How to Select and Maintain an Inflatable PFD

As you have already heard many times, the best life jacket or personal flotation device is the one you wear. We have also all heard over and over the many reasons why people don’t want to wear life jackets. Everything from: they are too bulky and uncomfortable; they are ugly; they are too hot to wear; and they get in the way of activities. Well now there is an alternative to traditional foam life jackets …. an inflatable life jacket, often referred to as an inflatable or an inflatable PFD.

Inflatable life jackets give you excellent protection in case the unexpected happens, and are now available in USCG approved Types III and V. Inflatable life jackets are comfortable and lightweight to wear, even in hot weather, stylish, and with a flexible, low profile they won’t get in the way of your favorite water activity – whether its fishing, boating, paddling, or sailing.

If you are considering an inflatable life jacket, lets start with the few scenarios where an inflatable life jacket is not a good option.

Inflatables are not recommended for children and young adults under the age of 16 or who weigh less than 80 lbs.
Inflatables should not be used by individuals who can't swim
Inflatables are not intended for use when water impact is expected, such as waterskiing, tubing, riding personal watercraft, or whitewater paddling.

That’s about it. Now we will focus on the things you need to know about inflatable life jackets to select the right one for you.

How do Inflatable Life Jackets Work?

Inflatable PFDs use a replaceable CO2 gas cylinder as the primary means for inflating the PFD. Alternatively, they can also be inflated by blowing into an oral inflation tube. Once inflated they provide twice the flotation of a traditional life jacket and can self-right a wearer face up in the water. They also increase your free-board (the distance between your mouth and the water) which in turn reduces the risk of ingesting water.
Note: Inflatable PFDs must never be worn under restrictive clothing because automatic or accidental manual inflation could restrict breathing and cause injury or death.

Different Types of Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatables come with either manual or automatic activation. Manual inflation requires the user to jerk on a pull-tab (lanyard) to inflate the PFD. Your pull causes a small pin to pierce the CO2 cylinder that fills the inflatable bladder to capacity.
The automatic version is designed to inflate on its own when it gets immersed in water. A small yellow tablet (or bobbin) dissolves on water contact and releases a spring-loaded pin that punctures the CO2.
One concern that people have about the water soluble bobbin is that it could inflate inadvertently without being immersed in water if it gets wet or damp from heavy rain, spray, or exposure to high humidity. This can typically be prevented simply by storing the inflatable PFD in a dry and well-ventilated place after use and by replacing the bobbin every year. In addition, EVERY automatic also has a manual cord and an oral tube as a backup.
As an alternative to the bobbin design, Mustang Survival has introduced a new inflatable PFD that uses hydrostatic technology. This new Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HiT) is exclusive to Mustang, and uses a water pressure valve that only opens if it has been immersed in 4 or more inches of water. You could be fishing in the pouring rain, sailing in rough water, or be in 90% humidity, it simply won’t inflate unless you go in the water.
Choosing whether a manual or automatic is the best for you will depend on the type of activity you do. Manuals are perfect for when there is a reasonable chance that you will end up on the water, but you’re confident that you will be able to pull the inflation cord when you need it. For example, when paddling, kayaking or fishing. Automatics are your best choice if you don’t expect to end up in the water, but want the confidence that if the unexpected happens, the PFD will inflate within seconds of being in the water. For example, on a sailboat or a powerboat. An automatic inflatable could save your life if you were knocked unconscious while going overboard.
Finally, there is one more feature separate from the inflation to consider. Type V PFDs can also have harnesses which are especially beneficial for sailors. For those unfamiliar with this, you wear a harness and use a leash to clip into a protection point or onto a jackline. You may want an inflatable PFD with a harness if you are working on deck, sailing offshore or just simply wish to stay attached to your vessel because you are single-handed or are in rough weather.

Preventative Maintenance

Both manual and automatic inflatables are completely reusuable, however, each CO2. gas cylinder is good for only one inflation. To keep an inflatable PFD in a serviceable condition, a used CO2 cylinder must be replaced with a new one after each CO2 inflation. For a manual version, you will only need the CO2 cylinder. For an automatic version you will also need a new bobbin. A PFD that is not properly rearmed can only be inflated using the oral inflation tube.
To insure proper operation, you should check your inflatable PFD between outings to make sure that it is in good working condition:

the armed indicator is showing green
the inflation cartridge is not cross-threaded (make sure it is screwed in properly to avoid leaks)
check for rips, tears or punctures

A few times a years you should also use the oral inflation tube to manually inflate the air bladder. Let it sit overnight and then check to make sure it is still full in the morning.
Lack of proper maintenance will render the inflatable PFD useless.
To compare different styles and types available, see our complete line of Inflatable Life Vests.

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Disclaimer: Information on this website is provided only as a guideline, and not to be used for any other purpose. While we strive to obtain accurate product information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any product information. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on this website and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions and other information provided with the product before using a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. The buyer is responsible for choice, fit, and use of any life jacket purchased from Savvyboater.com. By purchasing through this site, the buyer acknowledges this fact and accepts the waiver of any liability against Savvyboater.com. Please boat safely and always wear your life jacket.

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