Lifejacket Comparison Chart
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3LIFEJACKET COMPARISON CHART
Lifejacket
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) PFDs were designed for use in recreational boating and
are generally smaller, less bulky and more comfortable than lifejackets. There are two
basic types of PFDs: inherently buoyant and inflatable.
Inherently Buoyant
Inflatable
Benefits
Lifejackets were designed to have
Designed for constant and comfortable wear
An inflatable is a type of personal
the capability to keep a person
Provides minimal protection against cold water
flotation device that either automatically
floating and turn the wearer
depending on the type (vest versus floater coat)
inflates when immersed in water, or
(conscious or unconscious) onto his
– boaters need to dress appropriately for their
must be inflated by the wearer using
or her back with the head supported
environment
either an oral or manual inflation device.
and mouth out of the water.
Multiple approved styles and colours
An inherently buoyant PFD has flotation built
Capable of self-righting most wearers
SOLAS Lifejacket
right in. They have less flotation than all three
once inflated and worn
Usually found on commercial
types of lifejackets, have limited turning
Freedom of movement and comfort
vessels
capability but are available in a variety of styles
Designed for emergency use only
and colours.
Inflatable Collar PFDs
and doesn’t provide the comfort to
High performance with 35 lbs of
be worn in recreational activities
Red Cross Children’s Vest for
Infant, Child,
buoyancy
Provide self-righting capability
and Youth
When inflated, is capable of self-righting
Three piece collar with grab strap
a face down person in seconds
40 lbs of buoyancy
Adjustable leg strap for security
Ideal for people who are looking for a lot
of freedom of movement, great in warm
Adjustable waist belt
weather conditions
Standard Lifejacket
Brightly coloured outer shell
Comes in manual and automatic
Lightweight and durable
versions, with or without an integrated
Provide self-righting capability
High Collar Vest
sailing harness
Designed for high-speed use on personal
Small Vessel Lifejacket
watercraft, speedboats and while water-skiing
More comfortable than a standard
Inflatable Pouch PFD
lifejacket
A belt system ensures the vest provides
Lightweight allowing you to move with
Provides self-righting capability
protection and stays on your body even at high
ease
Can only be used on small vessels
speeds
Provides comfort in and out of the water
(I.e., motorboats, personal
A fitted collar provides comfort and head
Manual inflation provides 35 lbs of
watercraft, etc.)
support, large cutaway armholes for maximum
buoyancy, is capable of self-righting
range of motion
most wearers once inflated and worn
Candian Red Cross – June 2004
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