Video: Life Jacket Labels
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The video speaker is Wayne Walters from Kent Outdoors.
Video Transcript
Transcript for Life Jacket Labels
On Screen: Life Jacket Labels
Life Jacket Association
Hello. My name is Wayne. I'm here to talk to you about life jacket labels. Something that directly impacts your ability to be safe on the water is the selection of a properly fitted life jacket that is designed for your specific activity. The best way to make this selection is to go directly to the source. Look at the label on the inside of your life jacket.
On Screen: The Type System
Developed by the U.S. Coast Guard
Image of Type I vest shown is shown.
In the early 70s, the U.S. Coast Guard developed the type system to define life jacket categories. The Type I category is for offshore vests, where rescue may take some time. These devices have higher buoyancy and are designed to keep even unconscious wearers face up in the water.
Image of a Type II vest is shown.
The Type II category is for use near shore, but it still provides for turning unconscious wearers face up.
Image of a Type III vest is shown.
The Type III category is for flotation aids. These devices are intended for conscious wearers in recreational activities where help is close at hand. These devices are typically more comfortable to wear and allow for the mobility required for the wearer to enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, sailing, or water-skiing.
Image of a Type IV vest is shown.
The Type IV category is for throwable devices like ring buoys and boat cushions.
On a wearable device, the label will indicate the approval category at the top, followed by the sizing. For adult vests, which are intended for wearers weighing more than 90 pounds, the size is defined by the user's chest circumference.
On Screen: Children’s Sizing Groups
Infant Weight: Less than or equal to 33LBS/15KG
Child Weight: Over 33 LBS/15KG, less than or equal to 55 LBS/25KG
Youth Weight: Over 55 LBS/25KG, less than or equal to 88 LBS/40KG
For children's vests, the size is defined by weight and is divided into three groups. The infant size is for wearers less than 30 pounds. The child size is for wearers between 30 and 50 pounds. And the youth size is for children between 50 and 90 pounds.
In addition to sizing, the label spells out specific uses and even limitations of the design. The actual unique Coast Guard approval number for the design is listed, along with the design model number and the production lot number. The label lists the minimum buoyancy provided by the vest and how to clean and care for the device. There's also a listing mark from the certification body that originally tested the design. Finally, the manufacturer's name and contact information are listed.
These labels were used basically unchanged from the 1970s until 2015, when the new North American harmonized standard was adopted. This standard allows for the approval of a single device in both U.S. and Canada. The harmonized labels communicate the same information but have adopted icons to explain the approval class, which has changed from types to levels.
On Screen: Label images for:
50: not yet Coast Guard Approved
70: intended to be used in calm or sheltered waters; intended to be used close to shore or help near to hand; no turning ability
100: intended to be used in calm or sheltered water; when rescue is not immediate, expecting some time to wait for rescue; has some turning ability
150: intended to be used in offshore waters with waves; has turning ability
275: offshore emergency situations; used with the weight of extra tools, equipment, or clothing
Arrow in the shape of a semicircle: a lifejacket with this icon is designed to turn most ears face-up. The higher-level life jackets will have the most turning ability.
Arrow in shape of a semicircle that is crossed out: A life jacket with this icon WILL NOT TURN a person face-up.
For the recreational devices that we generally are familiar with, the Type III is now considered a Level 70 device. This icon is prominent at the top of the label along with the sizing. The intended use and restrictions are also indicated by icons, which show turning ability and acceptability for activities such as water sports, tubing, or whitewater kayaking.
Because harmonized vests are accepted in both the U.S. and Canada, the label lists the U.S. Coast Guard approval number as well as the Transport Canada approval number. Additionally, these labels are bilingual because Canada requires both English and French translations. Regardless, whether it is the original legacy label or a newer harmonized label, both devices are acceptable for use in the U.S.
By taking the time to review the label, the user can use the information to select the device that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Again, my name is Wayne. Thank you for watching this video. And thank you for staying safe on the water.
On Screen: Life Jacket Association