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17
VII. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
• Make sure it floats you:
Comfortably
(When worn properly)
Adequately for expected wave conditions
(Body shapes/densities affect performance)
• Make sure it works:
A flow of bubbles should not appear
(See Section V for leak tests)
It should inflate quick and easily
• Learn how it works by:
Activating the CO
2
inflation system
Rearming the CO
2
inflation system
Using the Oral inflator tube
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL
INFLATOR?
1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will need:
• Your fully armed PFD, and
• Rearming kit approved for your PFD. (This kit contains a
CO
2
cylinder that you will need to use following this test.)
2. Put on the PFD.
3. Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the
pull tab. The PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
4. Pull neck strap over head and adjust. See MAXIMIZING
PERFORMANCE on Page 9.
5. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand
with your head above the surface.
6. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back
of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your
mouth is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of
where you hold your legs on how you float.
7. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Remove the used
CO
2
cylinder from the PFD inflator. Completely deflate the
PFD using the oral inflator.
8. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM and REPACK the PFD
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (refer to
Pages 11, 12 and 13).