Pfd Placement: Where Should You Put Yours?

Knowing where to place personal flotation devices (PFDs) on your boat is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone on board. The best place to put PFDs is on the top deck of the boat, in a visible and easily accessible location. This means that they should not be stored in locked or closed compartments, and there should be no obstructions, gear, or other equipment covering them. It is also important to ensure that there are enough PFDs of the appropriate size for each person on board.

Place PFDs on the top deck of the boat

It is important to place personal flotation devices (PFDs) on the top deck of your boat, ensuring they are easily accessible to everyone on board. In the event of an emergency, you should be able to quickly reach and wear your PFD. Therefore, the top deck is the ideal location, provided it is not obstructed by other equipment or gear.

Maritime authorities recommend storing PFDs in a visible, open compartment or box on the top deck. This way, everyone on board is aware of their location and can access them without delay. It is also a good idea to conduct a safety briefing at the beginning of each trip, reminding passengers of the location and proper use of PFDs.

PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags, locked compartments, or closed compartments. They should also not have other gear or equipment stored on top of them. By keeping PFDs easily accessible, you ensure the safety of everyone on board and comply with boating safety regulations.

Additionally, it is crucial to have the correct number and size of PFDs for your passengers. Each person on board should have a PFD assigned to them, with the appropriate size and fit. Checking the PFD's fit before leaving the dock is advisable, as it may be challenging to determine the correct size in an emergency situation, especially if you are already out at sea.

Remember, the key to boat safety is preparedness. By placing PFDs on the top deck of your boat and ensuring they are readily accessible, you are taking an important step towards keeping your passengers safe and compliant with maritime regulations.

Ensure PFDs are easily accessible and visible

Ensuring that your PFDs are easily accessible and visible is of paramount importance for boat safety. The placement of PFDs should allow for quick access in an emergency, and there are several guidelines to follow to ensure this.

Firstly, PFDs should be placed on the top deck of the boat. This location is easily accessible to everyone on board and provides a visible storage area. It is important to keep PFDs in an open area, avoiding locked or closed compartments, which can hinder access in urgent situations.

Secondly, PFDs should not be obstructed or covered by other equipment, gear, or any obstructions. Maritime authorities emphasise the need for unobstructed access to PFDs, ensuring they are readily available to all passengers.

Thirdly, consider using a designated storage solution, such as a storage compartment or bin on the deck. This helps keep PFDs organised and visible while protecting them from the elements. Additionally, conducting a safety briefing at the beginning of each trip can familiarise passengers with the location and use of PFDs.

Lastly, it is crucial to have a sufficient number of PFDs on board, with the right size and fit for each passenger. Before embarking, check that the PFDs are easily accessible and visible to everyone. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PFDs are readily available and accessible when needed.

Check PFDs are the right size and type for the wearer and activity

When preparing for a boating trip, it is crucial to ensure that your Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are the correct size and type for each wearer and suitable for your intended activities. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you prepare:

Check the Size:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that each PFD is appropriately sized for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is typically based on the person's weight and chest size. Check the label on the PFD, which should specify the size of the person it will fit. For children, it is particularly important to test the fit to ensure it is snug and secure. Pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD and check that their chin and ears do not slip through. For infants, look for PFDs with a collar behind the head and crotch straps to ensure they are supported in a face-up position if they enter the water.

Check the Type and Activity Suitability:

PFDs are designed for different activities and water conditions. Check the product label, which should specify the intended use of the device and any limitations. Using a PFD beyond its intended use is not only illegal but also dangerous. The U.S. Coast Guard has classified PFDs into different types, ensuring they meet certain standards of buoyancy and construction.

For example, Type I PFDs are typically for offshore ocean use and are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up. These are usually bulky and may impede your ability to swim effectively. Type III PFDs, on the other hand, are intended as swim aids and are commonly used for active sports like kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. They are more comfortable and have a wider range of designs. Type IV PFDs are not worn; they are throwable devices, such as buoyant cushions or swim rings, kept on boats longer than 16 feet. Type V PFDs are specialised devices, such as pullover-style vests or whitewater rescue vests, and are only approved for specific certified uses.

Additionally, consider the water conditions you expect to encounter. Inflatable PFDs, for instance, are minimalist and comfortable but rely on a CO2 cartridge to inflate, which must be replaced annually. They are also not suitable for high-impact activities like waterskiing. Conventional, foam-filled PFDs provide constant buoyancy and are a versatile choice, especially in colder climates where they offer extra insulation.

Remember, the most important consideration is to choose PFDs that are comfortable enough to wear throughout your boating trip. By ensuring your PFDs are the right size and type, you can be confident that you and your companions are well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Don't store PFDs in locked or closed compartments

Maritime authorities recommend that you store your PFDs on the top deck of your boat, where they are visible and easily accessible. There should be no obstructions, gear, or other equipment covering the PFDs. It is also a good idea to make sure everyone on board knows where the PFDs are and how to use them.

PFDs are designed to keep you afloat in the water, and they should be worn whenever you are in or around water, not just when operating a boat. In an emergency, you may not have time to put on a PFD, and they are much harder to put on when you are already in the water. Therefore, it is important to keep them somewhere that is easily accessible at all times.

In addition to being easily accessible, PFDs should also be stored somewhere that is easily visible. This will help to ensure that everyone on board knows where they are and can quickly grab one in an emergency. A quick safety briefing at the beginning of each trip can be a great way to review important safety information, including the location and use of PFDs.

Brief passengers on the location and use of PFDs

Hello everyone, and welcome aboard! Before we set sail, I want to take a few moments to talk about safety. In particular, I want to brief you on the location and use of Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs.

PFDs are designed to keep you afloat in the water if you fall overboard. They come in different sizes, so it's important to choose one that's appropriate for your weight and body size. They also offer different levels of protection, so you'll want to select a PFD that's suitable for your activity and swimming ability.

Now, where can you find the PFDs on this boat? Well, the most important thing to remember is that they should always be easily accessible and visible. You'll find them on the top deck of the boat, in a designated storage area, bin, or simply on the deck itself. They should not be locked away or obstructed by other equipment, as you'll want to be able to reach them quickly in an emergency.

Please take a moment now to locate the PFD nearest to you, and ensure that it's the right size and fit for you. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with how to properly wear and use the PFD. Remember, it's best to wear a PFD for the entire duration of our boat trip.

In addition to PFDs, there are also life jackets, which offer even better protection. Life jackets can turn an unconscious person face up in the water, thanks to their design and higher buoyancy. They are mandatory for children and are recommended for people with disabilities or those who cannot swim.

Thank you for your attention, and I hope you have a safe and enjoyable time on the water!

Frequently asked questions