Marine Life Jackets (PFDs) & Life Vests

Marine Life Jackets (PFDs) & Life Vests at Fisheries Supply

Staying safe on the water is crucial, and life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), play a vital role in ensuring safety. Fisheries Supply offers a wide selection of USCG-approved life jackets and vests, including automatic and manual inflatable life jackets from trusted brands like Mustang Survival.

Recreational Boating vs. Commercial Fishing

For recreational boating, life jackets are required by law in the United States for anyone younger than 13 when on a "recreational vessel" that's moving. Additionally, anyone riding a personal watercraft or being towed by one must also wear an appropriate life jacket.

For commercial fishing, life jackets are essential for safety. Engineered for rugged durability and maximum protection at sea, these jackets feature buoyancy and high-visibility designs tailored for the demanding conditions of the fishing industry.

Fisheries Supply offers a variety of life vests, including:

• Mustang Survival Life Jackets: These innovative Mustang life vests provide comfortable flotation when needed, deflating for ease of movement and storage.
• Spinlock Deckvest Life Jacket: This life vest integrates harness, tether, and flotation functions, offering a versatile solution for various water activities.
• Traditional Life Jackets: Suitable for commercial fishing, coastal boating, and other water activities, these jackets provide the necessary buoyancy and safety features.

Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable life jackets are available with manual and automatic inflation options. Manual inflation occurs when you pull the "jerk tab," a yellow handle that pierces the CO2 cylinder. Automatic inflation activates when the inflatable PFD life jacket gets wet, triggering a spring-loaded pin that punctures the CO2 cylinder.

Types of PFDs

Life jackets and PFDs come in several types, each designed for different conditions and activities:

• Type I: Offshore Life Jacket: Designed for open, rough waters; provides the most buoyancy and turns unconscious wearers face-up.
• Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vest: Suitable for calm, inland waters; less bulky than Type I and may turn some unconscious wearers face-up.
• Type III: Flotation Aid: Best for recreational activities in calm or inland waters; comfortable but does not guarantee turning an unconscious wearer face-up.
• Type IV: Throwable Device: Not wearable; includes horseshoe buoys, ring buoys, and cushions, designed to be thrown to someone in the water.
• Type V: Special-Use Device: Designed for specific activities (e.g., kayaking, windsurfing); must be used as labeled to be effective and Coast Guard-approved.

Choosing the Right PFD Jacket

When selecting a life jacket or PFD, consider the following factors:

• Boating Activities: Different life jackets are suitable for various boating activities, including coastal or offshore activities, personal watercraft, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
• Buoyancy: Life jackets vary in buoyancy, ranging from 50 to 275 newtons, depending on the intended use and water conditions.
• Fit: Ensure the life jacket fits properly, with no excess room above the arm and neck openings. A crotch strap is also recommended for a secure fit.
• Visibility: Opt for brightly-colored life vests that are highly visible and easy for others to spot in emergency situations.

Additional Considerations:

• Sizing: PFD sizing for adults is based on chest size, and it's essential to choose a snug but comfortable fit for maximum effectiveness.
• Features: When shopping for life jackets, consider features like pockets, color, and tabs, along with flotation specifications and U.S. Coast Guard Type.

For many offshore sailboat races, crew members are required to wear offshore life jackets, including CO2 life jackets or manual inflatable life vests, as a critical safety precaution on the open water.

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