Lifejacket / PFD Classifications

In the video above, the demonstrated activation of the CO2 release on the type V shows that the standard manouvre involves the right arm. Alternate options do not seem to be available for left-handed users. This could prove an interesting design area. I will consult with Kevin Anderson on his thoughts: would having left and right-handed options increase or decrease product reliability?

To begin narrowing down on the concept direction, I have selected the following Lifejacket / Portable Flotation Device (PFD) certifications as targets. This is due to the following:

• The brief highlights that the solution must encourage dynamic watersports. In the interest of appealing to a wide-range of watersports enthusiasts.
• In ensuring the minimum level of interference, a compact form factor is essential. This design project focuses on providing an alternative, more compact Lifejacket solution specifically for use in dynamic watersports such as coasterring and kitseurfing. These qualifications provide affordance of more compact product volumes in development.
• Given that the solution provides compressed air for situations where they may be trapped underwater, too much buoyancy could immobilise the user, creating a more hazardous scenario.

ISO & CE Types

Both types are the same in terms of their buoyancy and generally in features too

50N – Buoyancy Aid:

Designed for competent swimmers in sheltered water where help is close at hand. They only provide support to conscious people who can help themselves, and are an aid to flotation only.  They have 50 Newtons (11 lbs.) of flotation.

US Standards – USCG Approved

Type I: Offshore Life Jackets:

Best for all waters; open ocean, rough seas, or remote water, where rescue may be slow coming.  Though foam types are bulky, inflatables ones are not.  They have the most buoyancy, reflective tape, a bright color and can turn most unconscious people face up in the water.  Type I foam life jackets can be uncomfortable to wear while sailing.  Foam type I jackets provide 33 pounds (100 Newtons) of flotation, while type I inflatable life jackets provide 33 pounds (150 Newtons) of flotation.  There are currently no USCG approved type I inflatable life jackets.

Type II: Near-shore Vests:

Calm inland waters, where a quick rescue is likely, is the intent of these PFDs. They will turn some unconscious wearers to the face-up position but not all of them. Foam Type II’s are ‘bulky’ and not generally comfortable to wear while sailing, but less ‘bulky’ than foam Type I’s.  Foam type II jackets provide 15.5 pounds (70 Newtons) of flotation, while type II inflatable life jackets provide have 33 pounds (150 Newtons) of flotation.  Type II foam life jacket are usually the inexpensive type stowed on board to insure USCG compliance.  Inflatable Type IIs offer higher flotation and comfort and are popular for wearing at all times.

Type III: Flotation Aids:

These are suitable for most sailors where there is a chance for a quick rescue. They offer freedom of movement and the most comfort for a conscious person. Foam type III’s are designed so wearers can put themselves in a face-up position, but they may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in water.  Inflatable type III’s generally float a person head back.  Foam type III life vests provide 15.5 pounds (70 Newtons) of flotation, while inflatable type III life jackets provide 22 pounds (100 Newtons) of flotation.  Type III foam life jackets are comfortable and popular for those wearing them as all times.  Inflatable type III’s inflatables offer higher flotation and even greater comfort and are popular for wearing at all times.

Type IV: Throwable Devices:

Cushions or ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble and provide backup to a PFD. They are not for non-swimmers, rough waters or the unconscious. The USCG does not require these for dinghies, canoes, kayaks.  These are not worn like a life jacket, generally just held onto by someone in the water.  Type IV ring buoys provide 16.5 pounds (75 Newtons) of flotation, and throwable boat cushions provide 18 pounds (82 Newtons) of flotation

Type V: Special-use Devices:

These are specialized PFDs for specific activities. To be acceptable by the USCG, they must be used for the activity specified on the label. Varieties include sailing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, hybrid vests and deck suits.  For sailing these generally consist of inflatable life jackets with harnesses, or over the head entry foam life jackets for dinghy sailing.  Type V life jackets provide 15.5 – 22 pounds (70 – 100 Newtons) of flotation, while inflatable type V life jackets provide 22 – 34 pounds (100 – 155 Newtons) of flotation.  These vests will usually be labeled either ‘Type V with Type II performance’ or ‘Type V with Type III performance’.  The label will also specify what specific ‘Special use’ the life jacket is designed for.