4
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
Because your flotation device is designed to save your life, you
need to be comfortable using it and thoroughly familiar with how
it works. If you just purchased or have not yet used your flotation
device, Transport Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard recommend
that you immediately test it as described in “How and Why to Test
Your Flotation Device,” page 18. This will not only ensure your
device is in good condition, it will give you experience using all
methods of inflation.
After initial testing, get in the habit of inspecting your flotation device
before each use, re-arming it after each use, and of course wearing it
every time you go out on the water.
INSPECTING COMPONENTS
Before each use, check your flotation device for readiness:
1. Place your flotation device on a flat surface with the bottom
of the device facing you. At the bottom of the left lobe, lift
the inflator cover to expose the inflator and cylinder assembly.
Examine the service indicator to ensure it is green (Fig. 1). If
the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is
incorrectly fitted and must be re-armed (see “Re-arming” on
page 10 for MD4031 or page 12 for MD4032).
The service
indicator must be GREEN before you proceed.
MD4032
Automatic Inflator
Pull-tab
MD4031
Manual Inflator
Pull-tab
FIGURE 1
SERVICE INDICATORS
