Which Statement About Pfds is True?

Which Statement About Pfds is True?

A) Use gasoline to clean a PFD coated with oil or grease

B) PFDs are challenging to put on when submerged.

C) PFDs do not float well in shallow water

D) Children’s PFDs should fit loosely

Answer:- B) PFDs are challenging to put on when submerged.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), also known as life jackets or life preservers, come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different water-related activities. Understanding its categories is important as each has unique properties and uses.

Before we get into the challenges of putting a PFD when submerged, let’s quickly understand the main types of PFDs classified under different types:

Type I PFDs: Bigger & Bulkier

Type I PFDs are offshore life jackets specially designed to keep an individual afloat by facing up for an extended timeframe. These offer more buoyancy, 22 pounds to be exact, more than other types of PFDs, and are designed for deep and open waters. These jackets are ideal for an individual who has to be in the water for an extended period until help arrives, as it helps an unconscious person float facing up.

Type II PFDs: Classic Industry Standard

Type II PFDs or near-shore buoyant vests, or "classic" life jackets, are the most commonly used flotation devices, especially for recreational water activities. Classic life jackets are industry standard and designed in various shapes and sizes for adults and children. With 15.5 pounds of buoyancy, these jackets may be useful in turning an unconscious person face up in calm inland water where the rescue team will arrive swiftly.

Type III PFDs: Flotation Aids

The Type III PFDs, also known as flotation aids, come in different shapes and sizes and are suitable for use in calm, inland waters for various boating activities where help will arrive swiftly. Conversely, type III PFDs may not turn an unconscious person facing up despite providing 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.

Type IV PFDs: Throwable Aids

The Type IV category consists of throwable floating devices designed to provide extra support or aid to someone not wearing a life jacket. Although these PFDs do not replace wearable ones, they can be useful when kept accessible for emergencies. Common types of throwable aids are boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys, among others. These PFDs are not for non-swimmers, children, or unconscious people.

Type V PFDs: Specialty Devices

The Type V PFDs are primarily used in occupational settings and include specially designed PFDs such as work vests and deck suits. Such type of devices is not used in any type of recreational activity.   

Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable life jackets are less bulky and occupy less space than the usual PFDs. These devices come with internal chambers that provide buoyancy when inflated. Some important features of these inflatable devices are in-water characteristics, inflating mechanisms, buoyancy levels, and more. Before using these devices, one must be thorough with the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure the device is of the right size.

Now coming to the main part of the question, why are PFDs challenging to put on when submerged? Let’s find out:

• PFDs are specially designed to provide buoyancy, meaning they float on the water's surface. But when submerged, controlling the position and orientation of a PFD becomes difficult as it entangles with the body or other objects, making it hard to put on.
• Water resistance is another factor that restricts objects’ movement underwater. Such resistance can make it difficult for an individual to put on a PFD with adjustable buckles or straps under water.
• When submerged, an individual is likely to have limited visibility. Without a clear vision, one cannot properly locate the straps or buckles and put on the PFD.
• Any individual who is injured or a non-swimmer will panic underwater. Sudden stress and panic attacks can impair one's thinking and reasoning abilities, making it challenging to perform simple activities like putting on a PFD.
• There are many instances where PFDs did not provide enough buoyancy or failed to inflate on time. Some equipment failure cases are also caused due to poor-fitting PFDs where individuals found it difficult to wear or felt discomfort, questioning its usefulness.

In conclusion, factors such as product buoyancy, resistance from water, lack of clear visibility, stress and panic, and poor equipment make it challenging to put on a PFD when submerged in water. Therefore, individuals must practice how to put on a PFD in a normal situation before using it in emergencies. Also, using a PFD that perfectly fits is crucial to reduce the risk of unforeseen accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the challenges of putting on a PFD when submerged?

Product buoyancy, resistance from water, lack of clear visibility, stress and panic, and poor equipment are the main challenges one endures while putting on a PFD when submerged.

2. When should one wear a PFD?

The regulations under the United States Coast Guard required all recreational boats to carry approved PFDs. Even though the number of PFDs on board varies based on factors like the passengers count, the boat size, and the activity type, everyone under 13 should always wear a PFD. The age and PFD requirements may vary by state and municipality.

3. How to find an appropriate PFD?

Sometimes, wearing a PFD is not enough to avert an accident. Nevertheless, one should ensure that the PFD should be fitted in size, safe, and appropriate for the activity s/he will use it for. Another factor to consider while picking a PFD is buoyancy. It should be appropriate for his or her weight. Also, everyone should remember to read the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations on fitting and sizing before choosing a PFD.

4. How to maintain your PFD?

PFDs that are well-maintained and in good condition are safe to use in water. In case of any damage, it should be discarded immediately. Here are some suggestions for maintaining your PFD:

• Don’t alter your PFD as it’s against the US Coast Guard guidelines and can comprise the device’s effectiveness
• Dry your PFD before keeping it in storage. Wet PFDs can damage the buoyant materials and affect the flotation ability.
• Store your PFD in cool and dry places. Keep them away from direct sunlight to ensure longer effectiveness.
• Use your PFD only for the intended purpose. Using it as a seat cover, kneeling pad, or otherwise can break down the buoyant material inside the life jacket.

5. How to conduct routine PFD inspections?

No matter how carefully you store your PFD, it will eventually break down with continued use and time. Hence, make sure you do the following to check if your PFD is safe to use:

• Check for usual damages such as holes, tears, holes, rips or other damages that can restrict one from floating.
• Check for waterlogging and air leaks as such damages decrease buoyancy
• Carefully check the buoyant material whether it has shrunk.