Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

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dlandersson
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Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by dlandersson »

Anyone know if the Inflatable Belt Pack PFD is ok with coast guard? 8)

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/bl ... &rrec=true
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NiceAft
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by NiceAft »

Read farther down the site you included. Look under “product information”:
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dlandersson
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by dlandersson »

Uhhh .... yeah ... yeah.... I knew that. I was just testing you. :P

NiceAft wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 2:18 pm Read farther down the site you included. Look under “product information”:
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by OverEasy »

Hi DiAndersson!

Good question that sorta answered itself but not quite….

Here is a good article from Practical Sailor that provides a really nice explanation (much better than I ever could :D ):
https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety ... table-pfds

Best Regards,
Over Easy 8) 8)
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dlandersson
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by dlandersson »

Thx, 8)
OverEasy wrote: Fri Jun 13, 2025 11:45 am Hi DiAndersson!

Good question that sorta answered itself but not quite….

Here is a good article from Practical Sailor that provides a really nice explanation (much better than I ever could :D ):
https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety ... table-pfds

Best Regards,
Over Easy 8) 8)
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by NiceAft »

After inflation, you need to place the inflated PFD over your head.

If you are inebriated, injured, or disabled, this increases the probability you are going to drown. A vest is still a better option.

I have self inflated vests onboard that are extremely comfortable and must be worn, or you are off my boat. I am strict about that. In twenty years I have never had anyone not comply with my rules. The vest rule is only one of them.
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by Russ »

Although not as ideal as a full on PFD, self inflating PFDs are a great innovation. A person can move about and still be relatively comfortable and still have that level of safety.

If I were preparing to abandon ship, I'd still go for a real PFD.
--Russ
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by NiceAft »

The self inflating PFD I have will right an unconscious person to face up position.

I tried it once to see if it really works. It cost me $25 for a new set of compressed air cylinder and a new dissolving ring, but it was worth it for the confidence it gave me.

Once when sailing our
Image

Phantom, we got turtled, and we were tossed overboard (nothing to be concerned about). The PFD’s we wore were so comfortable, we forgot we had them on. They suddenly inflated :D They really work.
Image
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by Russ »

NiceAft wrote: Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:53 pm The self inflating PFD I have will right an unconscious person to face up position.

I tried it once to see if it really works. It cost me $25 for a new set of compressed air cylinder and a new dissolving ring, but it was worth it for the confidence it gave me.
Good idea.
I have a refill kit. Maybe I'll use it to test the PFD and experience what you have to gain confidence.
--Russ
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by NiceAft »

Russ wrote: Sat Jun 14, 2025 5:56 am
NiceAft wrote: Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:53 pm The self inflating PFD I have will right an unconscious person to face up position.

I tried it once to see if it really works. It cost me $25 for a new set of compressed air cylinder and a new dissolving ring, but it was worth it for the confidence it gave me.
Good idea.
I have a refill kit. Maybe I'll use it to test the PFD and experience what you have to gain confidence.
I don’t purchase a new kit when it’s time to replace the bobbin; the gas cartridge is still good. I just purchase a new bobbin. Actually six; I have six vest on Nice Aft.

The auto inflate is only as fast as the dissolvable part of the inflating trigger is fresh. Think of the bobbin as an aspirin. It dissolves, if an old, dried up aspirin is dropped in water, it takes longer to dissolve.
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Re: Inflatable Belt Pack PFD ok with coast guard?

Post by Be Free »

You need to check the label on your inflatable jackets. Some must actually be worn to be counted as "on board" when you are inspected.
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