Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual MD3025NV Manual Inflation Pouch Model USCG Approved Type V, Approved Only When Worn, Special Use Device
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE. This device will not inflate automatically upon immersion. Tab must be pulled to activate inflation mechanism. APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS This inflatable PFD is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use as a Type V 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.
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number which are in good and serviceable condition and are the correct size for each person on board.
Check Your Inflatable PFD Before Using it After purchasing your inflatable PFD, make sure it has an unused 33 gram CO2 cylinder attached to the inflator mechanism (Fig. 1a). Check the components and how to assemble the inflator by following these steps: 1) Undo the Velcro™ flap on the back side of the pouch to expose the bladder and inflator (Fig. 1b). 2) Unscrew and remove the CO2 gas cylinder from the inflator and inspect its small end. If it is pierced, replace it! (Fig. 1c).
) Repack the bladder into the pouch (see “Repacking your inflatable PFD”). Make sure the pull tab is hanging freely outside the pouch. If everything checks out according to the preceding instructions, your inflatable PFD is ready for use. Donning Instructions It is important that the PFD is properly adjusted to fit the person wearing it. An incorrect fit or improper fastening of attachments could impede its effectiveness.
Deployment and Use of the PFD (Fig. 2, Steps 3-6). Inflating then donning 1) Either pull on the yellow strap to bring out the bladder, then inflate orally, or pull sharply on tab to inflate. 2) Put over head. 3) Tie the tie tapes at neckline. Donning then inflating 1) Pull on the yellow strap to bring out the bladder 2) Put over head. 3) Pull sharply on tab to inflate or inflate orally. 4) Tie the tie tapes at neckline.
Information: The carbon dioxide used to inflate PFDs will slowly permeate through the fabric cell over time. A slight reduction of pressure will be observed after several hours of inflation. Topping up by oral inflation may be required in the event of very prolonged immersion. Fig. 3a Fig. 3b Rearming Your PFD After Manual Inflation 1) Unscrew and inspect the CO2 cylinder. If used or damaged, discard the CO2 cylinder (Fig 1c).
Deflating the Buoyancy Cell To deflate the buoyancy cell, reverse the oral-inflation tube dust cap and insert it into the valve or depress valve with fingertip. The dust cap will not lock in the deflate position so it is necessary to hold it in place (Fig.5). Gently squeeze the cell until all air or gas has been expelled. Put the inflation tube dust cap back in its normal position on the oral inflation tube (Fig.1d). Fig.
4) Without twisting, fold the bladder over once and place into the center of the pouch between the two wings (Fig.6d). Ensure the yellow inflator pulltab is positioned so it hangs out from the upper left hand corner (above left side wing). 5) Fold both side wings on top of the bladder and secure wingtips together with Velcro™ at ends. (Fig.6d) 6) Fold the lower flap up and secure both side edges to wings with Velcro™. (Fig.
Usage Below Freezing When the temperature is below freezing, a fully discharged cylinder may not adequately inflate your PFD. Do not use your PFD under these conditions unless it is already partly inflated. Warning: CO2 inflation could over-pressurize and damage your PFD if already fully orally inflated.
5) To check the oral inflation valve, fully inflate PFD and hold valve under water. If bubbles appear, deflate and reinflate to test again. Should the leak persist, take your inflatable PFD to your dealer for proper servicing. 6) Visually examine your PFD for damage or excessive abrasion, wear, tear or contamination. Particular attention must be paid to the stitching. If in doubt, send it to your Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing.
Cleaning and Storing Your Inflatable PFD To clean your inflatable PFD, remove the CO2 gas cylinder. Hand wash or sponge down in warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water. Hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Be sure to replace CO2 cylinder. See Rearming Your PFD After Manual Inflation. Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT? Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational boating.
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 CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests) It should inflate quick and easily.
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. 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) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface. 5) See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical.
How do you Test your PFD Using the Oral Inflator? 1) To test your inflatable PFD, you will not need any spare parts, or rearming kits. 2) Remove the CO2 cylinder, to prevent inadvertent activation of the manual inflation system which could potentially damage the PFD. Inspect the threaded end to confirm it is unused. 3) Put on the PFD. 4) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface.
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 PFD. Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or noninflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.
you should consider using a coat or jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs. Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection: 1) Always wear your PFD. Even if you become incapacitated due to hypothermia, the PFD will keep you afloat and greatly improve your chances of rescue. 2) Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb.
EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE For your PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to verify that it fits, floats, and remains in good condition. 1) Check the inflation mechanism status indicators before each use. 2) Get in the habit of rearming the inflation mechanism right after each inflation. 3) Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of the water. 4) Mark your PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you need more information about PFDs and safe boating, contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Red Cross, or your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast Guard. To find out about free boating courses in your area call 1-800-336-BOAT (in Virginia, call 1-800-245-BOAT). DO NOT ATTACH PFDs TO YOUR BOAT Each PFD has straps, hooks, buckles, or other means for securing the device in place on the wearer.
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