As part of the pre-departure safety briefing you should show everyone on board where safety equipment is located and their role in case of emergency.

Emphasize the importance of always wearing a personal flotation device or lifejacket as a life saving safety precaution.

A personal flotation device (PFD) is more comfortable than a lifejacket because it is designed for constant wear. However a standard PFD does not offer the same protection as a lifejacket, which will turn you on your back so that you can breathe.

An inflatable PFD is valid under the certain conditions.   You must be wearing an inflatable PFD on an open boat or in the cockpit or on the deck of a larger vessel for it to be approved.   Inflatable PFDs are NOT for weak swimmers.    The vest type of self-inflating PFD will right even an unconscious person to a face-up position.

Inflatable PFDs are NOT approved for:

• anyone under 16 years of age
• anyone who weighs less than 36.3 kg (80 pounds)
• use on personal watercraft
• white water paddling activities

A PFD or lifejacket of an approved type must be carried for each person onboard. Approval is indicated by a stamp or label.

The Department of Transport, Canada has authority to approve PFDs and lifejackets.

Previously approved PFDs by the Canadian Coast Guard - Department of Fisheries and Oceans and those approved by Transport Canada are valid.

The approved status of a PFD or lifejacket becomes void if it has been repaired or altered.   Check flotation devices regularly and replace if required.

When selecting a PFD or lifejacket, check the label and make sure it is appropriate for chest size and weight.  

You should select a bright colour for your PFD, such as red, orange or yellow, for maximum visibility in a rescue situation.

When fitted, a PFD should be snug fitting, but comfortable.  If you raise your arms over your head, it should not be possible for another person to lift the PFD over your arms and off your body.

Clean PFDs and lifejackets with a mild soap or running water and avoid cleaning, strong detergents and gasoline.

PFDs and lifejackets should be placed to dry in the open air, not in constant exposure to sunlight, and not close to a direct heat source.

Boaters and guests should test their flotation device so that they are familiar with the characteristics of the device.   Read the manufacturers instructions.
You can test a regular PFD or lifejacket as follows:

• wear the PFD or lifejacket in chest-deep water.
• bend the knees and float on your back.
• the device should keep your chin above the water so that it is easy to breathe.

Owners of inflatable PFDs should take special care to read the manufacturers instructions for their devices and understand how the device is activated.   Follow the manufacturers instructions for testing.

Lifejackets

A lifejacket is a safety flotation device which is designed to turn you on your back and keep your face out of the water, even if you are unconscious.     A lifejacket should be loose fitting.

Lifejacket There are three Canadian-approved lifejackets, ranging from the slowest performing to best performing in terms of the time required to turn you on your back.     Lifejackets should be loose fitting to allow the water to flow under the device in order to turn you face up.     The colours are red, orange, or yellow for maximum visibility.     The approved types are the small vessel lifejacket, the standard lifejacket or the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) lifejacket. SOLAS Lifejacket is a lifejacket as described above and is fastest in the time required to turn a person on their back (turning time of 5 seconds or less).     It is available in 2 sizes: over 32 kg (70 lbs) and less than 32 kg (70 lbs) and is available in the keyhole model. Standard Lifejacket is a lifejacket as described above and is mid-range in the time required to turn a person on their back.     It is available in 2 sizes: over 40 kg (88 lbs) and less than 40 kg (88 lbs) and is available in the keyhole model. See the illustration of the keyhole model above. Small Vessel Lifejacket is a lifejacket as described above and is slowest in the time required to turn a person on their back.     It is available in 3 sizes: over 41 kg (90 lbs), 18 kg (40 lbs) to 41 kg (90 lbs) and less than 18 kg (40 lbs) and is available in the keyhole or vest model. Small Vessel Lifejackets in the smallest size are appropriate for young people, but not for any child under 9 kg (20 lbs). Regular PFDs A regular PFD does not turn you on your back and does not offer the same level of protection as a lifejacket for staying afloat. A properly fitted PFD should be snug fitting. PFDs come in a wide range of approved types, colours, and sizes. PFDs are approved in all colours. All inherently buoyant adult sizes are marked "Over 90 lbs. (41 kg)" and can be found marked from XXS to XXXL as well as Universal.   Choose a bright colour for your PFD, such as red, orange or yellow,   for maximum visibility in a rescue situation. Inflatable PFDs Inflatable PFDs of the vest type have the advantage of turning even an unconcious person face-up when inflated. Inflatable vest PFDs all work basically the same way. A gas-tight bladder is folded into a compact shape and is covered with a durable shell.   Attached to the bladder is an oral inflator tube and an auto-firing mechanism containing a CO2 cartridge. The vest is worn at all times and may be inflated in any of three ways: it will automatically inflate if the wearer enters the water, it may be orally inflated by blowing into the oral inflator tube, or it may be manually inflated by pulling on a rip-cord. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions for proper use.   The pouch type fits around the waist like a belt. The pouch is manually inflated by pulling the activation cord.   The pouch type is also equiped with an oral inflator tube.   When the cell is inflated, it must be pulled over the head for proper use as a flotation device. The pouch type design allows for unhindered movement and is easy to wear over clothing. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions for proper use. Review.