Lifejacket types

Type I—Off Shore Life Jackets

Designed for boating or sailing on the open ocean, rough seas or on remote waters where a rescue could be delayed. Off shore life jackets turn most
unconscious wearers in the water from a face-down position to a vertical or slightly tipped-back position.

Advantages:

• Provides most reliable flotation.
• Comes in highly visible colors.
• Has reflective material for search and rescue.

Disadvantage:

• Bulky in and out of water.

Type II—Near Shore Buoyant Vest

Designed for recreational canoeing or sailing in inland waters where a rescue would likely occur quickly. Near shore buoyant vests may help turn an unconscious person in the water from a face-down position to a vertical or slightly tipped-back position. Type II life jackets have less buoyancy than Type I life jackets but are more comfortable to wear.

Advantage:

• Approved for multiple sizes from infant through adult.

Disadvantage:

• Not recommended for long hours on rough water.

Type III—Flotation Aid

Often used for general boating in calm inland waters or for the specialized activity that is marked on the device, such as skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing or kayaking. These “float coats” or vests may keep a conscious person in a vertical or slightly tipped-back position. Type III is more comfortable for active water sports than Types I and II.

Advantages:

• Designed for general boating and designated activities marked on the device.
• Available in many styles, including vests and flotation coats.

Disadvantages:

• Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid being submerged face-down.
• Not recommended for extended survival in rough water; a wearer’s face may often be covered by waves.
• Must be water-tested by inexperienced swimmers before boating activity.

Type IV—Throwable Devices

Flotation devices, such as a buoyant cushion or the ring buoy, are not worn but can be thrown to a victim in an emergency. A buoyant cushion may be used as a
seat cushion. These devices do not take the place of wearing a life jacket.

Advantages:

• May be thrown from boat or land.
• Provide backup to wearable PFDs.
• Some styles may be used as seat cushions.

Disadvantages:

• Not for unconscious persons.
• Not suitable for inexperienced swimmers or children.
• Not safe for long hours of rough water.

Type V—Restricted-Use Life Jacket

A special purpose device approved for specific activities, such as commercial whitewater rafting and riding personal watercraft, where other types of personal flotation devices would be too constrictive or when more protection is needed. Restricted-use life jackets include boardsailing vests, deck suits, pullover vests and work vests.

Advantages:

• Designed for specific activities.
• Continuous wear prevents users from being caught without protection; most accidents occur suddenly.

Disadvantages:

• Less safe than other PFD types if used for activities other than those specified on label.
• May be better suited for cool climates and seasons.