http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mse4/pfdseldata.htm#PFD_SELECTION Type III - Flotation Aid
Inherently Buoyant for Recreational Boats A Flotation Aid (Type III PFD)
Intended Uses
General boating or the specialized activity that is marked on the device
Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue
Advantages
Designed to provide a stable face-up position in calm water for a wearer
Designed so that wearing it will complement your boating activities
A wide variety of designs for specialized boating activities
Disadvantages
Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going face-down Will not hold the face of an unconscious wearer clear of the water In rough water, a wearer's face may often be covered by waves
Not for extended survival in rough water
A Near Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II PFD) Intended Uses
General boating activities
Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue.
Advantages
More comfortable to wear than a Type I PFD
Keeps most unconscious wearers face-up in water
Sizes: Infant, child-small, child-medium, and adult
Compromise between Type I PFD performance and wearer comfort
Disadvantages
May be uncomfortable after wearing for extended periods
Will not turn as many people face-up as a Type I PFD will In rough water, a wearer's face may often be covered by waves
Not for extended survival in rough water
A SOLAS Lifejacket (Type I PFD) Intended Uses
Best for all waters; open ocean, rough seas, or remote water; where rescue may be slow coming
Abandon-ship lifejacket for commercial vessels on international voyages and other vessels operating offshore
Advantages
Best performing PFD of all types in both rough and calm waters.
Provides best chance of survival for unconscious wearer.
Best device for non-swimmers if they wear it.
Two sizes to fit most children and adults.
Disadvantages
Most bulky type of all
Uncomfortable to wear for extended periods out of the water
May not fit extremes of some sizes well (especially children
Type I - Offshore Lifejacket
for U.S. Domestic Services Commercial Vessels and Recreational Boats
An Offshore Lifejacket (Type I PFD) Intended Uses
Best for all waters; open ocean, rough seas, or remote water; where rescue may be slow coming.
Abandon-ship lifejacket for commercial vessels and all vessels carrying passengers for hire.
Advantages
Best performing PFD of all types in both rough and calm waters.
Provides best chance of survival for unconscious wearer.
Reversible; can be put on inside out.
Two sizes to fit most children and adults
Best device for non-swimmers if they wear it.
Disadvantages
Bulky
May be too uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
May not fit extremes of some sizes well (especially children).
(Message edited by deltahoosier on October 16, 2006)
(Message edited by deltahoosier on October 16, 2006)