PFD 101: Selecting the Right Life Jackets

Whether you prefer boating in small lakes or on the open ocean, love a relaxing day of fishing or are a watersports enthusiast, having the correct life jackets on hand is critical for keeping yourself safe.

Selecting the right personal floatation device, or PFD, isn’t complicated, but there’s some terminology to familiarize yourself with before making your selection. For example, what is a PFD? What do PFD types and levels mean? What does it mean to have a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket?

We’ve already covered dog life jackets and kids’ life jackets in detail, so here we’ll focus on general PFD terminology and functions. In this article, we discuss:

What’s the difference between life jackets and other personal flotation devices (PFDs)? This discussion will include a breakdown of Type I, II, III, IV, and V PFDs
Common questions such as “Do life jackets expire?” and “How many life jackets do the Coast Guard require on a boat?”
What does each PFD performance level mean?
What life jacket sizing is based on and how to check the fit?
How do different lifejacket designs work to keep you safe?
US Coast Guard requirements & recommendations
And much, much more!

Part I: What are PFDs?

What are the Differences Between Life Jackets and PFDs?

First, let’s break down the general differences between the terms ‘life jacket,’ ‘life vest,’ and ‘PFD.’ Simply put, all life jackets and life vests are wearable PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), but not all PFDs are life jackets, vests, or wearable, for that matter. A PFD is simply any device used to help a person stay afloat. This includes ring buoys, buoyant cushions, and inflatable belts. PFD designs include wearable and non-wearable styles, different types, and different performance levels.

How Do PFDs Work?

Standard PFDs use foam to stay afloat, though inflatable and hybrid designs are common as well.

Inflatable PFDs rely on CO2 cylinders. They inflated either manually, by pulling on a string, or automatically through exposure to water. The primary benefit of inflatables is that they tend to be lightweight and less bulky than other options. However, you always run the risk of a malfunction if the inflatable isn’t in proper condition. More on this later.

Regardless of their composition, the function of any PFD is to provide buoyancy if you unexpectedly find yourself in the water. Some are designed to simply assist the user in swimming. Others are designed to flip the wearer upright and allow them to breathe, even if they’re unconscious. Fatigue, injury, cold, or simply being a weak or non-swimmer are all conditions that may necessitate the extra help.

Part II: Understanding Different Types of PFD

There are countless designs and materials used in PFD manufacturing, each with specific uses and for people of all different sizes. For these reasons, a person’s size is only one of many considerations when selecting a life jacket or other PFD. You’ll also need to consider their weight, swimming abilities, comfort, and what activities the jacket will be used for. A deep sea angler is going to have some very different needs compared to a water skier or waterfowl hunter.

PFD Designs: How Life Jackets, Vests, and Other PFDs Are Classified

The four broad design types are inherent, inflatable, hybrid, and special purpose PFDs.

Inherent PFDs (Also Known as Standard PFDs)

Standard PDFs are those that get their buoyancy from foam, offering built-in, constant flotation. These come in wearable and throwable styles and are ideal for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. They come in a full range of sizes. Sizes include infant, child, youth, and adult. Some are designed specifically for water sports.

Inflatable PFDs

As mentioned, Inflatable PFDs rely on CO2 cylinders that can be inflated either manually or automatically. These are a compact and comfortable option but have some drawbacks. Inflatable life jackets aren’t recommended for those who can’t swim or those who are weak swimmers. In addition, only adult sizes are available.

While these PFDs can meet Coast Guard requirements, there are a couple of stipulations. The device must be in a good condition. It must have a full CO2 cylinder with all green status indicators. Additionally, inflatable PFDs are only considered a legal form of flotation by the USCG when you’re wearing them.

Hybrid PFDs

Hybrid PFDs are a reliable option, as they offer compact design with built-in flotation as a backup. Hybrids come in youth, child, and adult sizes, but aren’t available for infants. A good option for people of all swimming abilities and often designed with water sports in mind, hybrid PFDs are a smart option for many boaters.

Special Purpose PFDs

PFDs that don’t exactly fit into the previous categories include options such as belt packs and some vests/jackets. They may be inherent, inflatable, or hybrids. These special purpose devices are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or other water sports. They may not have Coast Guard approval for use outside of those activities.

How Else Are Wearable PFDs Categorized?

Wearable PFDs, which include life jackets, life vests, and belts, are also categorized by performance type and/or performance level.

Wearable PDF types include types I, II, III, and V. Type IV PFDs are always throwables or non-wearable PFDs. Levels range from 50, 70, 100, 150, and 275.

PFD Performance Types: The Differences Between Types I, II, III, IV, and V

Type I: Off-Shore Life Jackets

Function: These are inherently buoyant and are designed to flip an unconscious person into a vertical, face-up position. This position allows the best chance of survival.
Intended Uses: Racing, offshore fishing, cruising, boating alone, and boating in bad weather.

Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vests

Function: Type II options are designed to flip an unconscious person into an upright position, allowing them to breathe.
Intended Uses: Sailing, fishing, and cruising close to land.

Type III: Flotation Aids

Function: These will help a conscious person remain upright, but won’t be able to turn an unconscious user face-up.
Intended Uses: Some water sports, kayaking, canoeing, and while using personal watercrafts such as jet skis.

Type V: Special Use Devices

Function: Type V devices are approved for their specific applications, but not for use outside of that. Some examples of a special-use device are paddling jackets and inflatable belts.
Intended Uses: usable in very specific circumstances, such as boardsailing or commercial white water rafting, according to the device’s label.

PFD Performance Levels: What Performance Level PFD is Appropriate?

The levels outlined below correlate with the minimum buoyancy of the device, with 50 being the lowest and 275 being the highest available.

Level 50: Intended for good swimmers who are near shore and/or are close to a means of rescue.
Level 70: Also intended for good swimmers who are near shore and/or are close to a means of rescue. However, these offer less buoyancy and therefore aren’t ideal for keeping the user safe for longer durations in disturbed water.
Level 100: Not ideal for rough water, but are appropriate in calm-water scenarios where the user may need to wait for rescue.
Level 150: These are designed to keep even an unconscious person in a safe position by supporting the head and neck. These PFDs are intended as general-use PDFs.
Level 275: Intended for the most extreme conditions offshore.

Finding the Right Fit

In addition to the PFD types outlined above, life jackets are additionally categorized by broad age groups. These age groups correspond to the following weight categories:

Infant life jackets: users who weigh less than 33 lbs.
Child life jackets: users who weigh between 33 lbs. and 55 lbs.
Youth life jackets: users who weigh between 55 lbs. and 88 lbs.
Adult life jackets: users who weigh more than 88 lbs.

Beyond these categorizations, your chest size will determine what size wearable PFD you should use.

How to check for the right fit:

First, check the label for the recommended weight and chest size. Adjust the jacket until it’s snug, but still allows a comfortable range of motion. A tell-tale sign that the life jacket isn’t adjusted properly (or that it’s too large) is if the shoulder area is loose. A correctly fitted life jacket won’t allow the lifejacket to rise above the wearer’s chin.

Whether you buy online or in person, trying on your flotation device is imperative. Consider what activities you’ll likely be participating in. If possible, make sure the fit and comfort will hold up in those circumstances. For example, if the plan is to go kayaking, make sure the device feels comfortable while sitting down and allows your arms a sufficient range of motion.

Do Life Jackets Expire?

Many people wonder if life jackets expire. While they don’t expire per se, they do need to be replaced over time.

It’s recommended to test inherent and hybrid life jackets for wear and buoyancy at the start of the boating season, or annually. If the life jacket is waterlogged, sun damaged, or showing other signs of damage, it’s time for a replacement. For inflatables, check the CO2 canisters and look for signs of wear.

What causes a PFD to wear out over time is simply the nature of the marine environment. Life jackets are exposed to harsh sunlight, saltwater (in some cases), and see a lot of action. For these reasons, it’s beneficial to invest in a high-quality life jacket.

Part III: U.S. Coast Guard Requirements & Recommendations

What Does it Mean for a Life Jacket or PFD to be Coast Guard Approved?

Coast Guard approval is primarily based on:

Whether or not the PFD meets carriage requirements
If the PFD type (I, II, III, IV, or V) is designed for that activity
Whether or not the PFD is in a serviceable condition
If the PFD is the appropriate size for the intended user

In addition, not all life jacket designs are Coast Guard approved. Check the individual labels for an approval number to be sure you’re meeting requirements.

US Coast Guard Requirements

So, how many life jackets are required on a recreational boat? The USCG requires that an appropriate, Coast Guard-approved life jacket be kept on board for each person on the boat. By federal law, children under 13 are required to wear their life jacket if the boat is underway unless they’re in an enclosed cabin or below deck. Passengers 13 and older aren’t legally required to wear a life jacket. However, they only work when you wear them. The Coast Guard recommends that all passengers wear their life jackets when the vessel is underway, regardless of age.

Note: State laws vary. It’s always a good idea to check local laws with your state boating safety officials. When boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, laws will likely vary.

If you choose not to wear your life jacket while on board, accessibility is crucial. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible. That means they can’t be stored in bags, in locked/closed compartments, or have other gear on top of them. In an emergency, it’s critical that your lifejackets be accessible in seconds.

Similarly, throwable PFDs must be immediately available to throw to a person in need.