18
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
An inflatable device does not have inherent buoyancy, meaning that
it must be inflated to provide flotation. You must understand how to
arm, inflate, and maintain your inflatable 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/
Every Six Months,” page 16, for Leak Test)
• It should inflate quickly and easily
Learn how it works
• Activate the CO
2
inflation system
• Re-arm the CO
2
inflation system
• Use the oral inflation tube
To properly test your flotation device and to ensure you have a
replacement re-arming kit, you should purchase two re-arming kits:
one to be used immediately in testing the manual (for MD4031) or
automatic (for MD4032) inflation system and the other to carry on
board as a spare. Remember you must re-arm your flotation device
after discharging the CO
2
cartridge.
