What Are The 5 Different Types Of PFDs?

5 Type Of PFDs

There are four types of PFDs, i.e., Type I PFD, Type II PFD, Type III PFD, Type IV PFD, and Type V PFD. 

While choosing a PFD, ensure that it is both Coast Guard approved and suitable for your specific water activity.

Type I PFDs

Offshore Life Jackets

The Type I PFD is for use in rough waters. You should wear these life jackets where rescue is not easy to find. 

A Type I PFD can come in varying sizes and buoyancy levels. However, the required minimum buoyancy for this offshore life jacket is 20 lbs.

Type II PFDs

Near-Shore Vests

The Type II PFD is suitable for use in calm inland waters where rescue is usually close by. 

The adult size provides 15 ½ lbs of buoyancy while the child-size provides 7-11 lbs of buoyancy.

Type III PFDs

Flotation Aids

Wear the type III PFD during watersports.

These life vests are more suitable for use in calm inland waters. The flotation device will turn some unconscious wearers in a faceup position. 

Examples of Type III PFDs are fishing vests, float coats, and water sports vests. These Type III PFDs have a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 pounds.

Type IV PFDs

Throwable Devices 

You can use the Type IV PFD on any water, including open water or rough or remote waters.  

Here’s the thing…

The Type IV PFD is for use when people fall overboard. Someone who’s fallen holds the flotation device to stay afloat till they receive rescue. Examples of Type IV PFDs include the horseshoe buoy, cushions, and ring buoys.

Make sure that that personal flotation device is in good condition (no rips or tears) and is U.S Coast Guard approved. Also, don’t use it on a child or throw it at an unconscious person. 

Where your boat is over 16 feet, USCG requires you to have one Type IV throwable device on board.

Type V PFDs

Special-Use Devices

As the name implies, these personal flotation devices are for specific activities. Most work vests are Type V Special Use PFDs, and they provide hypothermia protection. Deck suits are examples of special-use devices.

Automatic inflation models

These Type V jackets have pellets or pills that trigger a gas cartridge when dissolved in water. The jacket then inflates to save a drowning person. Examples include deck suits, belt pack, and float coat. 

The buoyancy aids vary between 22.5-34 lbs. And some of them perform like the Type II PFD.

Hybrid Inflation and some special notes

These Type V PFDs are suitable for boating activities where you can easily obtain rescue. The 7.5-22lbs life jackets are more comfortable than the Type I or Type II PFDs. 

But then…

They are not for unconscious boat lovers. The inflation mechanism is both manual and automated. It is either it inflates when submerged in water or when you yank a pull tab.

PFD  Labels

PDF labels include information on the intended use of a life jacket, its sizing information, instructions on how to use it and maintain it, as well as whether or not the PFD is Coast Guard approved. 

Read and understand the information on a personal flotation device label before purchasing.