How to Read Life Jacket Labels

Manufacturers include valuable information about each life jacket or flotation device on the product label. The label provides information about the intended uses, along with information about the size of person it will fit, care instructions, and how to wear the life jacket. Keep in mind that using the flotation device outside of its listed restrictions and intended use is illegal, and can result in receiving a ticket or, more significantly, the loss of a loved one. The picture below shows a sample label like one you would find on a typical life jacket, followed by definitions of commonly displayed information.


Please note that this information is provided only as a guideline and is not be used for any other purpose. The display, arrangement, verbiage, warnings, disclaimers and instructions may vary and are subject to change based on Coast Guard regulations.

"FLOTATION AID – TYPE III PFD" This is the Coast Guard classification for this flotation device. For definitions of the Coast Guard classifications, click here.

"INTENDED USE" This is the "intended use" statement as required by the Coast Guard. The designation "Sport Vest" is the manufacturer's suggested uses that do not necessarily limit this PFD to only those uses.

"ADULT X-LARGE" This is the manufacturer’s sizing for this particular life jacket. Sizes may vary from one manufacturer to another. For accurate sizing, it is important to follow the body weight and chest size ratings that also are listed on the label.

"MODEL & STYLE" Each manufacturer uses a model number, which usually indicates the type and size of the life jacket. The model number, style and lot number are important to know when contacting the manufacturer at the listed address.

"USCG APPROVED . . ." As required by Coast Guard regulations, this is the "approved use" section. It must include the boat sizes on which this life jacket may be used and the weight (ie - more than 90 lbs.) of the person for which the life jacket is designed.

"U.S. Coast Guard Approval NUMBER" The first six-digits of the approval number 160.064 indicates the Federal Regulation under which the Coast Guard approved this life jacket. The regulation section numbers differ by type of life jacket being approved.

"Do not dry clean" All life jackets are required to have a "no dry cleaning" warning, which must be displayed in bold print. The solvents and heat used in the dry cleaning process can disintegrate the foam used for flotation.

"STRENGTH TESTED . . . " Underwriters' Laboratory tests the structural integrity of the life jacket by placing it in a frame and dropping it into the water from a boat at six different angles. Often a buckle will explode or a zipper seam will peel like a banana. This disclaimer appears because many people mistake the structural integrity test for an endorsement of high speed use. No life jacket should be used for waterskiing or similar use unless it has been tested at at least 50 mph. Older PFDs may say 'impact tested' instead of 'strength tested' but this is no indication of personal protection from impact. Unless a person is trained, hitting the water at 50 mph can provide a similar experience to hitting the pavement after falling out of a car at the same speed.

"Manufacturer" Labels will list the name and address of the manufacturer in accordance with Coast Guard regulations.

"UL" The Coast Guard requires the life jacket manufacturer to contract testing with a recognized sanctioned laboratory. Underwriters' Laboratory performs extensive tests on the life jacket under the Coast Guard's oversight. UL controls the entire contents of this label. The "ISSUE NO. " is UL's reference number for this specific label. Any changes to the label, no matter how small, require UL's acceptance.

"LOT NO." The lot number usually contains in code the year and quarter of manufacture. A lot cannot consist of more than 1,000 life jackets. A new lot must be started any time materials or production methods change. The lot number is important when contacting the manufacturer or the Coast Guard.

"CAUTION: Fabric fading . . . " Some bright and intense colored fabrics show fading more quickly than others. When retiring a weathered life jacket, cut it into unusable pieces so that no one else will be tempted to reuse it.

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