Owners manual

19
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
ORAL INFLATOR?
1) No spare parts or re-arming kits are needed to test your Inflatable
PFD.
2) Remove the CO
2
cylinder/bayonet assembly to prevent inadvertent
inflation, which could potentially damage the Inflatable PFD.
Inspect the cylinder to confirm it is unused (Fig. 10). Unscrew and
remove the cap and the bobbin (MD2016 only). Otherwise the
bobbin will disintegrate during water immersion.
3) Put on the Inflatable PFD.
4) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface.
5) If you are a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, orally inflate the
Inflatable PFD partially so that you are supported well enough to
be able to complete inflation without touching bottom. Note this
level of inflation because it is the minimum needed for you to
safely use this Inflatable PFD.
6) Fully inflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.
7) See if the Inflatable 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.
8) Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Completely
deflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.
9) Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm (for your model) and
Repack the PFD (see "Re-arming Your PFD (MD2014)" on page
8 or see "Re-arming Your PFD (MD2016)" on page 10 and
see "Repacking" on page 13).
WEAR YOUR PFD
In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were
not wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days.
This Inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD
types. Get into the habit of wearing this Inflatable PFD.
Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or non-
Inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.