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 range 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 safety at sea, featuring buoyancy and high-visibility designs tailored for the demanding conditions of the fishing industry.

Fisheries Supply offers a variety of life jackets, 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 jacket integrates harness, tether, and flotation functions, offering a versatile solution for various water activities.
• Traditional Life Jackets: These are suitable for commercial fishing, coastal boating, and other water activities, providing the necessary buoyancy and safety features.

Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable life jackets are available with manual and automatic inflation. Manual inflation occurs when you pull the "jerk tab," a yellow handle that dangles at approximately waist height and pierces the CO2 cylinder. Automatic inflation occurs when the PFD gets wet and the water-soluble bobbin comes in contact with water, releasing a spring-loaded pin that punctures the CO2 cylinder.

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

When selecting a life jacket, consider the following factors:

• Boating Activities: Different life jackets are suitable for various boating activities, such as coastal or offshore activities, personal watercraft, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
• Buoyancy: Life jackets come in different levels of buoyancy, ranging from 50 to 275 newtons.
• Fit: Ensure the life jacket fits properly, with no excess room above the arm and neck openings. A crotch strap is also recommended.
• Visibility: Choose a brightly-colored life jacket that is highly visible and easy for others to spot.

When choosing a marine life jacket, you can consider things like:
Sizing: PFD sizing for adults is based on chest size, and you should look for a snug but comfortable fit.
Features: When shopping, it is advisable to consider features like pockets, color, and tabs, as well as specifications such as flotation and U.S. Coast Guard Type.

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