Equipment Maintenance and Storage

Equipment Maintenance and Storage

A properly equipped boat will be of little use if the materials on board are unusable because of breakage or early wear and tear.  Maintaining and storing equipment not only makes sense aesthetically and economically, but the safety of boaters and the safety of their passengers depends on it.

Flotation Devices

There are two main types of flotation devices: life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFD). PFD's are increasingly popular because they are designed for comfort and thermal protection.  As a rule, the more body surface covered by the PFD, the better its thermal protection.  PFD's exist in vest and suit form. Although more expensive than life jackets, PFD's offer better protection, more comfort and more elegance.

PFD's and/or life jackets approved status will become void if they have been repaired or altered. Do not dry PFD's in sunlight.

Note: Never use your PFD or life jacket as a fender or a cushion; damaging them voids  their approved status.

PFD’S and/or life jackets must fit snugly while allowing free movement of legs and arms.

Approval:

In Canada, PFD's and life jackets are approved by the Canadian Department of Transport. Devices approved by the US government or the US Coast Guard are not Government of Canada-approved. (If it is a foreign vessel then the rules applied are the rules of their home country)

Colour:

Only red, yellow or orange life jackets meet Government of Canada standards. PFD’s however, come in a wide variety of styles and colours.

	Life jackets	Personal Floatation Devices
Behavior in water	Once a person is immersed, it keeps face out of the water and tilts the body slightly backward	allows persons to float comfortably with their face out of the water
Appropriate for which boats?	All pleasure craft and some commercial vessels	All pleasure craft
Sizes	up to 18 kg. (40 lb) 18 to 40 kg. (40 - 90) Over 40 kg. (90 lb)	Various sizes, depending on chest measurement and weight
Models	Jacket	Over 120 approved models available in Canada
Advantages	Reversible High buoyancy Affordable Ensures face-up position in cases of unconsciousness	Adjustable Versatile and elegant Freedom of movement Protection against effects of cold water Accessories: pockets, hood, harnesses
Disadvantages	More uncomfortable (which is why people often don’t wear them) Poor protection from effects of cold water Require careful maintenance Less effective if wrong size or improperly fastened	More expensive than a life jacket less effective in rolling over unconscious victim less buoyant than a life jacket