinder body and
inflator cap are properly installed.
ii. Open both of the zippers starting
from the Velcro™ Tab (Fig.1).
iii. Locate the oral inflation tube by
opening the wearer’s left
front panel.
iv. Remove the cap from the end of the oral tube and blow into
the tube until the PFD is fully inflated.
To orally inflate the PFD in an emergency situation:
i. Locate the oral inflation tube by opening the zipper flap on the
wearer’s left front panel.
ii. Remove the 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.

9 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE 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 (CO2cylinder inflation after full oral inflation)
could damage the PFD.
2. Inflation when stowed in a tight space could damage the 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 PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or
position. If this PFD should inflate inadvertently, a re-arm kit
(MA7214) is required to re-arm the device.
THE PFD SHOULD ALWAYS BE RE-ARMED ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE “RE-ARMING YOUR PFD,” PAGE 10).
USAGE BELOW FREEZING
Do not use inflatable PFDs in below freezing temperatures because
a fully discharged cylinder may not quickly or adequately inflate
your PFD.
FIGURE 6
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
stowed
position
DEFLATE POSITION
DEFLATING YOUR PFD
1. To deflate the PFD, reverse
the oral-inflation tube cap
and insert it into the valve or
depress the valve with your
fingertip. The cap will not
lock in the deflate position
so it is necessary to hold it
in place (Fig. 6).

10
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 inflation tube
cap back in its stowed
position on the oral inflation
tube (Fig. 7).
ENSURE ALL AIR HAS BEEN REMOVED
FROM THE PFD.
3. Examine the single point
status indicator (Fig. 2).
If the indicator is red, the
mechanism has been fired
and the inflator requires
service (see “Re-arming
Your PFD,” below).
THE SINGLE POINT STATUS INDICATOR MUST BE GREEN BEFORE PROCEEDING.
4. Your device is ready to be repacked (see “Repacking Your PFD,”
page 14).
RE-ARMING YOUR PFD
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.
Stowed
position
Deflate
position
FIGURE 7 ORAL INFLATION CAP

11 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
FIGURE 10
Cap
1. Place the PFD on a smooth, flat
surface and wipe off any water. If
needed, unpack the PFD starting at
the zipper flap. Access the inflator
by reaching between the cover
and cell and pulling it toward you,
turning the cell and cover inside-
out to fully expose the inflator for
re-arming. Hold the CO
2
cylinder
through the fabric, using one hand
(Fig. 8).
2. Insert the metal key between
the black locking ring and the
labeled yellow cap. Turn the key
counterclockwise (Fig. 9). FIGURE 8
3. Turn the black locking ring counterclockwise and lift off the cap
(yellow inflator operating head), Fig. 10. Dispose of the used cap.
FIGURE 9
Locking Ring Key
INFLATOR ACCESS
UNLOCK BLACK RING
REMOVE YELLOW CAP

12
FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12
FIGURE 13
Red Indicator
Inflator Body
Sealing Ring
Red Indicator
Trash
Green Indicator
Caution:
Do not turn
the center
shaft
FIGURE 14
Single
Point
Indicator
Water
Inlet
Valve
4. Squeeze the sealing ring to elongate and remove the inflator body
through the sealing ring (Fig. 11).
5. Dispose of the used inflator body (Fig. 12).
6. Check that the new inflator body indicator is green. Insert the
new inflator body with CO2cylinder pointing upward inside the
PFD (Fig. 13). Let the sealing ring rest on the adapter around the
fourlugs.
7. Now check the new manual/automatic cap as follows (Fig. 14):
• Is the single point status indicator showing green?
• Is the expiry date OK?
If YES is the answer to both questions, then proceed as follows. If the
answer is NO to either question, get a new cap.
REMOVE CYLINDER RED=TRASH
INSERT CYLINDER CHECK CAP

13 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18
Black
Locking
Ring
Lanyard
Inator Cap
Cover
Single Point
Status Indicator
Inator
Window
Panel
8. Hold the CO2cylinder through the fabric of the PFD (Fig.15).
Position the replacement cap with the water inlet valve pointing
to the right and press firmly onto the inflator body and sealing
ring (Fig. 16).
FIGURE 15
9. While pressing FIRMLY onto the inflator body, turn the BLACK
locking ring clockwise into the locked position (Fig. 17). Pull on
the cap to make sure it has locked onto the inflator body.
10. Check that the single point status indicator on the cap is green;
that the pull-to-inflate lanyard is present, and that the locking ring
is locked.
11. Turn cell and cover right-side out, returning to normal state.
Position the protective inflator cap cover over the inflator body so
that the single point status indicator is visible through the inflator
window panel (Fig.18).
12. If your PFD has been used and/or the inflator replaced, always
inflate through the oral tube and check that it stays inflated at
least overnight. Deflate the PFD again by reversing the oral-
inflation tube cap and inserting it into the valve or by depressing
the valve with your fingertip. Gently squeeze the PFD until all air
or gas has been expelled. Let the PFD dry before repacking.
13. Refold the PFD in accordance with the repacking section (page 14).
FIGURE 16
HOLD CYLINDER REPLACE CAP
LOCK BLACK RING POSITION CAP IN COVER

14
REPACKING YOUR PFD
BEFORE FOLLOWING THE REPACKING SEQUENCE, BE SURE TO PROPERLY RE-ARM
YOUR PFD, PAGE 10. ENSURE ALL AIR IS REMOVED BEFORE REPACKING.
1. Lay the PFD on a flat, clean surface.
2. Fold wearer’s right side (A) inward along the full length of the PFD
(Fig. 19). Fold cover (B) over; covering side (A) (Fig. 20).
FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20
RIGHT SIDE A RIGHT SIDE B
3. Repeat step 2 on left with side (C) (Fig. 21), and cover (D) (Fig. 22).
FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22
LEFT SIDE C LEFT SIDE D
4. Ensure the inflator body is still located within its protective cap
cover and that the single point status indicator is visible through
the inflator window panel (Fig. 18).
C
D
B
DC
D
BA

15 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24
5. Fold over the top side (E) (Fig. 23) and cover (F) (Fig. 24).
FOLD TOP FOLD COVER
FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26
RESET 1: UP RESET 1: DOWN
6. Mustang Survival uses advanced two-step zippers that can be
reset. Reset 1: Pull the slider (G) to the Velcro™ tab (H) (Fig. 25).
Close by pulling the slider (G) in the opposite direction to the end
of the zipper (Fig. 26). Ensure that the inflatable cell does not get
caught by the zipper when closing.
F
E
F
H
G
H
G
Flap Flap
Zipper
Stops

16
7. Fasten the Velcro™ tab (H) (Fig. 27) to keep zipper closed.
FIGURE 27 CLOSE TAB H
FIGURE 29 RESET 2: DOWN
FIGURE 28 RESET 2: UP
8. Reset 2: Pull the slider (I) to the Velcro™ tab (H) (Fig. 28). Close
by pulling slider (I) in the opposite direction to the end of the
zipper (Fig. 29). Ensure that the inflatable cell does not get
caught by the zipper when closing.
H
H
I
H
I

17 MUSTANG SURVIVAL / MANUFACTURER’S MANUAL – MD3188 / INFLATABLE PFD
FIGURE 31
FIGURE 30 PUSH IN ENDS CORRECT
9. Use a finger to push the zipper ends into the openings at the
bottom of the packed PFD (Fig. 30).
10. Ensure the pull-tab (J) is on the outside of the folded PFD.
Fig. 31 depicts a correctly folded PFD.
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?
Check your inflatable PFD between uses 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
“Visual Inspection and Readiness Checklist,” page 4). Inspect the PFD
in accordance with the Care and Maintenance instructions.
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATORS
Federal Regulations require that Coast Guard-approved PFDs are
legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number, are in good
and serviceable condition, and are the correct size for each person
on board.
It is the responsibility of the operator to be sure this PFD is in
serviceable condition. 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 cylinder installed in the inflator, a
single point status indicator showing green, and an accessible manual
inflation lanyard. See “Instructions for Use,” page 4.
Failure to follow these instructions rigorously could result in a non-
functioning PFD causing injury or death.
J