Choosing the Right Inflatable PFDs

Inflatable PFDs are increasingly popular with recreational boaters for a variety of reasons. Compared with inherently buoyant (usually foam) PFDs, inflatables are generally cooler to wear in hot climates, more comfortable, and easier to store. They’re also arguably more effective at doing their primary job — preventing drowning. 

Quality inflatables PFDs aren’t cheap, though, so it’s important to have all the information when choosing the best options for you and your crew. Here’s what you need to know.

As much as inflatable life jackets have going for them, they aren’t suited for everything.

Even for suitable applications, inflatables do have some cons compared to foam PFDs. For most boaters, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but it’s still important to be aware of the drawbacks.

Higher cost — With few exceptions, inflatable PFDs cost more than inherently PFDs with similar capabilities.

Required maintenance — Inflatable PFDs need more attention than inherently buoyant life jackets. This includes periodically inspecting the CO2 cylinder for corrosion or damage, checking that the “armed” indicator is green, checking that the bobbin is intact and not expired on auto-inflate models, and manually inflating to check for leaks. In short, inflatables can’t just be thrown in a locker and left there until needed.

Chance of malfunction — In very rare cases, even properly maintained inflatable PFDs may malfunction — fail to automatically trigger, fail to inflate when the ripcord is pulled, or inflate inadvertently. Mechanical malfunction isn’t a concern with inherently buoyant PFDs.

Before discussing specific ratings and performance levels as shown on PFD labels, let’s look briefly at some of the real world characteristics of inflatable life jackets and how they can influence your choice.

PFDs with more buoyancy float the wearer higher in the water and — when worn correctly — flip the wearer face-up in the water more quickly and reliably. Inflatable PFDs with less buoyancy are generally less expensive and more comfortable to wear.

Some inflatable PFDs inflate automatically when they get wet. Others only inflate when the wearer pulls a ripcord. Others can be converted by the user between automatic and manual. And still others use a “hydrostatic” trigger to inflate only when actually submerged. Each type has its pros and cons.

Automatic models have the advantage of inflating without wearer input. That’s critical if the wearer is unconscious, injured, in shock, panicking, or simply a poor swimmer. On the other hand, they can sometimes inflate inadvertently as a result of heavy spray, rain, etc. Additionally, they employ a water-sensitive component called a bobbin in the trigger mechanism. Bobbins have expiration dates but may need to be replaced sooner. Their expected lifespan is around two to four years.

Hydrostatic models offer the advantages of automatic models but are much less likely to inflate inadvertently. They’re considerably more expensive though.

Turning ability is the ability of a PFD to turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water. Some PFDs will instantly and reliably do so, some may do so more slowly, and others don’t turn the wearer at all.

Even though most inflatable PFDs will turn an unconscious wearer face up when they are inflated and worn correctly, that doesn’t mean they all have true turning ability.

In fact, only those that inflate automatically are classified as having turning ability. 

That’s because if a wearer is rendered unconscious or incapacitated while going overboard, they’ll be unable to pull an inflation ripcord.

A basic federal requirement is that every vessel must carry at least one properly fitted wearable PFD for every person aboard. With some exceptions — like children under 13 — the PFD doesn’t have to be worn; it just has to be readily accessible. For example, if six adults are on board a boat in coastal waters, six or more properly fitted and readily accessible PFDs are required to be aboard.

It’s important to be aware that not all inflatable PFDs count toward this requirement if they are not worn. Some do; some do not. In general, inflatables labeled as Type V Performance Level 100, or Performance Level 150 must be worn to count toward the requirement. Those labeled Type II, Type III, or Performance Level 70 generally do not. Always check the label of your specific lifejacket to be sure.

Inflatable PFDs are classified in a few different ways, making the choice a little more challenging. Some have labels with the “old” type designation, e.g., Type III. Others have labels with the newer, international performance level designation, e.g., Level 70. And, just to make things more interesting, some inflatables are classified as Type V with a different performance type, e.g., Type V with Type III performance. Still others carry one classification for commercial use and a different one for recreational use.

Inflatable PFDs labeled as Performance Level 70 are the lightest and least restrictive Coast Guard-approved inflatables. They provide about 15.5 pounds of buoyancy, similar to that provided by a Type III “ski vest” style PFD. 

They should not be relied on to turn the wearer face-up and are intended for use in inland or nearshore waters where there’s a high chance of quick rescue. They do not have to be worn to count toward the total inventory requirement.

Inflatable PFDs labeled as Type III or Performance Level 100 have very similar characteristics. Both typically provide about 22 pounds of buoyancy — considerably more than a foam Type III — and have some turning ability. They are intended for inshore and coastal waters and light offshore use.

A key difference is in the wearing requirement. Type III devices are usually not required to be worn to count toward the total inventory requirement, but always check the label to confirm. Level 100 inflatables, though, must be worn to count toward the requirement. 

These two designations also have similar characteristics. Both offer 34 pounds of buoyancy to float the wearer higher in the water than a Type III or Level 100 device. They also will turn most wearers face-up. These devices are the best choice for use in rough waters and areas where rescue may be delayed. All Level 150 inflatable PFDs must be worn to count toward the inventory requirement. Some Type II inflatables do not need to be worn. Always check the label.