160.077-29—PFD Manuals.
(a) Approval.
The text of each manual required by this section is reviewed with the application for approval. Changes may be required if needed to comply with this section.
(b) Required Manuals.
An owner's manual must be provided with each recreational and commercial hybrid PFD sold or offered for sale as follows:
(1)
The manual text for a recreational hybrid PFD must be printed verbatim and in the sequence set out in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as applicable.
(2)
The manual for a commercial hybrid PFD must meet the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section except that the manual for a commercial Type I PFD which is also labeled for recreational use must meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(3)
Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included within the specified text of the manuals required by this section if there is no contradiction to the required information.
(c) Type I, II or III Hybrid PFD.
For a Type I, II and III hybrid PFD the manual contents must be as follows:
Hybrid Limitations
This PFD has limited inherent buoyancy which means YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD TO FLOAT, and its inflatable portion requires maintenance. While these PFDs are not required to be worn, if you have an accident or fall overboard, you are much more likely to survive if you are already wearing a PFD.
There is only one way to find out if you will float while wearing the PFD when it is not inflated. That is to try this PFD in the water as explained in [insert reference to the section of the manual that discusses how to test the PFD]. If you have not tested this device in accordance with these guidelines, the Coast Guard does not recommend its use.
(2)
Instructions on use including instructions on donning, inflation, replenishing inflation mechanisms, and recommended practice operation;
(3)
Instructions on how to properly inspect and maintain the PFD, and recommendations concerning frequency of inspection;
Why Do You Need a PFD?
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head above water and to help you stay face up. The average in-water-weight of an adult is only about 5 to 10 pounds. The buoyancy provided by most PFDs will support that weight in water. However, the hybrid Type I, II, or III PFD may be an exception. The uninflated buoyancy provided by this PFD may only float 90 percent of the boating public. This is because the inherent buoyancy has been reduced to make it more comfortable to wear. So, you may not float adequately without inflating the device. Once the device is inflated you will have a minimum of 22 lb of buoyancy for adult sizes, which should be more than enough to float everyone. (See table above [below] for the actual minimum buoyancy for different Types of hybrids.) Your body weight alone does not determine your in-water-weight. Since there is no simple method of determining your weight in water, you should try the device in the water in both its deflated and inflated condition.
Your PFD won't help you if you don't have it on. It is well-known that most boating accidents occur on calm water during a clear sunny day. It is also true that in approximately 80 percent of all boating accident fatalities, the victim did not use a PFD. Don't wait until it's too late. Non-swimmers and children especially should wear their PFD at all times when on or near the water. Hybrid Type I, II, III or V PFDs are not recommended for non-swimmers unless inflated enough to float the wearer.
(10)
A table with the applicable PFD Type, size, and buoyancy values from Table 160.077-15(b)(13) or 160.077-17(b)(11), as applicable, or provide a reference to appropriate pamphlet table, if the pamphlet is combined with the manual.
(d) Type V Recreational Hybrid PFD.
For a Type V recreational hybrid PFD the manual contents must be as follows:
(2)
Instructions on use including instructions on donning, inflation, replenishing inflation mechanisms, and recommended practice operation;
(3)
Instructions on how to properly inspect and maintain the PFD, and recommendations concerning frequency of inspection;
(e) Commercial Hybrid PFD.
(1)
For a commercial hybrid PFD that is “REQUIRED TO BE WORN” the manual must meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(2)
For a commercial hybrid PFD approved as a “Work Vest Only” or Type I PFD the manual must meet the requirements of either paragraphs (e) (3) and (4) or of paragraph (c) of this section. The manual for a commercial Type I hybrid PFD which is also labeled for use on recreational boats must meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(3)
Each commercial hybrid PFD approved with special purpose limitation must have a user's manual that—
(4)
If the manual required in paragraph (e)(3) of this section calls for inspection or service by vessel personnel, the manual must—
(5)
If a PFD light approved under subpart is not provided at time of sale, the manual must specify the recommended type of light to be used.
(6)
Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, manufacturers that make shipments to purchasers that do not redistribute the PFDs, must provide at least one manual in each carton of PFDs shipped.
[CGD 78-174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as amended by CGD 78-174, 60 FR 2490, Jan. 9, 1995]