Life Jacket Types & Designs

Types of Personal Flotation Devices

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) also known as PFDs or lifejackets, save lives. It's as simple as that.

It's why the U.S. Coast Guard requires that PFDs be carried onboard all vessels. They are the most important piece of safety equipment on your boat, and you should wear one whenever you're boating.

When you're choosing a PFD, you need to make sure that:

• It is the appropriate type for your boating location and activity;
• It is the right size and has enough buoyancy to support you in the water; and
• It is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard

PFD Type	Best For	Disadvantages	Notes
Type I: Offshore Life Jacket	All waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue can be delayed	Large and awkward; difficult to swim in	Adult size: 22 lb. of buoyancy. Child size: 11 lb. of buoyancy. Will turn unconscious wearers to face-up position.
Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vest	Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue	May not turn some unconscious wearers face-up	Adult size: 15 1/2 lb. of buoyancy. Child size: 11 lb. of buoyancy. Infant size: 7 lb. of buoyancy. Will turn some unconscious wearers to face-up position.
Type III: Flotation Aid	Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue	Wearers must put themselves in face-up position	Same buoyancy as Type II. examples: Float coat, fishing vest, water sport vest
Type IV: Device	All waters where help is present	Not designed to be worn; intended for use in waters with heavy boat traffic	Designed to be thrown and grasped until rescued; never worn. examples: Cushions, ring buoys, horseshoe buoys
Type V: Special Use Device	Specific activities; check approval condition on label	Some Type Vs are designed for cooler climates and others are approved only when worn	Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection. examples: Deck suits, work vests, boardsailing vests