Manual Inflatable Flotation Belt Pack for Adults

[dlandersson]

FYI (I have zip financial interest), BPS is selling "Manual Inflatable Flotation Belt Pack for Adults" for $69 - best price I've seen.

http://www.basspro.com/Onyx-Manual-Infl ... 6318027271

[Tomfoolery]

I have a couple of manual belt packs that came with the boat, but I always use my automatic horse collar instead. The belt packs are probably good enough if I'm with people, but alone, or with the admiral, who would need some time to turn around and get me, I prefer fully automatic. Or even a regular Type II, though I don't go out with her in the rough stuff. Or rather, she won't go on the boat at all in the rough stuff.

The downside of the auto-inflatables is the cost to rearm, which you're supposed to do on a regular basis, as the bobbin gets old. Not cheap. But I want automatic, in case I get nailed by the boom, or have a heart attack or something.

[seahouse]

If I understand it right, the inflatables only count as a PFD on board if they are actually worn. In other words, if you have four people on board and 4 inflatables on board that are not being worn, you must also have 4 conventional life jackets on board as well in order to be in compliance. Can anybody elaborate on that- maybe it's an obsolete rule? or maybe only in Canada? I find it hard to believe that the rule came from my imagination !

We normally carry only auto-inflatables, which are always worn, but I might throw in some conventional PFD's just to be sure.

- Brian.

[Tomfoolery]

If I understand it right, the inflatables only count as a PFD on board if they are actually worn. In other words, if you have four people on board and 4 inflatables on board that are not being worn, you must also have 4 conventional life jackets on board as well in order to be in compliance. Can anybody elaborate on that- maybe it's an obsolete rule? or maybe only in Canada? I find it hard to believe that the rule came from my imagination !

We normally carry only auto-inflatables, which are always worn, but I might throw in some conventional PFD's just to be sure.

That's what was taught in the Basic Boating course (US Power Squadron, which my FIL teaches), and it's also what I've heard from other sources, so I take it as the truth. And I also keep a Type III on board for each person, plus a couple of throwable cushions, and the horseshoe buoy, even though just one cushion in the cockpit would satisfy the USCG requirements.

Oh, and don't keep the PFD's in their storage bag below decks (like the 3-packs in a bag), as that's not considered at-the-ready, or whatever language they use. My FIL tells stories of folks getting gigged on that, plus if the boat is filling with water, it can become impossible to get the bundle out of the locker (his best buddy experienced that in his Catalina 42 when it turtled ). Best to keep them loose, and where they can be grabbed easily, even in a panic.

[seahouse]

Good advice, Tom.

We had approved canoe cushions that used to count as one, but they no longer do (at least in Canada). I had an idea that the horseshoe-shaped ones might not be approved as a throwing device (the throwing device had to be " closed"), but… The trouble is I have previously studied the more-stringent commercial rules (for the commercial captain's license) and the passage of time tends to morph them all together to make one big mess in my memory.

[Tomfoolery]

. . . the passage of time tends to morph everything all together to make one big mess in my memory.

Customized to fit me like a glove.



Now where did I leave my lunch?

[dlandersson]

That is correct. I have some inflatable PFD's (and the belt ones are for guests - and because of the price) and some conventional ones, plus cushions plus a ring (looks neat with the boat name). Coast Guards runs away when they see me coming.

There's a list (or was) of what the CG inspects for when they board.

If I understand it right, the inflatables only count as a PFD on board if they are actually worn. In other words, if you have four people on board and 4 inflatables on board that are not being worn, you must also have 4 conventional life jackets on board as well in order to be in compliance. Can anybody elaborate on that- maybe it's an obsolete rule? or maybe only in Canada? I find it hard to believe that the rule came from my imagination !

We normally carry only auto-inflatables, which are always worn, but I might throw in some conventional PFD's just to be sure.

- Brian.

[yukonbob]

If you don't want the rings or horseshoes taking up space look up Mustang's inflatable throw stick. Works on the same principals as the auto-inflators just a throwable stick shape and inflates to a horseshoe. Smaller than a can of spray paint when all packed away and you can throw them really far. We keep manual inflatable jackets for guests, as they are cheaper and cheaper to rearm if used.

[Doug W]

We keep one, sometimes two "throwable" cushions in the cockpit and wear our inflatables during races, events, when on big water and when the weather gets iffy. I like the sound of those throwable sticks. We have ski-vest style for guests but I have to blush, the 4 jackets that came with the boat are neatly stored in the most inaccessible locker...

Oh, and don't keep the PFD's in their storage bag below decks (like the 3-packs in a bag), as that's not considered at-the-ready, or whatever language they use. My FIL tells stories of folks getting gigged on that, plus if the boat is filling with water, it can become impossible to get the bundle out of the locker (his best buddy experienced that in his Catalina 42 when it turtled ). Best to keep them loose, and where they can be grabbed easily, even in a panic.

[dlandersson]

That way you'll know right where they are and they won't get messy.

We have ski-vest style for guests but I have to blush, the 4 jackets that came with the boat are neatly stored in the most inaccessible locker...

[NiceAft]

I have a problem understanding the concept of keeping the PFD'S, no matter which type, handy in case of emergency. I have six self inflating vests on board at all times. No one goes out on Nice Aft without wearing a vest. They were expensive, but I strongly feel that if something happens, and getting the vest and putting it on took too much time, this is something one could come to regret. The self inflating vest are comfortable enough to wear at all times. I really feel that nothing short of the ability to right an unconscious person should be worn by passengers and crew. I'm probably in the minority in this area, but any other thinking just does not make sense to me.

Please don't take this as me pontificating. I am just venting. I'm sure there are others who agree, and many more who don't.

Ray

[dlandersson]

And that's why they don't count unless they are being worn - the CG agrees with you.

I have a problem understanding the concept of keeping the PFD'S, no matter which type, handy in case of emergency. I have six self inflating vests on board at all times. No one goes out on Nice Aft without wearing a vest. They were expensive, but I strongly feel that if something happens, and getting the vest and putting it on took too much time, this is something one could come to regret. The self inflating vest are comfortable enough to wear at all times. I really feel that nothing short of the ability to right an unconscious person should be worn by passengers and crew. I'm probably in the minority in this area, but any other thinking just does not make sense to me.

Please don't take this as me pontificating. I am just venting. I'm sure there are others who agree, and many more who don't.

Ray

[mastreb]

I concur. I don't see a thrown life saving device as a reasonable option.

Firstly, we're usually in some chop, and just a little wave action and current can keep a flotation device forever out of reach to a swimmer.

Secondly, A passenger can slip on deck or under the pulpit or lifeline without a person noticing, especially if you're in a sudden tack to avoid collision or a big way has the helmsman tied up maneuvering. The situations that cause overboards are exactly the situations that require your attention to deal with them.

Thirdly, the people who seem to go over are often those least capable of self-rescue and swimming.

We require everyone under 18 on the boat to wear a PFD at all times (also CA law to 16). I encourage adult guests to wear them, but I do leave it up to adults. The admiral and I will go without on a lazy flat day sail inside the the bays or harbors, but we can both swim to shore from all points therein. Any time we're out in any kind of weather or more than 1000m from shore, we have them on.

I'm actually more likely to have one on than the Admiral, because I don't mind the tan lines and I'm not so certain of her close-quarters maneuvering capabilities.

[yukonbob]

A throwable floatation device is a requirement outside the use of lifejackets (and no, not PFD's). The throw sticks, horseshoes and life rings are above and beyond lifejackets and are required by law in Canada and the USA and do not replace nor are they intended to replace throwable devices. As far as the manual PFD's you'd also better be ready to jump in after an unconscious person.

During the summer when I'm not sailing I'm kayaking, and when you're in big water (river or ocean) the PFD's and lifejackets will generally keep you afloat, but in no way should you expect them to keep your head above water at all times. This really freaks inexperienced people out when they're wearing a lifejacket and their head keeps going under as they go through wave trains, holes, or as breaking waves roll over their heads.

[Tomfoolery]

A throwable floatation device is a requirement outside the use of lifejackets (and no, not PFD's). The throw sticks, horseshoes and life rings are above and beyond lifejackets and are required by law in Canada and the USA and do not replace nor are they intended to replace throwable devices. As far as the manual PFD's you'd also better be ready to jump in after an unconscious person.

I think you meant to say 'wearable' devices, as throw sticks, horseshoes, and life rings are throwable devices. At the risk of sounding like a hall monitor.