MUSTANG SURVIVAL
MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL
MD2085 Inflatable PFD
Manual Inflation Model
Recreational: USCG Approved Type III
Uninspected Commercial Vessels: USCG Approved Type V
MD2087 Inflatable PFD
Manual with Automatic Backup Inflation Model
Recreational: USCG Approved Type II
Uninspected Commercial Vessels: USCG Approved Type V
INFLATABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
WE SAVE LIVES FOR A LIVING
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Recreational - This Inflatable PFD is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
(USCG) for use as a Type III (Model MD2085), Type II (Model MD2087)
Personal Flotation Device (PFD). They are not approved for water skiing
or other high impact, high-speed activities.
This Inflatable PFD was designed to be more comfortable and less
restrictive to wear than inherently buoyant PFDs. When worn, used, and
serviced according to this owner’s manual, this Inflatable PFD can greatly
increase your chances of survival in the water. Not recommended for
non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of inflatable PFDs must be at
least 16 years old.
Commercial - Models MD2085 and MD2087 are U.S. Coast Guard
approved Type V inflatable PFDs, approved ONLY WHEN WORN for use on
uninspected commercial vessels less than 40 feet in length not carrying
passengers for hire as a substitute for a Type III PFD (MD2085), Type II
PFD (MD2087) when used in accordance with this owner’s manual.
Conditions for Type V Approval in commercial applications:
1. The Inflatable PFD must be worn before getting underway and
whenever above deck and not within an enclosed space to meet the
carriage requirement.
2. The operator of an uninspected commercial vessel is responsible for
servicing and maintaining the Inflatable PFD in good serviceable
condition in accordance with this owner’s manual. See Care and
Maintenance Instructions (p. 14) for servicing information.
3. The operator of an uninspected commercial vessel is responsible for
providing each person onboard with the safety information required
for use of the Inflatable PFD. See page 1 for information.
NOTE TO UNINSPECTED COMMERCIAL VESSEL
OPERATORS
The operator of the vessel is required to provide the following user
information to each person on board.
Inflatable PFDs will not provide any buoyancy without being inflated.
Follow these instructions to be sure your PFD is armed and donned
1
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
correctly, and that you understand how to inflate the device.
Basic visual inspection for readiness, see p. 3
Inflation system status check, see p. 4
Donning, see p. 4
Inflation, see p. 5
WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water,
help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for
survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 lb (3.2 to
5.5 kg) of flotation to keep their heads above water. The proper size PFD
will properly support the weight of the wearer.
Since this Inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides
flotation only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this
Inflatable PFD so you know what to do in an emergency.
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?
While traditional PFDs are inherently buoyant, inflatable PFDs, rely
entirely on inflation for buoyancy. Uninflated, the Inflatable PFD is a
comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at any time with a 33-gram
CO gas cylinder. The Inflatable PFD is designed to offer maximum
2
mobility with minimum bulk. The Inflatable PFD (MD2085) can be
inflated either manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally (by mouth). The
Inflatable PFD (MD2087) can be inflated either automatically during
water immersion, manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally by mouth. It is
recommended that you familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined
in INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE (p. 2).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance and safety information
for all models (MD2085 and MD2087) unless specified otherwise. The
model number is listed on the underside label.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
2
Congratulations on your Inflatable PFD purchase.
Uninspected Commercial Vessel Use
This Inflatable PFD is not approved for “hot work” and care must be
taken to avoid damage from abrasion and sharp objects.
Component Inspection Instructions
1) Examine the service indicator through the window panel (Fig. 1).
Ensure the service indicator is green. If the service indicator is red,
the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted (see Re-arming
Your PFD (for your model)).
NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.
2) Undo the Velcro™ strips along both sides of the PFD.
FIGURE 1
Manual Inꢀator
M
D
2085Service Indicator
Automatic Inꢀator
Service Indicator
MD2087
3) Ensure the oral-inflation dust cap is in the stowed position (Fig. 6).
4) Ensure the service indicator is green and the pull-tab lanyard is
3
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
hanging on the outside (Fig. 1); secure the Velcro™ strips on both
sides of the Inflatable PFD.
5) For the MD2087 only - Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin,
must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If the
purchase date is unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin
and replace if older than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD
(MD2087), p. 10).
Readiness Checklist
Check your Inflatable PFD and ensure all of the checkpoints listed below
are true before use.
n Service indicator is green (Fig. 1).
n No rips, tears or holes; all seams are securely sewn; and the fabric,
straps and hardware are still strong.
™
n All Velcro and waist belt are securely fastened.
n Inflatable PFD is not twisted.
n Oral-inflation dust cap is in the stowed position (Fig. 6).
n For the MD2087 only - Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin,
must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If the
purchase date is unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin
and replace if older than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD
(MD2087), p. 10).
Your Inflatable PFD is ready for use if all applicable boxes are checked.
NOTE: Contact your Mustang Dealer if you have any concerns
about the readiness of your Inflatable PFD.
Sizing and Fit
This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 lbs of buoyancy when inflated and
is designed for wearers over 16 years of age, with a chest range of 30-52
inches (76-132 cm) weighing over 80 pounds (36 kg).
Donning Instructions
It is important that the Inflatable PFD is properly adjusted to fit the
person wearing it. An incorrect fit or improper fastening of attachments
could impede its effectiveness.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
4
1) All belts and straps are already threaded correctly and only need to
be adjusted for fit. The belt should fit below your rib cage adjusted to
a tight personal fit.
2) Put the Inflatable PFD on just like a jacket (Fig. 2) and fasten the
front buckle. Adjust the waist belt using the side buckle on the belt
and secure the belt’s loose end in the belt loop.
WARNING: Do not wear Inflatable PFDs under clothing as the
inflation could be restricted or you could be injured.
FIGURE 2
Inflating Your Inflatable PFD
It is recommended that the following procedures be followed to inflate
your Inflatable PFD:
1) Manual Inflation
Activate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the pull-
tab (Fig. 3). The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
FIGURE 3
Manual Inflator
Automatic Inflator
MD2087
MD2085
MD2085
M
5
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
2) Automatic Backup Inflation (MD2087)
Inflation will occur automatically within 10 seconds after the inflator
is immersed in water. The water-sensing bobbin will disintegrate,
triggering a spring-loaded plunger, which punctures the CO cylinder
2
(Figs. 8 and 10) to inflate the Inflatable PFD.
Information
When inflated, the carbon dioxide (CO gas) used to inflate the PFD
2
will slowly escape through the fabric over time. A slight reduction
of pressure will be observed after several hours of inflation. Topping
up by oral inflation may be required in the event of very prolonged
immersion.
IMPORTANT: See Special Considerations for Automatic Devices
3) Oral Inflation
Properly armed and inspected Inflatable PFDs will inflate when
manually or automatically activated. However, you can fully inflate
the Inflatable PFD by mouth (Fig. 4) should inflation not occur, or if
you are in a non-emergency situation. To orally inflate the Inflatable
PFD, first locate the oral inflation tube by opening the wearer ’s left
front panel of the Inflatable PFD. Remove the dust cap from the end
of the oral tube and blow into the tube until the Inflatable PFD is
fully inflated.
Place the oral inflator dust cap back in the stowed position (Fig. 6).
WARNING: Avoid double inflation (CO cylinder inflation after
2
full oral inflation) as it could damage the PFD.
FIGURE 4
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
6
Special Considerations for Automatic Devices
(MD2087)
The Inflatable PFD might not be armed when needed, either knowingly
or unknowingly. Premature automatic inflation causes several risks
that you must address to avoid drowning. Much less common but also
important are:
WARNING: Avoid double inflation (CO2 cylinder inflation after
full oral inflation) as it could damage the PFD.
1) Inflation when stored in a tight space could damage the PFD, and
2) The PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or position.
Premature inflation may occur in certain conditions, including when
the device is subjected to: heavy splashing, high humidity, heavy fog,
and heavy rain.
Care and attention should be taken to ensure that when the device
is used in these types of conditions, auto-inflation does not occur
prematurely.
If this PFD should inflate prematurely, a re-arm kit (MA7202) is
required to re-arm the device.
IMPORTANT: The Inflatable PFD should be re-armed according
to the instructions (Re-arming Your PFD (MD2087) p. 10).
Deflating the Inflatable PFD
1) To deflate the Inflatable PFD, reverse the oral-inflation tube dust cap
and insert it into the valve or depress valve with fingertip. The dust
cap will not lock in the deflate position so it is necessary to hold it in
place (Fig. 5).
2) Gently squeeze the Inflatable PFD until all air or gas has been
expelled. To avoid damage; do not wring or twist the Inflatable PFD.
Put the inflation tube dust cap back in its stowed position on the
oral inflation tube (Fig. 6).
3) Examine the service indicator (Fig. 1). If the service indicator is red,
the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted and the inflator
requires service (see Re-arming your PFD (for your model)).
7
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.
4) Your device is ready to be repacked (see Repacking p. 13).
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 5
Oral Inꢀator
Cap In
Deflate
Position
Dust cap
in stowed
position
Dust cap
position for
deꢀation
Usage Below Freezing
When the temperature is below freezing, the Inflatable PFD should
be worn partially inflated because a fully discharged cylinder may not
quickly or adequately inflate your Inflatable PFD. Under these conditions
use the oral inflator to adequately top-up the PFD, after CO inflation.
2
WARNING: CO inflation could over-pressurize and damage your
2
Inflatable PFD if already fully inflated.
Re-arming Your PFD (MD2085)
NOTE: A re-arm kit (MA7203) is required for this procedure.
IMPORTANT: Follow instructions in the exact sequence below.
1) Open inflator cover flap so that manual inflator is exposed (Fig. 7).
2) Remove the cylinder/bayonet assembly by rotating counterclockwise
and then pull out. Discard the used cylinder/bayonet assembly.
3) Check the new cylinder/bayonet assembly to ensure the o-ring is in
place and the sensor ring is attached (Fig. 10). Ensure that the CO
cylinder has not been pierced (Fig. 10).
2
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
8
FIGURE 7
MD2085
MD3085 Manual Inflator
Cylinder
Step 2
Sensor Ring
Step 3
Bayonet
Tab
Step 4
O-Ring
Step 3
Lever
Step 4
Service
Indicator
Step 5
4) Raise, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. Install a new
cylinder/bayonet assembly by engaging bayonet tabs in housing,
pushing in then turning clockwise 1/8 turn to a full stop (Fig. 8).
WARNING: PFD WILL ONLY INFLATE IF CYLINDER IS
TURNED TO A FULL STOP.
9
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
FIGURE 8
M
M
D
D
2
3
0
0
8
85 Manual Inflator
5
Tab
Cylinder
Piercing Pin
1/8 Turn
Service Indicator
Lever
5) Examine the service indicator (Fig. 8) and ensure it is GREEN. If
the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is
incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service. See Re-arming Your
PFD (MD2085) p. 8.
NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.
6) Refold the Inflatable PFD in accordance with the Repacking section
(p. 13).
YOUR INFLATABLE PFD (MD2085) IS NOW READY FOR MANUAL USE
Re-arming Your PFD (MD2087)
NOTE: A re-arm kit (MA7202) with a valid bobbin install-by-date
(check re-arm kit packaging) is required for this procedure.
IMPORTANT: Follow instructions in the exact sequence below.
1) Open inflator cover flap so that the manual/automatic inflator is
exposed (Fig. 9).
2) Remove the cylinder/bayonet assembly by rotating counter-clockwise
and then pull out. Discard the used cylinder/bayonet assembly.
NOTE: You will damage the sensor ring if bobbin and cap are
not installed first.
3) Remove cap by turning counter-clockwise. (Fig. 9).
4) Remove bobbin from cap or housing unit. Discard bobbin.
NOTE: The yellow bobbin may remain in the housing or in the
cap assembly when you remove the cap. The bobbin must be
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
10
removed prior to re-arming.
FIGURE 9
MD2087
MD3087 Automatic Inflator
Cap
Step 3
CO2
Cylinder
Step 2
Cylinder /
Bayonet
Sensor Ring
Step 9
Assembly
Yellow Bobbin
(white side up)
Step 4
Bayonet
Tab
HOUSING**
Step 4
Step 10
O-ring
Step 9
Housing
Shoulder
Step 8
Pins
Service
Indicator
Step 11
Lever
Step 10
Pull-Tab
11
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
5) Check the housing to be sure it is clear and dry. If necessary, rinse
the inflator with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Let dry before
going to step 6.
6) Inspect the bobbin. If the bobbin has been fired or damaged, replace
it! Ensure the new bobbin is valid, it must have been purchased
within the last three (3) years. If the bobbin purchase date is
unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin and replace if older
than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD (MD2087), p. 10).
7) IMPORTANT! Bobbin (yellow) must be installed into the HOUSING
(**see figure 9), white side up, aligning the slots on the bobbin with
the ridges inside the threaded housing. The bobbin will slide in easily
if installed correctly.
8) Install cap by screwing clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder.
9) Check the new cylinder/bayonet assembly to ensure the o-ring is in
place and the sensor ring is attached (Fig. 9). Ensure that the CO
2
cylinder has not been pierced (Fig. 10).
FIGURE 10
Solid
Cylinder
Top
Pierced
Cylinder
Top
Caution: Do not use
the cylinder/bayonet
assembly if either
the o-ring or sensor
ring is broken,
Attached
Sensor
Ring
Broken
Sensor
Ring
missing or damaged.
IMPORTANT: You will damage the sensor ring if bobbin and
cap are not installed first.
10) Push, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. The pull-cord
should be situated in the groove (Fig. 11). Install a new cylinder/
bayonet assembly by engaging bayonet tabs in housing, pushing in
then turning clockwise 1/8 turn to a full stop (Fig. 11).
WARNING: PFD WILL ONLY INFLATE IF CYLINDER IS
TURNED TO A FULL STOP.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
12
11) Examine the service indicator (Fig. 9) and ensure it is GREEN. If the
service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly
fitted and the inflator requires service. See
Re-arming Your PFD (MD2087) (p. 10).
NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.
12) Refold Inflatable PFD in accordance with the Repacking section (p. 13).
YOUR INFLATABLE PFD (MD2087) IS NOW READY FOR MANUAL USE
WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUP
FIGURE 11
MD2087
Automatic Inflator
Cylinder
1/8 Turn
Tab
Piercing
Pin
Service
Indicator
Groove
Pull-cord
Repacking
Gently squeeze the Inflatable PFD until all air or gas has been expelled
(Fig. 5). Do not wring or twist the Inflatable PFD. Put the oral tube dust
cap back in its stowed position on the oral inflation tube (Fig. 6).
NOTE: Before following the repacking sequence, be sure to
properly re-arm your Inflatable PFD.
1) Fold side (A) inward along the full length of the dotted line (Fig. 13),
and secure Velcro™ at neck.
2) Fold lapel (B) inward along dotted lines and fasten Velcro™ tabs
3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 with side (C) and lapel (D). Your Inflatable PFD
will look as illustrated in Fig. 14.
4) Fold down collar (E) along the dotted line (Fig. 14) and secure Velcro™
along neck
5) Ensure the pull-tab is on the outside of the folded Inflatable PFD. Fig.
13
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
15 depicts a correctly folded Inflatable PFD.
NOTE: Ensure that all Velcro™ strips and tabs are fastened.
E
F
D
C
A
B
D
A
B
C
FIGURE 12
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15
FIGURE 13
Pull-tab
IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE
CONDITION?
Check your Inflatable PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly
armed; that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely
sewn; and that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong (See
Readiness Checklist, p. 4). Inspect the inflatable portion of the Inflatable
PFD in accordance with the CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Federal Regulations require Coast Guard approved personal flotation
devices (PFDs) that are legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval
number, are in good and serviceable condition, and are the correct size
for each person on board. It is the responsibility of the operator to be
sure this PFD is in serviceable condition. To be considered serviceable,
this PFD shall not exhibit deterioration that could diminish its
performance, such as broken or deformed hardware, detached webbing,
rotted structural components, air leaks or nonfunctional inflators. Unless
worn inflated, this PFD must also be properly armed with a cylinder
installed in the inflator, and service indicator showing green. See Page 2
for instructions. Failure to follow these instructions rigorously could result
in a non-functioning PFD causing injury or death.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
14
Check the following at the intervals listed below.
1) Before Each Use:
i) Examine the service indicator through the window panel,
ensuring it is green. If the indicator is red, the mechanism requires
service. See Re-arming Your PFD (your model), p. 8 or 10.
ii) Ensure the manual pull-tab is accessible.
iii) Visually examine your Inflatable PFD for damage or excessive
abrasion, wear, tear or contamination. Particular attention must be
paid to the stitching, straps and hardware. If in doubt, send it to your
Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing.
2) Every Two (2) Months:
i) Leak Test: The Inflatable PFD should be tested for general leakage
by orally inflating your Inflatable PFD until firm and let stand for 16
hours. A leaking Inflatable PFD will not hold its firmness and should
be replaced. If your Inflatable PFD leaks, take it to your Mustang
dealer for evaluation and/or servicing. Repack the Inflatable PFD as
outlined in the Repacking section (p. 13).
ii) Oral Inflation Valve Test: To check the oral inflation valve, fully
inflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator and hold valve under
water. If bubbles appear, deflate and re-inflate to test again. Should
the leak persist, take your Inflatable PFD to your Mustang dealer for
evaluation and/or servicing.
CAUTION: To avoid accidental inflation, don't allow the water
to contact the inflator (MD2087).
iii) Perform a thorough visual examination. See Readiness
Checklist (p. 4).
Perform these tests more often if exposed to potential damage or
used in extreme conditions.
3) After Each Inflation - Re-arm the Inflatable PFD. See Re-arming
Your PFD (your model), p. 8 or 10.
4) Annually - Perform the following at the beginning of each boating
season, after inflation, or whenever the integrity of the Inflatable PFD
is in doubt:
i) Check all components for dirt or corrosion. Clean or replace, as
15
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
neccessary. See Readiness Checklist (p. 4).
ii) Visually examine your Inflatable PFD for damage or excessive
abrasion, wear, tear or contamination. Particular attention must be
paid to the stitching, straps and hardware. If in doubt, send it to your
Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing.
iii) Perform the Oral Inflation Valve Test: See the Oral Inflation Valve
Test in the Every Two (2) Months Care and Maintenance Instructions
section.
iv) Perform the Leak Test. See the Leak Test in the Every Two (2)
Months Care and Maintenance Instructions section.
v) For the MD2087 only. Ensure the current date is not three (3)
years past the date on the bobbin. If it is, re-arm the inflator (see
Re-arming Your PFD (MD2087), p. 10).
vi) Ensure the service indicator is green (Fig. 1).
vii) Record as an "Annual" inspection in permanent ink on the Care
and Storage label, in the Date Maintained column.
Repack the Inflatable PFD as outlined in the Repacking section (p. 13).
WARNING: If you are not confident in the self-inspection and
servicing of your Inflatable PFD in accordance with these
instructions, take your Inflatable PFD to a Mustang dealer
for professional servicing or contact Mustang Survival (see
contact information on back of manual).
Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD
(MD2085)
To clean your Inflatable PFD, remove the CO cylinder/bayonet assembly.
2
Hand wash or sponge down the Inflatable PFD, including inflator, in
warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water. Hang to dry on a plastic
coat hanger. Be sure to replace CO cylinder/bayonet assembly. See
2
Re-arming your PFD (MD2085) (p. 8).
Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct
sunlight.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
16
Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD
(MD2087)
To clean your Inflatable PFD, remove the CO cylinder/bayonet assembly,
2
cap and bobbin. Keep the bobbin dry. Hand wash or sponge down the
Inflatable PFD in warm, soapy water. Rinse the PFD and inflator with
clean water. Hang the Inflatable PFD to dry on a plastic coat hanger.
Ensure the inflator is thoroughly dry before installing the bobbin. Be
sure to replace CO cylinder/bayonet assembly, cap and bobbin (see
2
Re-arming your PFD (MD2087), p. 10).
Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct
sunlight.
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD
Inflate your Inflatable PFD and try it out in the water to:
·
·
·
Make sure it floats you:
• Comfortably (when worn properly)
• Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/
densities affect performance)
Make sure it works:
• A flow of bubbles should not appear (see CARE AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests p. 14). It should
inflate quick and easily.
Learn how it works by:
• Activating the CO inflation system
2
• Re-arming the CO inflation system
2
• Using the oral inflator tube
To check the manual inflation system (with CO cylinder/bayonet
2
assembly removed); determine that the CO cylinder piercing pin moves
2
freely when pushing up on the lever arm by pushing down on the pins
and releasing the pins followed by the lever arm (for MD2085 see Fig.
8 and for MD2087 see Fig. 11). Repeat this several times to check the
manual inflation system.
17
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
MODEL MD2087
The U.S.Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two automatic
re-arming kits (MA7202). One kit is to be used immediately in testing
the automatic inflation system (see HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING
THE AUTOMATIC INFLATOR?, p. 18) and the other to carry on board as a
spare.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends you test the automatic inflation
system in the water at the beginning of each boating season. By
doing this, you demonstrate that the automatic inflation system is still
working properly and reduce the likelihood of premature inflation and its
associated dangers.
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
AUTOMATIC INFLATOR? (MD2087)
1) To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable
PFD, and re-arming kit (MA7202) approved for your Inflatable PFD
2) Put on the Inflatable PFD.
3) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface. Once the inflator is underwater the
Inflatable PFD should fully inflate automatically within 10 seconds.
4) See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly
back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth
is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold
your legs on how you float.
5) Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Remove the
used CO cylinder/bayonet assembly and the used bobbin from the
2
Inflatable PFD inflator.
Deflate the Inflatable PFD by depressing the oral inflator valve (see
Deflating the Inflatable PFD p. 7).
6) Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm and Repack the PFD (p.
13).
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
18
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE
MANUAL INFLATOR?
1) To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable
PFD, and re-arming kit approved for your Inflatable PFD: MA7203 for
model MD2085, MA7202 for model MD2087.
2) Put on the Inflatable PFD.
3) Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the
pull-tab. The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
4) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface.
5) See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly
back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth
is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold
your legs and how you float.
6) Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Completely
deflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator (see Deflating the
Inflatable PFD p. 7). Remove the CO cylinder/bayonet assembly from
2
the inflator.
7) Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm and Repack the PFD (p.
13).
HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE ORAL
INFLATOR?
1) No spare parts or re-arming kits are needed to test your Inflatable
PFD.
2) Remove the CO cylinder/bayonet assembly to prevent inadvertent
2
inflation, which could potentially damage the Inflatable PFD. Inspect
the cylinder to confirm it is unused (Fig. 10). Unscrew and remove
the cap and the bobbin (MD2087 only). Otherwise the bobbin will
disintegrate during water immersion.
3) Put on the Inflatable PFD.
4) Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with
your head above the surface.
19
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
5) If you are a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, orally inflate the
Inflatable PFD partially so that you are supported well enough to be
able to complete inflation without touching bottom. Note this level
of inflation because it is the minimum needed for you to safely use
this Inflatable PFD.
6) Fully inflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.
7) See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly
back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth
is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold
your legs on how you float.
8) Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Completely
deflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.
9) Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm (for your model) and
Repack the PFD (p. 13).
WEAR YOUR PFD
In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were not
wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days. This
Inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD types.
Get into the habit of wearing this Inflatable PFD.
Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or non-
Inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.
HYPOTHERMIA
Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as
hypothermia - a substantial loss of body heat, which leads to exhaustion
and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first suffer from
hypothermia. The following chart shows the effects of hypothermia: how
hypothermia affects most adults.
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
20
How hypothermia affects most adults
Water
Exhaustion or
Expected
Temperature ˚C (˚F)
Unconsciousness
Time of Survival
0.3 (32.5)
Under 15 min.
15–30 min.
30–60 min.
1–2 hrs.
2–7 hrs.
2–12 hrs.
Under 15–45 min.
30–90 min.
1–3 hrs
1–6 hrs.
2–40 hrs.
3 hrs. to Indefinite
Indefinite
0.3–4 (32.5–40)
4–10 (40–50)
10–16 (50–60)
16–21 (60–70)
21–27 (70–80)
over 27 (over 80)
Indefinite
PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float without
using energy treading water and because of their insulating properties.
Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation you will require.
When operating in cold waters [below 60°F (15.6°C)] you should
consider using a coat or jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective
PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs.
Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection:
1) Always wear your Inflatable PFD. Even if you become incapacitated
due to hypothermia, the Inflatable PFD will keep you afloat and
greatly improve your chances of rescue.
2) Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow
survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb.
Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold water, drown-
proofing methods that require putting your head in the water are
not recommended. Keep your head out of the water. This will greatly
lessen heat loss and increase your survival time.
3) Use the standard H.E.L.P. position when wearing an Inflatable PFD,
drawing the legs up to a seated position, because doing so will help
you conserve body heat (Fig. 16).
4) Keep a positive attitude about your survival and rescue. This will
improve your chances of extending your survival time until rescued.
Your will-to-live does make a difference!
5) If there is more than one person in the water, huddling is
recommended while waiting to be rescued. This action tends to
reduce the rate of heat loss and thus increase the survival time.
21
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
FIGURE 16
HELP Position
EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP
YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE
For your Inflatable PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to
verify that it fits, floats, and remains in good condition.
1) Check the inflation mechanism status indicators before each use.
2) Get in the habit of re-arming the inflation mechanism right after
each inflation.
3) Try your wearable Inflatable PFD on and adjust it until it fits
comfortably in and out of the water.
4) Mark your Inflatable PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.
5) Do not alter your Inflatable PFD. If it doesn’t fit properly, get one that
does. An altered device is no longer Coast Guard approved.
6) Your Inflatable PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling
pad.
7) If your Inflatable PFD is wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing
it. Store it in a well-ventilated area.
8) Do not dry your Inflatable PFD in front of a radiator or other source
of direct heat.
Inflatable PFD Safety Accessories
For the MD2085 - MA7203 Re-arm Kit – Contains 33-gram replacement
CO cylinder/bayonet assembly for the manual inflator.
2
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
22
For the MD2087 - MA7202 Re-arm Kit – Contains 33-gram replacement
CO cylinder/bayonet assembly and bobbin for the auto inflator.
2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you need more information about PFDs and safe recreational boating,
contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S.
Power Squadron, Red Cross, or your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast Guard;
or call the free boating course number 1-800-336-BOAT (in VA, 1-800-
245-BOAT).
DO NOT ATTACH PFD’S TO YOUR BOAT
Each PFD has straps, hooks, buckles, or other means for securing the
device in place on the wearer. Some PFDs also incorporate decorative
d-rings or tabs. Such items are not to be used to attach the device
to the boat. Attaching the device to the boat will not permit it to perform
as intended.
AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF
INFLATABLE PFDS AND CO CARTRIDGES
2
Please be aware that the following regulations apply to the air transport
of this product. According to U.S. Research and Special Programs
Administration Regulations Title 49 CFR 75.10(a)(25): With the approval
of the aircraft operator, one small carbon dioxide cylinder fitted into
a self-inflating jacket, plus one spare cartridge, may be carried by a
passenger or crew in checked or carry-on baggage.
Please refer to the governing body’s documentation, found online at
23
Inflatable PFD Owner’s Manual
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HT-2085
(Rev 10Aug2011)
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