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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 CO
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cylinder, 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 Inflatable PFD is a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at
any time with a 33-gram CO
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gas cylinder. The Inflatable PFD is designed to offer maximum
mobility with minimum bulk. The Inflatable PFD 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 Instructions for Use (page 3).
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.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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