Stearns Safety & Survival 24MSPT-1 - Manual (Page 9)

9
IV. IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?
Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly armed;
that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely sewn; and
that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong. Inspect the inflatable
portion of the PFD in accordance with Care and Maintenance
Instructions on pages 7 and 8.
V. WHY ARE PFDs REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational boating.
A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water, help you to
stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for survival and
rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of flotation to keep
their heads above water. The proper size PFD will properly support the
weight of the wearer.
Since this inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides
flotation only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD
so you know what to do in an emergency.
VI. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
• Make sure it floats you:
Comfortably
(When worn properly)
Adequately for expected wave conditions
(Body shapes/densities affect performance)
• Make sure it works:
A flow of bubbles should not appear
(See page 8 for leak tests)
It should inflate quickly and easily
• Learn how it works by:
Activating the CO
2
inflation system
Rearming the CO
2
inflation system
Using the Oral inflator tube
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming
kits. One to be used immediately in testing the inflation system and the
other to carry onboard as a spare.