23
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE USING THE
ORAL INFLATOR
Always test your flotation device in a safe manner, under controlled
conditions, where help is readily available.
You will not need any spare parts, or re-arming kits, to test your
flotation device with oral inflation, and it gives you the opportunity to
learn about how much inflation is needed to float you.
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1. Remove the CO
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cylinder/bayonet assembly to prevent
inadvertent inflation, which could potentially damage the flotation
device. Inspect the cylinder to confirm it is unused (Fig. 8).
Unscrew and remove the cap and the bobbin (for MD4032 only).
Otherwise the bobbin will disintegrate during water immersion.
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2. Put on the flotation device. Locate and release the oral tube from
its cover.
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3. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface.
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4. To learn how much inflation is needed to float you, blow a full
breath into the oral tube and then try lifting your feet from the
bottom to see if your airway stays clear of the water. If not, try
adding another breath and lifting your feet, and then another
if needed and so forth so that you are supported well enough
to be able to complete inflation without touching bottom or
treading water. There may be situations where you wish to wear
your device partially inflated (see “Using Your Device in Cold
Temperatures,” page 5). However, when you are immersed in the
water, your device must be fully inflated to function as designed
and approved.
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5. Remember: as your breath air cools down, it contracts in volume.
You may require more topping up breaths to maintain this level.
This level of inflation may be the level of partial inflation to use
where complete manual or automatic inflation could be delayed.
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6. Then see if the turning characteristics of the flotation device are
different with this level of flotation, as they most likely will be.
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7. Fully inflate the flotation device using the oral inflation tube.
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8. See if the flotation device will float you on your back or just
slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that
your mouth is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of
where you hold your legs on how you float.
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9. Get out of the water and remove the flotation device. Completely
deflate the flotation device using the oral inflator (see “Deflating,”
page 9).
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10. Let the flotation device dry thoroughly. Re-arm and Repack the
flotation device (see “Re-arming,” page 10 for MD4031 or page 12
for MD4032; see “Repacking,” page 15).
