PFDU First Watch Recreational

8/22/2019 PFDU First Watch Recreational

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Personal Flotation Device University

Welcome to PFDU everything you wanted to know about

recreational inherently buoyant PFDs.

This document has been set up in a question and answer

format.

There are many types of flotation devices for almost all on-

water activities.

Our challenge as an industry is to design products that

people will wear. The scenario that people will have time to

don their PFD just in time is a myth on small vessels.There is never enough time!

PFDU


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TYPE I PFDS / OFF-SHORE LIFE JACKETS: 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: These devices provide

extra (freeboard) buoyancy to keep your mouth above the water. Type 1s have self righting capabilities. They are not usually

worn as constant wear devices. (except inflatables)

Inherently Buoyant Type I PFDs - SOLAS Service

Inherently Buoyant Type I PFDs - U.S. Service

Inflatable Type I PFDs - SOLAS and DomesticHybrid Type I PFDs - US Services

TYPE II PFDS / NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VESTS: For general boating activities. Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a

good chance for fast rescue. Type IIs have some self-righting capabilities (such as basic keyhole vest or infant childs vests).

Type IIs usually have more foam in the front than Type IIIs so they are less comfortable to wear (except inflatables).

:

Inherently Buoyant Type II PFDs

Inflatable Type II PFDs

Hybrid Type II PFDs

TYPE III PFDS / FLOTATION AIDS: For general boating or the specialized activity that is marked on the device such as water skiing,

hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and others. Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast

rescue. Designed so that wearing it will complement your boating activities:

Inherently Buoyant Type III PFDs

Inflatable Type III PFDs

Hybrid Type III PFDs

TYPE V PFDS / SPECIAL USE DEVICES: Only for special uses or conditions. Type Vs must be worn to comply with USCG rules.First Watch Floatation suits are Type Vs.

Deck Suits

Work Vests for Commercial Vessels

Commercial Whitewater Vests

Man-Overboard Rescue Devices

Law Enforcement Flotation Devices

What are the different TYPES of USCG approved PFDs?


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United States Guard (USCG) Approvals

All PFDs USCG approved have been submitted for testing byUnderwriters Laboratories (UL) and approved in accordance withUSCG regulations. That means that not only the design passes theapproval criteria, but every component used on the device does aswell.

When a manufacturer wants to make a modification to a USCGApproved product, and that modification in any way affects the

performance of the device, the manufacturer must submit the devicefor review. If the modification is strictly aesthetic, this is notnecessary. However, there are items that are perceived to beaesthetic, such as changing the configuration of a pocket. UL will askfor that device to be reviewed as the volume and configuration ofpocketry on a flotation device can impact its flotation characteristics.

Submissions and modifications can be a very costly process to PFD

manufacturers.


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Why do some PFDs have buckle closures and others have zippers?

PFDs can have either zipper or buckle closures as long as the

finished product meets the strength requirements of regulatory

testing. Typically, for sports where hitting the water at high speeds is

a reality, such as water skiing or watercrafting, a consumer would

prefer to have a vest with several belts and buckles. These belts wrap

around the wearer holding the device snugly to their body, thus

minimizing movement of the device upon impact and helping to

maintain integrity of the product.

For any other PFD applications, a front zipper closure is sufficient.

While this type of closure is not as strong for high impact situations, it

certainly is strong enough for traditional boating and marine activities.

Many general boaters or (delete fisherman) anglers do not like

having several belts and buckles on their PFDs and prefer a simplezipper closure. Front zippers also tend to be less expensive to

produce for PFD manufacturers.

There are PFDs that have both buckle and zipper closures this is

not usually necessary, although it does provide more strength in the

front closure.


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What are the different types of foams used in PFDs?

There are 3 foam compositions currently approved for use in PFDs.

1. Polyethylene Foam (PE)

Low Cost Air pockets compress and lose air over time

Stiff

Light-weight

2. Polyvinylchloride Foam (PVC). Used on all First Watch Vests, Suits & Coats

Very supple and easy to wear

Long wearing durability the air-pocket cells with-stand compression for longer thanpoly foam

High cost

3. Gaia Foam (environmental friendly) Highest cost

Manufacturing process has less impact on environment than PVC foam

Tensile (tear) strength is lower than PVC (less durable in suits/coats)

Gaia is being used in some kayak PFD brands

#1#2 #3


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All about Coast Guard approved fabrics.

Fabric exposed to ultra violet rays will degrade over time and eventually comeapart. To ensure that PFDs will endure a reasonable lifespan for the consumer, the

UL subjects all PFD fabrics to 200 hours of ultra violet weather in the lab.

First Watch products use UL approved 210, 200 Denier regular and ripstop nylons.Ripstop nylons are woven to provide increased tear resistance.

We also deploy 500 Denier Cordura nylons in areas of wear such as knees,elbows and seat. The AV-900 Sport Vest uses 500 Denier through most of theouter shell.

First Watch has engineered the best materials into its devices to insure optimumdurability, performance and good looks.

Ripstop Nylon Cordura Nylon


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Other Components Used On PFDs

Any component used to make a USCG approved PFD has beentested and listed as an option for PFD manufacturers to use on theirproducts. This includes everything from buckles, webbings, threads,zippers etc. any component that contributes to the integrity of thedesign. Other items, such as reflective materials, branding, silkscreening, D-Rings and Fast Tabs are not tested. These items areconsidered add-ons that do not affect the core function of the device.


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What is the difference between a lifejacket and a PFD?

Historically, lifejackets were the only means of flotation available to people.Lifejackets were typically a horseshoe shaped collar that were very bulky anduncomfortable. They were viewed as safe because the buoyancy was distributedhigh around the face which enabled the product to self right the wearer to a face upposition. Because they were uncomfortable to wear, lifejackets were only worn in anemergency situation.

Today, most water related deaths occur because the person was not wearing aflotation device and the majority of those people had one close by. Throughout theNorth American industry, there is an ongoing push to develop flotation devices that

people will wear. As a result, throughout the 70s and 80s regulations evolved andcategories for PFDs as we know them today were developed.

Where a traditional lifejacket had approximately 35lbs of buoyancy, a PFD has aminimum of 15.5lbs of buoyancy. Where lifejackets were designed to self-rightpeople into a face up position in the water, PFDs do not.

The evolution of traditional PFDs, and now inflatable PFDs has placed the onus onthe consumer to make an appropriate choice for their activity and to wear theirproduct in order to be safe.


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What are the pros and cons of nylon PFDs versus neoprene?

Despite the surge of neoprene vests currently entering the marketplace,

neoprene wetsuits have been strong in the watersport category for many years.

As an extension of wetsuits, neoprene vests are a natural progression in thiscategory. Neoprene vests are designed to fit snug to the body to make them as

comfortable as possible and they are constructed with belts and webbing

closures for maximum protection. This consumer is conditioned to wear their

wetsuit and/or PFD for protection when they are waterskiing, wakeboarding etc.

This is counterintuitive to more traditional mariners who commonly do not wear

a PFD while on the water.

The properties of neoprene are such that the material is heavy (when compared

to traditional foam/nylon products) and it absorbs heat. So, although neoprene

offers good protection for watersport enthusiasts, it is not an ideal option as a

constant wear PFD for more traditional users who already choose not to wear

the lighter weight nylon PFDs claiming they are bulky.


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Keyhole vests why have they become controversial?

Although keyhole vests have been around for many years and arestill readily sold in parts of North America, recent reports havesuggested that these designs might be less safe than expected.When donned, keyhole vests are slipped over the head and thenattached to the body with belts or straps. It is now recognized thatthe belts do not hold the device to the body securely and, as a result,the device can slide off the wearers head leaving them with noprotection at all.


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All About Childrens PFDs

Did you know

Children drown in back yard pools as often as they do on boats, docks and beaches. It is

often silent, takes as little as 5 minutes and usually occurs when an adult is nearby. Noone can watch a child every second which is why it is important for children to wear a

PFD when they are close to any body of water.

What parents look for

Comfort vs PricePFDs tend to be bulky and can be uncomfortable for kids. As a result, there is a

correlation between comfort and price for parents. Parents are often willing to spend

more money on their kids than they are on themselves. They look for quality materials

and workmanship in childrens products, but if a child finds a PFD comfortable, price will

be even less of a consideration.

Childrens PFDs continued


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Childrens PFDscontinued

What parents look for

VisibilityParents strongly prefer childrens PFDs that are highly visible. Although the colour

regulations have opened up in Canada in the past 6 years, parents still prefer safety

colours for their kids.


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Do all PFDs have the same amount of buoyancy?

Yes, all Approved Adult PFDs have the same minimum amount ofbuoyancy, 15-1/2lbs. As a reference, the average adult requires

approximately 8lbs of buoyancy to stay afloat.

Many larger people will ask the question, How do I know the PFD

will float me?. For larger sized people, they can be assured that the

device will float them. An approved PFD has a minimum of 15-1/2lbsof buoyancy - larger sizes, incrementally increase in buoyancy

simply by the increased amount of foam required to make that size.

The rule is If it fits you, it will float you!.


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Why do some Adult PFDs have collars and others do not?

Collared PFDs represent different functions depending upon the

product. There are canoe vests that have collars which provide

padding when canoeists are portaging with their boat on their

shoulders.

Other vests designed for high speed activities such as watercrafting

or jet boating have collars that fit snugly around the neck to provide

stability to both the neck and head. These can also be a source of

warmth to the wearer.

As mentioned above, kids products have large collars to help support

their heads in the water. Similarly, there are Adult Lifejackets on the

market with a similar collar to offer head support and additional

buoyancy.


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Why do different PFDs have different sized and shaped armholes?

The size and shape of an armhole on a PFD is an indication of its

overall comfort and functionality. Typically, products specifically

designed for activities that require a broad range of motion have

large, cutaway armholes. Good examples of this are kayaking vests,

watersports and certain fishing vests.


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What styles & features are important to different end users:

Paddlers

The paddlesport category can be broken down into several different

types of paddling enthusiasts. These include general Kayakers

(ocean, lake, recreational), white water kayakers and canoers.


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Paddlers - General Kayakers

For all paddlers, the predominant feature in a PFD is comfort. Paddlers are one of the user groups

that will actually wear their PFD when they are on the water. If the device is cumbersome or in any

way detracts from the wearers ability to perform and enjoy their sport, they will not purchase it.

Because kayakers sit with their legs extended out in front of them, a PFD must be short enough that

it sits on top of the boat and does not extend down into the boat past their waist. If this is the case,

the device will ride up past their neck and become a nuisance. Also, the device must be cut with

extremely generous armholes and low profile (thin foam in the front) allowing maximum range of

motion so the kayaker can get full rotation in their stroke.

Pockets are also important to general kayakers. People who take day trips or are even out for a few

hours often want to have a place to carry a few items that will be readily available. Pockets are also

used to carry safety equipment for those going on longer expeditions.

The category general kayakers applies to a broad range of kayaking enthusiasts. These consumers

will purchase products across a range of performance and pricing depending on how serious they

are, how often they are on the water and what conditions they paddle in. The more serious the

kayaker, typically, the more they will appreciate a higher performing product and, as a result, themore they will be willing to pay for it.


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Paddlers - White Water Kayakers

Similar to General Kayakers, length of the device, range of motion and lowprofile are critical for white water enthusiasts. This type of kayaking

demands an even greater range of motion for the paddler.

White water paddlers always wear a PFD due to the risk of their sport. Any

pockets or add-ons to the device are typically of a safety nature such as D-

rings to rescue people with tow ropes, fast tabs for knives or carabeenersetc. These items must be applied to the device in the lowest profile manner

possible.

Because white water kayakers depend on their PFDs heavily, they are

willing to spend money for rugged, high performance products that fit

snugly and meet their requirements.


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Paddlers - Canoeists

The demands of a canoeist are similar to the kayaker, but not as stringent. Becausecanoeists sit upright in a canoe as if they are sitting on a chair, the fit of their device is

much more forgiving and can be a little bit longer than that of a kayaker. Although to

paddle a proper canoe stroke, canoeists require as much range of motion as a kayaker,

they are more willing to compromise on function or performance for price. Canoeists

are more willing to tolerate a bulkier design as they are typically a recreational user,

they often do not want to spend the money demanded for higher performing products.

Canoes, in general, are much less expensive than kayaks. Following this trend, the

recreational canoeist does not make the same investment in either time or equipment

for their sport. Also, canoeists will, typically, not take their boat out in inclement

weather or rougher conditions where kayakers will. As a result, canoeists often do not

rely on their PFDs quite as heavily as kayakers do.


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General BoatersGeneral boating enthusiasts range from power boaters to car-toppers that enjoy time

at the lake. Statistics show that this category of user does not believe they will ever

end up in the water and, as result, will rarely wear their PFD. Depending on how at

risk they feel, they will either purchase something inexpensive to have on their vessel

in order to meet the spirit of the law, or, they will purchase something that, for a variety

of reasons, meets their needs. This could include comfort, fit, design/aesthetic appeal

etc and, depending on what the motivation is, pricing for these products can cover the

entire range from opening price point, to an expensive inflatable PFD.


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Watersport EnthusiastsWatersport enthusiasts include those who enjoy high speed water sports such as

water skiers, wakeboarders and personal watercrafters. People who enjoy

watersports expect to spend time in the water so, similar to kayakers, this user

group will often, if not always, wear their PFD while enjoying their sport. Therefore,

it is very important for them to have a device that is comfortable, wraps snugly

around their body, has a generous armhole design for freedom of movement and

has no pockets to pick up extra water.

Watersport enthusiasts will often pay higher prices for products that meet their

criteria as a poorly fitting design will detract from their experience on the water, or

worse, make it unsafe.


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FishermanThere are many different types of fisherman some of which are much more likelyto wear a PFD than others. Like all of the other user categories, fisherman arepassionate about their sport and require PFDs that enhance, rather than detractfrom a good day out fishing. The range of fisherman is broad ranging fromrecreational anglers to those who deep-sea fish and, as might be expected, theirneeds are equally varied.

Generally speaking, fisherman do not want to wear anything bulky, however, themajority of them also do not want to pay a higher price for product with morecontoured designs and softer foams. Most will want pockets on their device thenumber and configuration of which are largely a personal preference.


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Sailors

Sailors are another particular user group of PFDs. Although there are manydifferent types of sailing, they can be categorized into two general groups smallboats and large boats. Those that sail recreationally on large vessels will often notwear a PFD. Conversely, if they are racing or sailing offshore they will almostalways wear one. This group of sailors look for maximum comfort andperformance in a PFD and were the first user group in North American to adoptinflatable PFDs for their low profile, excellent in water performance and ability toself inflate. For many of these users, price is not an issue as long as they

perceive value in the device.

Sailors that sail small or low to the water vessels such as dinghys andcatamarans will always wear a PFD. These boats are very active and the sailormoves around quickly and aggressively to manipulate them through the water.There is a good chance that the sailor will end up in the water or, that the boat willcapsize. Their need for quick and easy maneuverability determines the idealdesign for this user. They prefer designs very similar if not the same as kayakers

with a very low profile, large, cutaway armholes and a soft foam construction.They will also pay a higher price for the right product as long as the value is there.

PFDU First Watch Recreational

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