Inflatable PFDs: Which statement is true?

Inflatable PFDs: Which statement is true?

• A. Not suitable for non-swimmers, water skiers, youths under the age of 16 and riders of personal watercraft.
• B. Must have a full cylinder and all status indicators on the device must be green; else the device does not satisfy the requirement to carry PFDs.
• C. They must be worn at all times to meet requirements.
• D. They are permitted for any person towing by a vessel.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is readiness of inflatable PFDs. Inflatable life jackets rely on a CO2 cylinder to inflate, and many models have a status indicator showing green when the cylinder is full and the unit is serviceable. If the cylinder isn’t full or the indicator isn’t green, the device isn’t considered ready to meet the requirement to carry PFDs. That’s why stating that a full cylinder and green indicators are required makes the option correct. Inflatable PFDs don’t have to be worn at all times to satisfy carrying requirements; they can be stored on board as long as they’re readily accessible and in serviceable condition. The other statements either misstate accessibility or applicability (for example, requirements aren’t simply that everyone must wear them all the time, or that they’re automatically permitted for any person towing by a vessel).

The key idea is readiness of inflatable PFDs. Inflatable life jackets rely on a CO2 cylinder to inflate, and many models have a status indicator showing green when the cylinder is full and the unit is serviceable. If the cylinder isn’t full or the indicator isn’t green, the device isn’t considered ready to meet the requirement to carry PFDs. That’s why stating that a full cylinder and green indicators are required makes the option correct.

Inflatable PFDs don’t have to be worn at all times to satisfy carrying requirements; they can be stored on board as long as they’re readily accessible and in serviceable condition. The other statements either misstate accessibility or applicability (for example, requirements aren’t simply that everyone must wear them all the time, or that they’re automatically permitted for any person towing by a vessel).