24
HOW TO TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
ORAL INFLATOR
This test is not mandatory, however may be conducted using the
following procedure:
WARNING: USE ONLY A PREVIOUSLY FIRED INFLATOR TO PERFORM THIS TEST. DO
NOT TEST WITH A FULLY ARMED INFLATOR AS DOUBLE INFLATION MAY OCCUR,
POSSIBLY RESULTING IN CELL DAMAGE.
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1. No spare parts are needed to test your PFD.
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2. Put on the PFD.
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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. If you are a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, inflate the PFD
partially so that you are supported well enough to be able to
complete inflation without touching bottom, either orally or
manually. Note this level of inflation because it is the minimum
needed for you to safely use this PFD.
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5. Fully inflate the PFD using the oral inflator.
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6. See if the PFD 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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7. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Completely deflate the
PFD using the oral inflator (see Deflating Your PFD, p. 8).
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8. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm (see Re-arming Your PFD,
p. 9) and repack the PFD (see Repacking Your PFD, p. 14).
