17
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
This inflatable device has some inherent buoyancy, meaning that
inflation provides additional flotation. You must understand how
to arm, inflate, and maintain the inflatable portion of the flotation
device. Familiarize yourself with the use of your flotation device so
you know what to do in an emergency.
Always test your flotation device in a safe manner, under controlled
conditions, and where help is readily available.
Inflate your flotation device and try it out in a pool, or some other
calm protected water, with proper supervision:
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,
for leak test)
- 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
To properly test your flotation device and to ensure you have a
replacement rearming kit, you should purchase two rearming kits.
One to be used immediately in testing the inflation system and the
other to carry on board as a spare. Remember you must rearm your
inflatable after discharging the CO
2
cartridge.
