Type I - Offshore Life Jacket

The Type I PFD provides the most buoyancy and is best for open, rough or remote water, where rescue may be slow in coming. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in the water. The Type I comes in both adult and child size.

Type II - Near-Shore Buoyant Vest

The Type II PFD is good for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This type will turn some, but not all, unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Less bulky than a Type I PFD, the Type II is the least expensive type of PFD. It is available in many sizes.

Type III Flotation Aid

The Type III PFD is good for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. Designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position, it may require the wearer to tilt their head back to avoid going face-down in the water and therefore is not recommended for extended survival in rough water. The Type III allows more freedom of movement for active water sports and is generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed with features suitable for various sports activities are examples of this type of PFD.

Type IV Throwable Device

The Type IV PFD is an approved device which is designed to the thrown to a conscious person in the water. This device is not designed to be worn and must have at least 16.5 pounds of buoyancy. These usually take the shape of a boat cushion, life ring, or horseshoe device. These devices must be readily accessible during boat operation.

Type V - Special Use Device or Hybrid Inflatable

The Type V PFD is a special use device intended for a certain activity and may be carried instead of another PFD, but only if used in accordance with its label. Some of these devices provide hypothermia protection while others, such as a work vest, are intended for freedom of movement. A Type V may also take the form of hybrid inflatables such as float coats which combine inherently buoyant material with an inflatable bladder for extra lift.

INFLATABLE PFD'S

Inflatable PFD's come in Types I, II, and III. Although the different "Types" of inflatable PFD's are intended for use in the same areas as inherently buoyant types of PFD's, the characteristics of inflatable PFD's are different. Inflatable PFD's are not inherently buoyant and will not float without inflation. For Types I, II, and III inflatables, the lower the Type number, the better the PFD's performance (e.g., Type I is better than Type II).

Although inflatable PFD's are considered one of the most comfortable PFD's to wear when it's hot, inflatable PFD's require regular maintenance and are recommended for children or individuals who can't swim. Inflatable PFD's are not for use where water impact is expected as when water-skiing, riding personal watercraft, or whitewater paddling.

Courtesy of Wisconsin DNR