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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”.
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 as a substitute for a Type II PFD 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 13) 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.
General – When fully inflated, this Inflatable PFD will provide Type II in-water performance.
This Inflatable 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 CO
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cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an
accessible manual inflation lanyard.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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