6
INFLATING YOUR PFD
Follow the below procedures to inflate your PFD:
1. Manual Inflation
Activate the inflation system by
jerking firmly downward on the pull-
tab (Fig. 4). The PFD should fully
inflate within five seconds.
2. Automatic Backup Inflation
(For models MD3153 and
MD3154 only)
When the inflator is lowered more
than about four inches in the water,
the hydrostatic valve opens and lets
the water meet the water sensitive
element that in turn releases a
stainless steel coil spring. The spring
then drives a needle into the end of
the carbon dioxide (CO
2
) cylinder,
which is now punctured so that
the gas instantly fills the PFD. Total
buoyancy is normally reached within
four to five seconds.
Once the PFD is inflated, the CO
2
will slowly escape through the fabric
over time. A slight reduction of pressure will be observed after several
hours of inflation. Topping up by oral inflation may be required in the
event of very prolonged immersion.
SEE SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INFLATABLE DEVICES.
MD4031
MD4032
Manual Inflator
Automatic Inflator
FIGURE 4
MANUAL INFLATION