What causes a PFD to wear out over time?

What causes a PFD to wear out over time?

If you are a boat owner, it’s essential to know what may cause your Floatation Device to wear out. This is necessary for proper storage and lengthening the span of your PFDs

Ultraviolet Radiation

 The rays from the sun are one of the greatest threats to your PFDs. Exposing your PFD to direct sunlight can lead to wearing. The sun destroys the synthetic materials that the PFDs are made of. The effect of the sun on the PFD can be realized by the fading of the PFDs’ original colors. Ensure you keep the PFDs away from direct sunlight.

Moisture and Humidity

PFDs should be stored when dry. Using them and storing them while wet or moist causes the buoyant materials to be worn out. Ensure you dry the PFDs immediately before storing them. The level of moisture in the jacket will also make the jacket moldy.

Storing them in heaps

PFDs should be stored in a line or a manner that allows passage of air between them. Storing them in bundles will make them become moisturized hence growing moldy or interfering with the buoyant part of the PFD.

Sharp objects

Sharp objects like metals and glasses can tear PFDs. Sometimes metallic or sharp edges of the boat can tear your PFDs without you noticing. Hence, it’s useful to check them for any damages before usage.

How to care for your PFDs?

Proper PFD Storage

Make sure your PFDs are dry before you store them. They should be stored appropriately to allow free circulation of air. Remember to keep them away from direct sunlight. Store the PFDs in a cool, dry place free from any contamination.

Check PFDs before Use

Test the PFDs before the actual usage. Despite PFDs being your insurance policy in water, failure to check them for effectiveness before usage could fail to save you in the sea or on the water in case of any emergency. If you are using inflatable PFDs, check for air leaks.

Don’t Alter Your PFDs

Altering will affect the integrity and effectiveness of the PFD. PFDs are made in different sizes, making any alterations to fit you could damage the PFDs. Always ensure you have various sizes of PFDs

Do you know when you need to replace your PFD?

PFDs are sometimes subjected to wear and tear. It is imperative to replace them whenever they are worn out to enhance your safety in the water.  So when do you need to replace your PFDs?

Repair or alteration

Aging of PFDs calls for replacement. The more you use your PFD, the more it is likely to decrease in effectiveness and functionality. When your PFD starts fading its original color, it could be a sign of aging hence the need for replacement. PFDs are not subjects of repairs but replacement. In case of any wear or damage, do replace your PFD.

Worn or Weak Fabric

PFDs are made of synthetic materials that are subject to wear due to certain conditions. Some parts of the PFD i.e., the shoulder strap, are helpful in the moments of rescue. When your shoulder straps are worn out, rescue attempt may be fatal if it tears. Ensure you inspect the critical part of your PFDs regularly and, in case of any doubt, replace the PFD immediately.

Loss of Buoyancy

The foam and floatation of your devices may be compromised over time. It’s recommended to test the buoyancy of your PFD regularly i.e., monthly. Your PFD should keep your body comfortably afloat i.e., head above water. To test for buoyancy, you wear the PFD into the chest height of water while bending your knees so that the feet come to the bottom to discover the height of PFD in the water when you are floating.

Inflating PFD’s

The fabrics of inflatable PFD weaken over time, making it challenging to repair. For cartridge inflatable PFDs, when you can check the cartridge to see if it’s usable or unusable. If it’s unusable, purchase a new PFD. You can use an alternative resort to replacing cartridges annually to avoid any accidents

What to look for when buying PFDs

The choice of the PFD to buy is dependent on individual taste and preferences. PFDs have different designs and purposes i.e., for men and women. Ensure the PFD fits you before you decide to purchase. Numerous factors will influence your choice of PFD, as discussed.

Colour

PFDs are approved to be manufactured in a different color. Just remember that color can be critical in case of accidents in the water. Colour is necessary for visibility from a long distance. Choose a color that will be noticeable from far i.e., a color not similar to the boats of the bluish color of the ocean. You may also never want to choose white color. The color will help other boaters spot you.

Pockets and Attachment Points

The shoulder strap should be full and robust enough to ensure the shoulder strap of the PFD can pool you. Other attachment points where you can store safety equipment i.e., knives, whistle, and radios, should also be considered. This is majorly effective for water tourists; however, paddlers should ensure the PFD is light enough to prevent the risk of entanglement.

Rescue Attachments

Paddling in more challenging conditions, you should consider a PFD with attachments for towing in case of any incidences in the water. A throw bag is also necessary for such type of activities.

Government Approval

Ensure the PFD you plan to purchase has a government approval or seal on it. This regulation ensures the PFDs are well tested and approved for water usage.

Conventional vs. Inflatable PFD

Inflatable PFDs provide more options to choose from. They have a reduced bulk and are cool in hot weather. However, for their effectiveness, one must understand their requirements and limitations.

Type of Craft

The type of craft will determine the kind of PFD to buy. If you are using a kayak and you are paddling using a spray skirt, purchase a PFD short enough in the torso to fit above your skirt. Paddleboarders leashed to their boats should use inflatable design. Touring kayaks are best used when full torso styles with pockets to carry some items like snacks.

Sizing

PFDs are manufactured in different sizes. Ensure the PFD is your size before you buy it. PFD can not be altered since alteration affects their integrity; hence it’s necessary to acquire the right size of PFD ie, the one that fits you best. If you want to buy for family, ensure the sizes are perfect for each member.

Buoyancy

Adults require additional 3-5kg of buoyancy to keep them afloat. Ensure the PFD meets the government minimum set requirement before you purchase it. The body type and weight should determine the type of PFD you choose based on buoyancy

Dos and don’ts with your PFDs

Things to Do With your PFD

Always check it at the beginning of the season

Check for the tears

Confirm all the straps are in right working conditions and firm on the PFDs

Check for lumpy buoyancy materials or any saturated oil fabrics

Ensure the labels are still attached and approved by USCG

Things to Avoid With your PFD

Do not use as a kneeling pad

Never remove the label, straps or any buckles

Do not use with cleaning detergents

Do not sew anything on the life jacket

How to Test a PFD effectiveness

How will you know that your PFD is sufficient? Consider checking for the following

Ripped or torn material.

Zippers or straps that don’t work.

Labels that are illegible.

Material that is weak or discolored.

Be sure to throw away and replace any of your defective PFDs.

The Best PFDs on the Market

Here are some of the best PFD jackets in the market.

Astral V-Eight Life Jacket PFD

The jacket has a buoyancy of about 16pounds. The jacket comes in different colors, sizes, and variations. It’s made of mesh and has proper ventilation to help with sweating while in water.

Pros:

Breathable mesh back

Unisex design

Cons:

Padding by zipper makes it slightly challenging to zip up

NRS Ninja PFD Charcoal S/M

The flotation rating is 16.5 pounds. The coast guard approves it. It has two shoulder adjustments. It lacks foam around the arms. It has less fabric hence allows your arms to move freely while putting on.

Pros:

Adjustable shoulder straps are suitable for different body sizes

Approved by the coast guard

Cons:

Lacks foam around the shoulders

Has no mesh on the back

NRS Chinook Mesh Back PFD

The jacket has a buoyancy rating of 16.5 pounds. The  US Coast Guard approves it. It has a series of storage and attachments. It is made of mesh on the lower back. This flotation is durable and stands up to rough surfing situations.

Pros:

Incredible storage and attachments

Extremely durable

Cons:

Has complications on torso when riding

Conclusion

Ensure your PFDs are stored in recommended conditions. PDFs are your water insurance policies hence should be serviced regularly to help survive any challenges in water. Choose PFDs that are durable and comfortable for your use.