Lifejackets and PFDs: Everything You Need to Know

What you should know about lifejackets vs. PFD

 

 

Personal floatation device (PFD) is an umbrella term for any tool used to keep the wearer afloat in the water. PFDs are often used synonymously with life jackets and life vests. However, despite their common goal of keeping the wearer alive in the water, a few significant differences merit a discussion.

 

Let’s take a deep dive into the primary differences between PFDs and Lifejackets.

The Main Differences

A PFD is designed to keep a person afloat and assist them with buoyancy in the water. PFDs have different levels of flotation, starting from level 1 all the way up to level 3. A traditional life jacket is classified as a type 1 PFD. It usually has neck support to keep the wearer’s face above surface level.

 

Both are designed to keep the person afloat during recreational activities. From a safety perspective, not all PFDs offer similar levels of protection compared to lifejackets.

 

The word PFD refers to any protective device that helps the wearer stay afloat. Over the years, the term lifejacket has become a more common household name that people refer to when discussing general-purpose wearable PFDs.

 

A major disadvantage of wearing lifejackets is their sheer bulkiness, making the wearer less mobile in water. The extra padding makes lifejackets difficult to use when participating in recreational activities such as waterskiing and wakeboarding. This is why people are often tempted to use non-certified PFDs that are less bulky, thinner, and more mobile.

 

Another difference is that all approved lifejackets in Canada are available in approved colors of red, orange, and yellow only. PFDs, on the other hand, are available in all colors. Make sure the PFD is visible in water so others can spot you!

 

There are three types of lifejackets in Canada:

 

i)) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) for performance-oriented wearers

ii) Standard life jackets for slower performance

iii) Small vessel for safety purposes only

 

The performance level is based on how quickly the lifejacket flips the wearer over in the water.

Which Device Should You Choose?

To be on the safe side, it is recommended to choose life jackets because they are designed with more features. A typical lifejacket comes with more padding in the front that can hold the person up even if unconscious in the water. Lifejackets can also flip the person over if they are facing down.

 

A general PFD may only keep the person afloat without flipping them over. In any case, regulations require you to keep a jacket or PFD for each person on a boat or risk facing a hefty fine.

 

Regardless of which vest you choose, ensure it is coast-guard approved before taking it on the water. Most PFDs are designed for extra mobility in water so that the wearer can be active but won’t turn them on their back in case of an emergency.

 

When buying a lifejacket, choose one that offers a high level of protection. For more information, sign up your employees for OFA 1 training in Vancouver.

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