32
MUSTANG SURVIVAL
/ OWNER'S MANUAL –
INFLATABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above
water, help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your
chances for survival and rescue.
Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of flotation to keep
their heads above water. The proper size PFD will properly support
the weight of the wearer. Since this inflatable PFD does not have
inherent buoyancy, it provides flotation only when inflated.
Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD so you know what to do
in an emergency.
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD
Your PFD comes pre-armed with a CO
2
cylinder. The U.S. Coast Guard
recommends that you also purchase two re-arm kits. One to be used
immediately in testing (see Testing your PFD, below) and the other
to re-arm your PFD after testing – making it ready for use. You may
also want to carry one onboard as a spare.
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
• Make sure it floats you:
- Comfortably (when worn properly)
- Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/
densities affect performance)
• Make sure it works:
- A flow of bubbles should not appear (See Care and
maintenance, p. 29, for leak tests)
- It should inflate quickly and easily
• Learn how it works by:
- Activating the CO
2
inflation system
– Rearming the CO
2
inflation system
- Using the oral inflation tube
Summary of Contents for EP 38
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