House Votes To Raise Mandatory Life Jacket Age

Mink Islander · 04-03-2007, 01:01 PM

GWood, I think the issue is that for it to count as a PFD, you must be wearing it. Which states don't consider an inflatable PFD (properly worn) to meet flotation device requirements??? I don't think you can use a manually inflatable device (like a snorkeling vest) but they are not marked as PFDs anyway. It certainly is ok in NH -- and that's what matters here. The MPs wear them too.

As to the earlier point about needing to pull the inflation cord to inflate the vest, many (mine included) have a pill wedged into a release device that will quickly dissolve when wet, triggering the release and causing the vest to auto-inflate. I haven't tested it (those cartridges are expensive!) but have thought about it....

I always wear a PFD when fishing on my Whaler. Too easy to get knocked overboard by a wave or boat wake in a small boat with very low railings. Besides, I'm often alone fishing very early in the morning. Common sense.

jrc · 04-03-2007, 01:28 PM

Inflatable are by no means perfect, but what's safer, a type 3 that you don't wear or an inflatable that you do?

Nauset said he felt like he wasn't setting a good example, this is just one possible solution.

Just for the record, I don't own or wear an inflatable, and I don't wear my PFD.

04-03-2007, 01:01 PM	#1
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Inflatable PFDs GWood, I think the issue is that for it to count as a PFD, you must be wearing it. Which states don't consider an inflatable PFD (properly worn) to meet flotation device requirements??? I don't think you can use a manually inflatable device (like a snorkeling vest) but they are not marked as PFDs anyway. It certainly is ok in NH -- and that's what matters here. The MPs wear them too. As to the earlier point about needing to pull the inflation cord to inflate the vest, many (mine included) have a pill wedged into a release device that will quickly dissolve when wet, triggering the release and causing the vest to auto-inflate. I haven't tested it (those cartridges are expensive!) but have thought about it.... I always wear a PFD when fishing on my Whaler. Too easy to get knocked overboard by a wave or boat wake in a small boat with very low railings. Besides, I'm often alone fishing very early in the morning. Common sense.

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04-03-2007, 01:28 PM	#2
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Inflatable are by no means perfect, but what's safer, a type 3 that you don't wear or an inflatable that you do? Nauset said he felt like he wasn't setting a good example, this is just one possible solution. Just for the record, I don't own or wear an inflatable, and I don't wear my PFD.