- Stearns Personal Flotation Device Owner's Manual

ManualsBrandsStearns Recreational ManualsMarine Safety Device6340

DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE!

Model Nos. 4430 or 6340 –

OWNER’S MANUAL

HIGH WEARABILITY TYPE V

USER ASSISTED INFLATABLE BELT

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE

ADULT UNIVERSAL – FOR PERSONS OVER 80 POUNDS

I. APPROVAL CONDITIONS and CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

This inflatable belt is approved by the U S Coast Guard as a Type

V User Assisted Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is APPROVED

ONLY WHEN WORN for use as a Flotation Aid, Type I I I PFD for

recreational use on calm inland waters. It is not approved for

water skiing or other high-speed activity. This inflatable was

designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive to wear than

inherently buoyant PFDs. When used and serviced according to

this owner’s manual, this personal flotation device (PFD) can

greatly increase your chances of survival. Not recommended for

non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of inflatable PFDs must

be at least 16 years of age.

See Page 3 for Conditions for Type V Approval.

WEAR YOUR PFD! Most drowned victims of boating accidents

owned PFDs, but were not wearing them when they died. Most

drowning occurs in inland waters, not way out at sea, and most

within a few feet of safety. If you DO NOT intend to wear this

PFD, then SELECT ONE that you will. Doing this provides

feedback to manufacturer's, as to what makes a PFD wearable.

Deflated

Inflated

Summary of content (23 pages)

PAGE 1
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE! Model Nos. 4430 or 6340 – OWNER’S MANUAL HIGH WEARABILITY TYPE V USER ASSISTED INFLATABLE BELT PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE ADULT UNIVERSAL – FOR PERSONS OVER 80 POUNDS Deflated Inflated I. APPROVAL CONDITIONS and CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS This inflatable belt is approved by the U S Coast Guard as a Type V User Assisted Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is APPROVED ONLY WHEN WORN for use as a Flotation Aid, Type I I I PFD for recreational use on calm inland waters.
PAGE 2
SPECIFICATIONS Chest size: 30-52 inches Weight range: over 80 pounds Age Range: 16 years and older Buoyancy (minimum): 15.5 pounds after CO2 inflation 22.5 pounds after full inflation. (See Donning and Inflation instructions pages 7 & 8.) Inflation System: Manual Inflation Mechanism (located on front of chamber) Oral Tube (located on front of chamber) CO2 Cylinder: 16 Gram, 3/8” thread. ** USE REPLACEMENT KIT NO.
PAGE 3
II. CONDITIONS FOR TYPE V APPROVAL Conditional approvals are granted by the Coast Guard for PFDs that: 1. Do not meet all the requirements for approval under the Type I through IV categories, but offer other significant safety features, or 2. Have features or uses not found in Types I through IV PFDs that require special user knowledge. The conditions let the user overcome design traits that would otherwise prevent approval.
PAGE 4
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.
PAGE 5
2. Examine the inflation mechanism status indicators. The indicator will tell you if the inflation mechanism is properly ARMED/REARMED and ready for activation. If the indicator shows RED, the mechanism is not ready to fire, and you must rearm the mechanism to set the indicator to GREEN. Refer to rearming instructions on Pages 11 and 12, and on the PFD chamber. 3. Examine Your CO2 Cylinder The CO2 cylinder contains the gas charge that will inflate your PFD when the inflation mechanism is fired.
PAGE 6
OTHER USE GUIDE LINES STUDY this manual and practice using your belt to become thoroughly familiar with its features and operation. Your inflatable PFD will not provide buoyancy until you inflate it. See Pages 17 and 18 for testing your PFD. ALWAYS re-arm the CO2 inflation system after each discharge. The CO2 cylinder is good for only one inflation and then must be replaced. Use O N L Y genuine Stearns replacement kits for rearming your PFD. See Pages 11 and 12 for rearming instructions.
PAGE 7
DONNING and INFLATION INSTRUCTIONS After completing the pre-donning check, follow these instructions to don, inflate and adjust the PFD for maximum performance. 1. L o o s e n Shoulder Straps. Insert left arm between back strap and deflated vest (See fig.1). Pull vest on over your head (See fig.2). Pull buckle to front so you can see it. Buckle and adjust by pulling on free end of the belt. Secure the excess strap by tucking it under the belt. Always position the belt with the center window in front.
PAGE 8
Donning and Inflation Instructions – cont’d 4. Adjust the length of the neck strap for desired comfort and head support. Pull down on the adjustment strap to tighten, or lift up the plastic slide to loosen. Shoulder Straps may need to be Loosened to adjust Waist Strap. 5. After CO2 inflation, the performance of the PFD may be satisfactory without further action. However, higher buoyancy is easily available through second stage inflation.
PAGE 9
MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE Why should someone do this? It is important to learn how to use this PFD in the water. Try your PFD in the water before attempting to use it in deep water or in an emergency to find out what position and adjustments provide the best support for you. It is important, especially in cold water and wave conditions, to get your head out of the water as much as possible.
PAGE 10
DEFLATION INSTRUCTIONS Deflating may be accomplished by inserting the deflation located on the dust cap into the end of the oral inflation while gently squeezing the inflation chamber. Reposition the cap over the end of the inflation tube after deflating to protect the valve inside. tool tube dust help DO NOT TWIST OR WRING INFLATABLE CHAMBER TO DEFLATE. If for any reason the oral valve remains open, depress it several times.
PAGE 11
REARMING INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1 Unscrew used CO2 cylinder in a counterclockwise direction and immediately discard. Do not insert new cylinder at this time. To avoid confusion later in the rearming process, we suggest you throw away the old CO2 cylinder now. STEP 2 Close manual inflator arm within inflator body and carefully insert a new green indicator tab so that it fully covers the red semi-circle on the body. STEP 3 Look into threaded cylinder receiver and view the gasket. If worn, contact Stearns Inc.
PAGE 12
REARMING INSTRUCTIONS (cont.) Step 4 Inspect the face of the new cylinder. Be sure it is smooth and has no holes or scratches. There is a gross weight on the cylinder. If you have any questions about cylinder integrity, weigh the cylinder on a small scale, such as a postage scale. Compare the weight printed on the cylinder to the actual weight. If they do not match, get another cylinder. STEP 5 Screw new cylinder in a clockwise direction firmly into the inflator.
PAGE 13
REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS Always dry out, d e f l a t e the PFD and r e a r m the inflation mechanism. Follow REARMING instructions prior to REPACKAGING. Step 1 (Fig. 1) Position as shown in Fig. 1. Reference General Arrangement on page 2. Step 2 (Fig. 2) Roll up the air chamber on top of the neck strap with mechanism remaining on top. Step 3 (Fig. 3) Close the cover with its tape fasteners, aligning the indicator’s ready status indicator to be visible through the window. Step 4 (Fig.
PAGE 14
IV.IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION? Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly armed; that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely sewn; and that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong. Check to be sure your cylinder is screwed in tight. Inspect the inflatable portion of the PFD in accordance with Care and Maintenance Instructions. V.
PAGE 15
2. Oral Inflation Leak Test - This test should be performed every two months and at the start of each season. Inflate buoyancy chamber using the oral inflation valve and leave to rest for 16 hours. When buoyancy chamber remains firm and full of air there is no leakage and chamber is operational. If the chamber deflates during this leak test, it is no longer in operational condition and should not be used.
PAGE 16
STORAGE • • Store in clean, cool, dry area. Do not store in direct sunlight. REPAIR If you have any question about the condition or integrity of this product call 1-800-STEARNS (1-800-783-2767). A damaged device must be repaired by certified Stearns Repair Facility or discarded. SERVICING Stearns strongly recommends that this device be inspected at least every 24 months by a certified Stearns Repair Facility or STEARNS Inc.
PAGE 17
VII.
PAGE 18
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE ORAL INFLATOR? 1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will not need any spare parts. 2. Remove the CO2 cylinder to prevent inadvertent activation of the manual inflation which could potentially damage the PFD. Inspect the threaded end to confirm it’s un-used. 3. Put on the PFD. 4. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with head above the surface. 5.
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
VIII. 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 non-inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water. IX.
PAGE 21
Some Points Protection: to Remember About Hypothermia 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. Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold water, drown-proofing methods that require putting your head in the water are not recommended.
PAGE 22
X. 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 CO2 cylinder inflation mechanism status indicator before each use. 2. Get in the habit of rearming the inflation mechanism immediately after each CO2 inflation. 3. Be sure your CO2 cylinder is screwed in tight. 4. Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of the water. 5.
PAGE 23
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. Some PFDs also incorporate decorative Dee rings or tabs. Such items are not to be used to attach the device to the boat. Attaching the device to the boat will not permit it to function as intended. CO2 PERMEATION LOSS CO2 gas will permeate the chamber fabric over time. Oral inflation will be necessary to maintain full buoyancy.