Making Sure Your PFD is Safe
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The U.S. Coast Guard sets standards
that life jackets, or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs),
must meet in order to be sold with a Coast Guard Approval
Number. In order to obtain that approval, manufacturers
submit samples to a testing laboratory where they are required
to pass a rigorous set of tests.
Underwriter Laboratories Incorporated (UL) is one such testing
facility. You have probably seen the UL Seal of Approval (with
the “U” and “L” enclosed in a circle)
on many consumer products. Here’s a typical list of tests
required for a Type III PFD, the most common watersports category
of life jackets:
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- Donning and In-water Performance (with 6 subjects in size
XS, 12 subjects in each size S/M and L/XL)
- Dynamic Strength at 50 mph
- Water Retention (with maximum pocket area and minimum
drainage)
- Flame with Tensile
- Body Tensile
- Zipper Tensile
- Shoulder Tensile
- Waist Belt Tensile
- Dimensional Spot Check
- Buoyancy and Distribution
- Hardware Secureness
- Pamphlet Strength of Attachment
- High and Low Temperature Test
- Seam Strength
The manufacturer has to submit multiple samples of the different
sizes to the lab for the testing. Should a PFD fail any of the
above tests, then it’s back to the drawing board to correct
the problem and resubmit new samples for testing.
What’s more, after a model passes all the tests
and receives its Coast Guard Approval Number, if the manufacturer
decides to change any feature or material in the jacket,
it has to go back through the testing process.
As you can see, getting a new PFD approved is a very time-consuming
and expensive process. However, when you purchase a Coast
Guard Approved PFD you can be assured that it meets the
highest safety standards. There are PFD's on the market
that are not approved. Some may even say "not a life
saving device" on the inside. In Europe, many places
don't require certification. If they do call for regulation,
it would probably be through CE certification, which is
Europe's version of UL. It's expensive, slow and bureaucratic,
with more paper work but much less testing and lower standards.
Now, it’s up to you to perform the most important
part of the whole process – and that’s to wear
the PFD when you’re on the water! |
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Boat Often & Boat Safe
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