CONTENTS

Page 1 Approval Conditions and Carriage Regulations 2 What is an Inflatable PFD?

2 Instructions for Use

2 Component Inspection Instructions

3 Readiness Checklist

4 Sizing and Fit

4 Donning Instructions

5 Inflating Your Inflatable PFD

6 Special Considerations for Automatic Devices (MD3083 and MD3084)

7 Deflating the Inflatable PFD

8 Usage Below Freezing

8 Re-arming Your PFD (MD3081 and MD3082)

10 Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084)

13Repacking

14Sailing Harness

15 Is Your PFD in Good and Servicable Condition?

15 Care and Maintenance Instructions

16 Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD (MD3081 and MD3082)

17 Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD (MD3083 and MD3084)

17 Why are PFDs Required Safety Equipment?

17 How and Why to Test Your PFD

18 Models MD3083 and MD3084

18 How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Automatic Inflator? (MD3083 and MD3084)

19 How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Manual Inflator? 19 How Do You Test Your PFD Using the Oral Inflator? 20 Wear Your PFD

20 Hypothermia

22 Each of These Devices is Intended to Help You Save Your Own Life

22 Inflatable PFD Safety Accessories

23 Additional Information

DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE.

APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS

This Inflatable PFD is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for use as a Type III (Model MD3081), Type V (Model MD3082) Personal Flotation Device (PFD), Type II (Model MD3083), and Type V (Model MD3084) Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Models MD3082 and MD3084 have Type III and Type II performance respectively but are approved as Type

V PFDs because they have built-in safety harnesses that can cause injury if not properly used. A separate section titled ???SAILING HARNESS??? (p. 13) discusses requirements and features on the MD3082 and MD3084 only. USCG approval does not apply to the sailing harness because some of the risks associated with its use have not been evaluated. It is not approved for water skiing or other high impact, high-speed activities.

This Inflatable PFD was designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive to wear than inherently buoyant PFDs. When worn, used, and serviced according to this owner???s manual, this Inflatable PFD can greatly increase your chances of survival in the water. Not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of inflatable PFDs must be at least 16 years old.

MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number which are in good and serviceable condition and are the correct size for each person on board. To be considered serviceable, this Inflatable PFD shall not exhibit deterioration that could diminish its performance such as broken or deformed hardware, detached webbing, rotted structural components, air leaks, or nonfunctional oral inflation tube. Unless worn inflated, this Inflatable PFD must also be properly armed with a full CO2 cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard. A PFD which is ???approved only when worn??? or ???required to be worn??? must be worn under the specified conditions.

WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?

While traditional PFDs are inherently buoyant, inflatable PFDs, rely entirely on inflation for buoyancy. Uninflated, the Inflatable PFD is a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at any time with a 33-gram CO2 gas cylinder. The Inflatable PFD is designed to offer maximum mobility with minimum bulk. The Inflatable PFD (MD3081 and MD3082) can be inflated either manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally (by mouth). The Inflatable PFD (MD3083 and MD3084) can be inflated either automatically during water immersion, manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally by mouth. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined in INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE (p. 2).

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

This manual supplies instructional, maintenance and safety information for all models (MD3081, MD3082, MD3083, and MD3084) unless specified otherwise. The model number is listed on the underside label.

Congratulations on your Inflatable PFD purchase.

Component Inspection Instructions

1)Examine the service indicator through the window panel (Figs. 1 and 2). Ensure the service indicator is green. If the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted (see Re-arming Your PFD (for your model)).

NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.

2)Undo the Velcro??? strips along both sides of the PFD.

Figure 1

Manual Inflator

MD3081 and MD3082 Service Indicator

Figure 2

Automatic Inflator

MD3083 and MD3084 Service Indicator

3)Ensure the oral-inflation dust cap is in the stowed position (Fig. 7).

4)Ensure the service indicator is green and the pull-tab lanyard is hanging on the outside; secure the Velcro??? strips on both sides of the Inflatable PFD.

5)For the MD3083 and MD3084 only - Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin, must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If the purchase date is unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin and replace if older than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084), p. 10).

Readiness Checklist

Check your Inflatable PFD and ensure all of the checkpoints listed below are true before use.

n Service indicator is green.

n No rips, tears or holes; all seams are securely sewn; and the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong.

n All Velcro??? are securely fastened. n Inflatable PFD is not twisted.

n Oral-inflation dust cap is in the stowed position.

n For the MD3083 and MD3084 only - Ensure the bobbin is valid. The PFD, or bobbin, must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If the purchase date is unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin and replace if older than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084), p. 10).

Inflating Your Inflatable PFD

It is recommended that the following procedures be followed to inflate your Inflatable PFD:

1)Manual Inflation

Activate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the pull- tab (Fig. 4). The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.

MD3081 and MD3082 MD3083 and MD3084

2)Automatic Backup Inflation (MD3083 and MD3084)

Inflation will occur automatically within 10 seconds after the inflator is immersed in water. The water-sensing bobbin will disintegrate,

triggering a spring-loaded plunger, which punctures the CO2 cylinder (Figs. 9 and 11) to inflate the Inflatable PFD.

Information

When inflated, the carbon dioxide (CO2 gas) used to inflate the PFD will slowly escape through the fabric over time. A slight reduction of pressure will be observed after several hours of inflation. Topping up by oral inflation may be required in the event of very prolonged immersion.

IMPORTANT: See Special Considerations for Automatic Devices

3)Oral Inflation

Properly armed and inspected Inflatable PFDs will inflate when manually or automatically activated. However, you can fully inflate the Inflatable PFD by mouth (Fig. 5) should inflation not occur, or if you are in a non-emergency situation. To orally inflate the Inflatable

PFD, first locate the oral inflation tube by opening the wearer ???s left front panel of the Inflatable PFD. Remove the dust cap from the end of the oral tube and blow into the tube until the Inflatable PFD is fully inflated.

WARNING: Avoid double inflation (CO2 cylinder inflation after full oral inflation) as it could damage the PFD.

Figure 5

Special Considerations for Automatic Devices (MD3083 and MD3084)

The Inflatable PFD might not be armed when needed, either knowingly or unknowingly. Premature automatic inflation causes several risks that you must address to avoid drowning. Much less common but also important are:

WARNING: Avoid double inflation (CO2 cylinder inflation after full oral inflation) as it could damage the PFD.

1)Inflation when stored in a tight space could damage the PFD, and

2)The PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or position.

Premature inflation may occur in certain conditions, including when the device is subjected to: heavy splashing, high humidity, heavy fog, and heavy rain.

Care and attention should be taken to ensure that when the device is used in these types of conditions, auto-inflation does not occur prematurely.

If this PFD should inflate prematurely, a re-arm kit (MA7202) is required to re-arm the device.

IMPORTANT: The Inflatable PFD should be re-armed according to the instructions (Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084) p. 10).

Deflating the Inflatable PFD

1)To deflate the Inflatable PFD, reverse the oral-inflation tube dust cap and insert it into the valve or depress valve with fingertip. The dust cap will not lock in the deflate position so it is necessary to hold it in place (Fig. 6).

2)Gently squeeze the Inflatable PFD until all air or gas has been expelled. To avoid damage; do not wring or twist the Inflatable PFD. Put the inflation tube dust cap back in its stowed position on the oral inflation tube (Fig. 7).

3)Examine the service indicator (Figs. 1 and 2). If the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service (see Re-arming your PFD (for your model)).

NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.

4)Your device is ready to be repacked (see Repacking p. 13).

Usage Below Freezing

When the temperature is below freezing, a fully discharged cylinder may not adequately inflate your Inflatable PFD. Under these conditions use the oral inflator to adequately top-up the PFD.

WARNING: CO2 inflation could over-pressurize and damage your Inflatable PFD if already orally inflated.

Re-arming Your PFD (MD3081 and MD3082)

NOTE: A re-arm kit (MA7203) is required for this procedure.

IMPORTANT: Follow instructions in the exact sequence below.

1)Unpack or open the Inflatable PFD so that the manual inflator is exposed (Fig. 8).

2)Remove the cylinder/bayonet assembly by rotating counter-clockwise and then pull out. Discard the used cylinder/bayonet assembly.

3)Check the new cylinder/bayonet assembly to ensure the o-ring is in

place and the sensor ring is attached (Fig. 8). Ensure that the CO2 cylinder has not been pierced (Fig. 11).

4)Raise, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. Install a new cylinder/bayonet assembly by engaging bayonet tabs in housing, pushing in then turning clockwise 1/8 turn to a full stop (Fig. 9).

WARNING: PFD WILL ONLY INFLATE IF CYLINDER IS

TURNED TO A FULL STOP.

Lever

5)Examine the service indicator (Fig. 9) and ensure it is GREEN. If the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is

incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service. See Re-arming Your PFD (MD3081 and MD3082) p. 8.

NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.

6)Refold the Inflatable PFD in accordance with the Repacking section (p. 13).

YOUR INFLATABLE PFD (MD3081 and MD3082) IS NOW READY FOR

MANUAL USE

Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084)

NOTE: A re-arm kit (MA7202) with a valid bobbin install-by-date (check re-arm kit packaging) is required for this procedure.

IMPORTANT: Follow instructions in the exact sequence below.

1)Unpack or open the Inflatable PFD so that the manual/automatic inflator is exposed (Fig. 10).

2)Remove the cylinder/bayonet assembly by rotating counter-clockwise and then pull out. Discard the used cylinder/bayonet assembly.

NOTE: You will damage the sensor ring if the bobbin and cap are not installed first.

3)Remove cap by turning counter-clockwise. (Fig. 10).

4)Remove bobbin from cap or housing unit. Discard bobbin.

NOTE: The yellow bobbin may remain in the housing or in the cap assembly when you remove the cap. The bobbin must be

removed prior to re-arming.

5)Check the housing to be sure it is clear and dry. If necessary, rinse the inflator with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Let dry before going to step 6.

6)Inspect the bobbin. If the bobbin has been fired or damaged, replace it! Ensure the new bobbin is valid, it must have been purchased within the last three (3) years. If the bobbin purchase date is

unknown, check the date printed on the bobbin and replace if older than three (3) years (see Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084), p. 10).

7)IMPORTANT! Bobbin (yellow) must be installed into the HOUSING (**see figure 10), white side up, aligning the slots on the bobbin with the ridges inside the threaded housing. The bobbin will slide in easily if installed correctly.

8)Install cap by screwing clockwise until it meets the housing shoulder.

9)Check the new cylinder/bayonet assembly to ensure the o-ring is in place and the sensor ring is attached (Figs. 10 and 11). Ensure that the CO2 cylinder has not been pierced (Fig. 11).

IMPORTANT: You will damage the sensor ring if bobbin and cap are not installed first.

10)Push, and hold, the lever into the inflator housing. The pull-cord should be situated in the groove (Fig. 12). Install a new cylinder/ bayonet assembly by engaging bayonet tabs in housing, pushing in then turning clockwise 1/8 turn to a full stop (Fig. 12).

WARNING: PFD WILL ONLY INFLATE IF CYLINDER IS

TURNED TO A FULL STOP.

11)Examine the service indicator (Fig. 10) and ensure it is GREEN. If the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted and the inflator requires service. See Re-arming Your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084) (p. 10).

NOTE: The service indicator must be green before proceeding.

12)Refold the Inflatable PFD in accordance with the Repacking section (p. 13).

YOUR INFLATABLE PFD (MD3083 and MD3084) IS NOW READY FOR

MANUAL USE WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUP

Figure 12

MD3083 and MD3084 Automatic Inflator

Groove

Pull-cord

Repacking

Gently squeeze the Inflatable PFD until all air or gas has been expelled (Fig. 6). Do not wring or twist the Inflatable PFD. Put the inflation tube dust cap back in its stowed position on the oral inflation tube (Fig. 7).

NOTE: Before following the repacking sequence, be sure to properly re-arm your Inflatable PFD.

1)Fold side (A) inward along the full length of the dotted line (Fig. 14).

2)Fold lapel (B) inward along dotted lines. Fasten along the full length of the Velcro???. Ensure that the Inflatable PFD is tucked under the Velcro??? strip.

3)Repeat steps 1 and 2 with side (C) and lapel (D). Your Inflatable PFD will look as illustrated in Fig. 15.

4)Fold down the collar (E) along the dotted line (Fig. 15).

5)Fold the cover (F) up over the collar and fasten with (3) Velcro??? tabs (Fig. 15 inset).

6)Ensure the pull-tab is on the outside of the folded Inflatable PFD. Fig. 16 depicts a correctly folded Inflatable PFD.

Note: Ensure that all Velcro??? strips and tabs are fastened.

quick-release under-load hardware. This harness has not been designed for fall arrest, lifting or climbing and should not be relied upon in any of these instances.

US Coast Guard approval does not apply to this harness and the potential for injury has not been assessed.

IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE

CONDITION?

Check your Inflatable PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly armed; that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely sewn; and that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong (See Readiness Checklist, p. 3). Inspect the inflatable portion of the Inflatable PFD in accordance with the CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Check the following at the intervals listed below.

1)Each Use: Examine the service indicator through the window panel, ensuring it is green. If the service indicator is red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted. See Re-arming Your PFD (for your model).

2)Every Three (3) Months: Leak Test: Every three months the Inflatable PFD should be tested for general leakage by orally inflating your Inflatable PFD until firm and let stand overnight. A leaking Inflatable PFD will not hold its firmness and should be replaced. If your Inflatable PFD leaks, take it to your Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing. Repack the Inflatable PFD as outlined in the

Repacking section (p.13).

3)Annually - Perform the following at the beginning of each boating season, after cell inflation, or whenever the integrity of the inflatable cell is in doubt:

i)Check all components for dirt or corrosion. Clean or replace.

ii)Visually examine your Inflatable PFD for damage or excessive abrasion, wear, tear or contamination. Particular attention must be paid to the stitching. If in doubt, send it to your Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing.

iii)To check the oral inflation valve, fully inflate the Inflatable PFD and hold valve under water. If bubbles appear, deflate and re-inflate to test again. Should the leak persist, take your Inflatable PFD to your Mustang dealer for evaluation and/or servicing.

iv)Check that the CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly has not been pierced. Ensure the o-ring is in place and the sensor ring is intact

on the bayonet (Fig. 10). If necessary, replace with 33-gram CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly (contained in appropriate re-arm kit).

v)Record as an "Annual" inspection in permanent ink on the Care and Storage label, in the Maintenance Date column.

Re-assemble inflation system parts and repack the Inflatable PFD as outlined in the Repacking section (p.13).

Warning: If you are not confident in the self-inspection and servicing of your Inflatable PFD in accordance with these instructions, take your Inflatable PFD to a Mustang dealer for professional servicing or contact Mustang Survival (see contact information on back of manual).

Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD

(MD3081 and MD3082)

To clean your Inflatable PFD, remove the CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly. Hand wash or sponge down the Inflatable PFD in warm, soapy water and rinse with clean water. Hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Be sure to replace CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly. See Re-arming your PFD (MD3081 and MD3082) (p. 8).

Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Cleaning and Storing of Your Inflatable PFD

(MD3083 and MD3084)

To clean your Inflatable PFD, remove the CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly, cap and bobbin. Keep the bobbin dry. Hand wash or sponge down the Inflatable PFD in warm, soapy water. Rinse the PFD and inflator with clean water. Hang the Inflatable PFD to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Ensure the inflator is thoroughly dry before installing the bobbin. Be sure to replace CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly, cap and bobbin (see Re-arming your PFD (MD3083 and MD3084), p. 10).

Always store your Inflatable PFD in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight.

WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?

Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water, help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds (3.2 to 5.5 kg) of flotation to keep their heads above water. The proper size PFD will properly support the weight of the wearer.

Since this Inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides flotation only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this Inflatable PFD so you know what to do in an emergency.

HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD

Inflate your Inflatable PFD and try it out in the water to:

??Make sure it floats you:

???Comfortably (when worn properly)

???Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/ densities affect performance)

??Make sure it works:

???A flow of bubbles should not appear (see CARE AND

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS for leak tests p. 14). It should inflate quick and easily.

??Learn how it works by:

???Activating the CO2 inflation system

???Re-arming the CO2 inflation system

???Using the oral inflator tube

To check the manual inflation system (with CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly removed); determine that the CO2 cylinder piercing pin moves freely when pushing up on the lever arm by pushing down on the pins and releasing the pins followed by the lever arm (for MD3081 and MD3082 see Fig. 9 and for MD3083 and MD3084 see Fig. 12). Repeat this several times to check the manual inflation system.

MODELS MD3083 and MD3084

The U.S.Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two automatic re-arming kits (MA7202). One kit is to be used immediately in testing the automatic inflation system (see HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE AUTOMATIC INFLATOR?, p. 18) and the other to carry on board as a spare.

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends you test the automatic inflation system in the water at the beginning of each boating season. By doing this, you demonstrate that the automatic inflation system is still

working properly and reduce the likelihood of premature inflation and its associated dangers.

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE AUTOMATIC INFLATOR? (MD3083 and MD3084)

1)To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable PFD, and re-arming kit (MA7202) approved for your Inflatable PFD

2)Put on the Inflatable PFD.

3)Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface. Once the inflator is underwater the Inflatable PFD should fully inflate automatically within 10 seconds.

4)See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth

is well above the water???s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how you float.

5)Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Remove the

used CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly and the used bobbin from the Inflatable PFD inflator.

Deflate the Inflatable PFD by depressing the oral inflator valve (see Deflating the Inflatable PFD p. 7).

6)Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm and Repack the PFD (p. 13).

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE

MANUAL INFLATOR?

1)To test your Inflatable PFD, you will need your fully armed Inflatable PFD, and re-arming kit approved for your Inflatable PFD: MA7203 for models MD3081 and MD3082, MA7202 for models MD3083 and MD3084.

2)Put on the Inflatable PFD.

3)Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the pull-tab. The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.

4)Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface.

5)See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the water???s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs and how you float.

6)Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Completely deflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator (see Deflating the

Inflatable PFD p. 7). Remove the CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly from the inflator.

7)Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm and Repack the PFD (p. 13).

HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE ORAL

INFLATOR?

1)No spare parts or re-arming kits are needed to test an Inflatable PFD.

2)Remove the CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly to prevent inadvertent inflation, which could potentially damage the Inflatable PFD. Inspect the cylinder to confirm it is unused (Fig. 11). Unscrew and remove the cap and the bobbin (MD3083 and MD3084 only). Otherwise the bobbin will disintegrate during water immersion.

3)Put on the Inflatable PFD.

4)Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface.

5)If you are a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, inflate the Inflatable PFD partially so that you are supported well enough to be able to complete inflation without touching bottom, either orally or manually. Note this level of inflation because it is the minimum needed for you to safely use this Inflatable PFD.

6)Fully inflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.

7)See if the Inflatable PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the water???s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how you float.

8)Get out of the water and remove the Inflatable PFD. Completely deflate the Inflatable PFD using the oral inflator.

9)Let the Inflatable PFD dry thoroughly. Re-arm (for your model) and Repack the PFD (p. 13).

WEAR YOUR PFD

In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were not wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days. This Inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD types. Get into the habit of wearing this Inflatable PFD.

Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or non- Inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.

HYPOTHERMIA

Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as

hypothermia - a substantial loss of body heat, which leads to exhaustion and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first suffer from hypothermia. The following chart shows the effects of hypothermia: how hypothermia affects most adults.

How hypothermia affects most adults

PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float without using energy treading water and because of their insulating properties. Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation you will require.

When operating in cold waters [below 60??F (15.6??C)] you should consider using a coat or jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs. Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection:

1)Always wear your Inflatable PFD. Even if you become incapacitated due to hypothermia, the Inflatable PFD will keep you afloat and greatly improve your chances of rescue.

2)Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow survivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb. Swimming increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold water, drown- proofing methods that require putting your head in the water are not recommended. Keep your head out of the water. This will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your survival time.

3)Use the standard H.E.L.P. position when wearing an Inflatable PFD, drawing the legs up to a seated position, because doing so will help you conserve body heat (Fig. 18).

4)Keep a positive attitude about your survival and rescue. This will improve your chances of extending your survival time until rescued.

Your will-to-live does make a difference!

5)If there is more than one person in the water, huddling is recommended while waiting to be rescued. This action tends to reduce the rate of heat loss and thus increase the survival time.

Figure 18

HELP Position

EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP

YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE

For your Inflatable PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to verify that it fits, floats, and remains in good condition.

1)Check the inflation mechanism status indicators before each use.

2)Get in the habit of re-arming the inflation mechanism right after each inflation.

3)Try your wearable Inflatable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of the water.

4)Mark your Inflatable PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.

5)Do not alter your Inflatable PFD. If it doesn???t fit properly, get one that does. An altered device is no longer Coast Guard approved.

6)Your Inflatable PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling pad.

7)If your Inflatable PFD is wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it. Store it in a well-ventilated area.

8)Do not dry your Inflatable PFD in front of a radiator or other source of direct heat.

Inflatable PFD Safety Accessories

For the MD3081 and MD3082 - MA7203 Re-arm Kit ??? Contains 33-gram replacement CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly for the manual inflator.

For the MD3083 and MD3084 - MA7202 Re-arm Kit ??? Contains 33-gram replacement CO2 cylinder/bayonet assembly and bobbin for the auto inflator.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you need more information about PFDs and safe boating, contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Red Cross, or your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast Guard. To find out about free boating courses in your area call 1-800-336-BOAT (in Virginia, call 800-245-BOAT).

DO NOT ATTACH PFDs TO YOUR BOAT

Each PFD has straps, hooks, buckles, or other means for securing the device in place on the wearer. Some PFDs also incorporate decorative d-rings or tabs. Such items are not to be used to attach the device

to the boat. Attaching the device to the boat will not permit it to perform as intended.

NOTE: Models MD3082 and MD3084 have built-in sailing harnesses intended for attaching to boats with quick-release under-load tethers secured to both d-rings (see Sailing Harness p. 14). Do not attach the MD3082 and MD3084 to boats using any other means.

AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF

INFLATABLE PFDS AND CO2 CARTRIDGES

Please be aware that the following regulations apply to the air transport of this product. According to U.S. Research and Special Programs Administration Regulations Title 49 CFR 75.10(a)(25): With the approval of the aircraft operator, one small carbon dioxide cylinder fitted into

a self-inflating jacket, plus one spare cartridge, may be carried by a passenger or crew in checked or carry-on baggage.

Please refer to the governing body???s documentation, found online at http://hazmat.dot.gov.