Is it true? No Type I inflatable PFDs for general public?

Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Admiral wishes to use inflatable PFDs while in the dink to save floor space, among other reasons. Just reading some web material from BOAT US Foundation where it says there are no inflatable PFDs that the USCG has approved as Type I for "general public" use. Is this true? I did not know that b/c some are marketed as "deep-water", etc.

In any event, my other question is: Has anyone tried the belt pack PFD, especially when "deployed?"

https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/types/
 
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jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
We have used inflatable belt packs for nearly 18 years. Just retired the originals and bought new ones two years ago. Our rule is to wear them getting in and out of the dinghy, riding in the dinghy, and when out of the cockpit of the sailboat while underway.
We keep non-inflatables on board, but don't have them in the dinghy.
 
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Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
I get the problem for sure.

The USCG rates (as far as I know) all TYPE 5 vests as having TYPE 3 performance, no matter how good they are. Both the Deckvest light and the new Mustang EP38 are both clearly offshore capable, but both get the USCG type 5-3 rating. Your question answers itself, Type 1 cannot be inflatable because TYPE1s are by definition 'Inherently buoyant'. But good news, Type 2 or 3 is OK for dink use if its on.

I've used the the bigger Deckvests (NOT USCG rated) in a dink and the coasties were OK with that.
 
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Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
So, that makes it potentially confusing to interpret the "requirement" for offshore equipment, etc. But as you say, no problema for use in the dink.
 
Kings Gambit

Kings Gambit

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Jul 27, 2011
5,134
Bavaria 38E Alamitos Bay
Jackdaw said:
Your question answers itself, Type 1 cannot be inflatable because TYPE Is are by definition 'Inherently buoyant'.
Click to expand
The other wearable TYPEs are divided into inherently buoyant and inflatable. So, the actual situation is that there are no Type I's other than inherently buoyant ones; but, there could also be inflatables as with the other TYPEs if any qualified. I disagree that the question answers itself. Your comment is like saying there aren't any b/c there aren't any. I think the qualifier here may be the likelihood that the vest will turn an unconscious person in the water face up.
 
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jviss

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I just checked, my inflatable belt packs are Type III.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Kings Gambit said:
So, that makes it potentially confusing to interpret the "requirement" for offshore equipment, etc. But as you say, no problema for use in the dink.
Click to expand
Indeed, which is why all OSR (Offshore Safety Regulation) documents will call for ISO12402-2 compliant vests if they feel the need to specify.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Kings Gambit said:
The other wearable TYPEs are divided into inherently buoyant and inflatable. So, the actual situation is that there are no Type I's other than inherently buoyant ones; but, there could also be inflatables as with the other TYPEs if any qualified. I disagree that the question answers itself. Your answer is like saying there aren't any b/c there aren't any.
Click to expand
You're right. I thought that TYPE 1s had to be inherently buoyant, and that even crazy-good ones would only get Type III approval. But the specs (as of 2015) say there could be such a thing as a TYPE 1 inflatable. If the Deckvest 5D PRO does not make it, what will??

It is possible that the testing/certification is not worth it, and they just get the ISO cert for offshore regs.
 
capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,907
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
I used to operate a boat for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Being a federal operation, we were required to wear some sort of PFD and a belt pack inflatable one was acceptable. Therefore, I should imagine that those would also be acceptable for non-commercial (private) use in a dink by the USCG.
But, aren't the square throwable cushions also acceptable PFD's for use in a dink? Boy, I'm glad I don't live where I have to worry about all that stuff.
 
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uncledom

uncledom

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Jun 11, 2011
1,243
Hunter 41 Lewes
I have been informed by the USCGA sector Long Island Sound that any inflatable is only counted as a life jacket if you are wearing it. So if you and your wife, let's say, get stopped with guests aboard and you have exactly the right amount of life jackets but you and the missus aren't wearing your's, two infractions.
 
Ken Cross

Ken Cross

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Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
uncledom said:
I have been informed by the USCGA sector Long Island Sound that any inflatable is only counted as a life jacket if you are wearing it. So if you and your wife, let's say, get stopped with guests aboard and you have exactly the right amount of life jackets but you and the missus aren't wearing your's, two infractions.
Click to expand
That's my understanding. We also have buoyant vests onboard. If we have enough guests, yep - the inflatables get worn. I always wear mine anyway because I figure if I go overboard, the Admiral or other guests may take a while to figure out how to come get me.

Ken
 
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justsomeguy

justsomeguy

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Feb 20, 2011
8,048
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
capta said:
Yeah, and I've been trying to figure out how to remove that.
Click to expand
Just hover over the chevron next to your moniker in the upper right blue area on any page, select "personal details" and scroll down to "home port".
 
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