So you've decided to purchase a new personal flotation device or PFD for short. Now is the confusing part, which PFD is right for you. Well it all depends on the type of activity you plan on wearing it for. There are five categories PFD’s and we have them all listed below so you can decide which type is right for you.
Type I: Offshore Life Jackets are made for rough, open, or remote waters. They are bulky and have the most buoyancy because if you are in need of help and stuck in the above-mentioned type of waters, it may be awhile before rescue can get to you. These come in bright colors and are designed to turn most unconscious people face up in the water.
Type II: Near-Shore Vests are made for calm inland waters. These are bulky but not nearly as much as the Type I life jackets. These are designed to turn some unconscious people face up but not all because of the chance of a fast rescue.
Type III: Flotation Aids are made for most paddlers. They offer more movement and comfort because of the chance of a fast rescue. These life jackets are made so that paddlers can put themselves in a face-up position, but may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in the water.
Type IV: Throwable Devices are cushions or ring buoys that are made to be thrown out to someone that’s in trouble. It can also be used as a backup to a PFD. These are not designed for non-swimmers, for use in rough waters, or someone that is unconscious.
Type V: Special-Use Devices are made for specific activities. In order to be acceptable by the USCG, they must always be used for the activity specified on the label.
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