Filter
Top Products
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD
Inflate your Inflatable PFD and try it out in the water to:
Make sure it floats you:
•Comfortably(whenwornproperly)
•Adequatelyforexpectedwaveconditions(bodyshapes/densities
affect performance)
Make sure it works:
•Aflowofbubblesshouldnotappear(seeCAREAND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests p. 9). It should
inflate quick and easily.
Learn how it works by:
•ActivatingtheCO
2
inflation system
•Re-armingtheCO
2
inflation system
•Usingtheoralinflatortube
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming kits.
One to be used immediately in testing the inflation system
(see HOW
DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL INFLATOR?)
and the
other to carry onboard as a spare.
To check the manual inflation system (with CO
2
cylinder/bayonet
assembly removed); determine that the CO
2
cylinder piercing pin moves
freely when pushing up on the lever arm by pushing down on the pins
and releasing the pins followed by the lever arm. Repeat this several
times to check the manual inflation system.
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
MANUAL INFLATOR?
1) To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable
PFD, and re-arming kit approved for your Inflatable PFD: MA7203
2) Put on the Inflatable PFD.
3) Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the
pull-tab. The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
4) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface.
5) See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual 12