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jrc · 06-18-2007, 09:01 PM

(1) A type I personal flotation device shall be designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face downward to a vertical or slightly backward position. It shall have more than 20 pounds of buoyancy and is recommended for off-shore cruising;
(2) A type II personal flotation device shall be designed to turn an unconscious person in the water to the same position as a Type I personal flotation device and shall have at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. It is recommended for closer, in-shore cruising;
(3) A type III device shall be designed to keep a conscious person in a vertical or slightly backward position and shall have at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. It is recommended for in-water sports such as water skiing, and for close, in-shore buoyancy;
(4) A type IV personal flotation device shall be designed to be thrown to a person in the water and not worn. It shall have at least 16.5 pounds of buoyancy; and
(5) A type V personal flotation device is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label.

Does anyone really still make kapok filled vests? I only see synthetic fill, since the maybe the 1970's.

The $5 dollar orange PFD from Walmart or that came with your boat is a Type 3.

06-18-2007, 09:01 PM	#8
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	For PFDs, lower is safer, in general (1) A type I personal flotation device shall be designed to turn an unconscious person in the water from a face downward to a vertical or slightly backward position. It shall have more than 20 pounds of buoyancy and is recommended for off-shore cruising; (2) A type II personal flotation device shall be designed to turn an unconscious person in the water to the same position as a Type I personal flotation device and shall have at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. It is recommended for closer, in-shore cruising; (3) A type III device shall be designed to keep a conscious person in a vertical or slightly backward position and shall have at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy. It is recommended for in-water sports such as water skiing, and for close, in-shore buoyancy; (4) A type IV personal flotation device shall be designed to be thrown to a person in the water and not worn. It shall have at least 16.5 pounds of buoyancy; and (5) A type V personal flotation device is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label. Does anyone really still make kapok filled vests? I only see synthetic fill, since the maybe the 1970's. The $5 dollar orange PFD from Walmart or that came with your boat is a Type 3.