Mandatory Carriage Requirements; Why Are Flotation Devices Required Safety Equipment; Instructions For Use; Getting To Know Your Flotation Device - Mustang Survival MINIMALIST BELT PACK Manuel De L'utilisateur

MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

The U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada require you to carry
approved flotation devices of the correct size for each person on
board that are legibly marked with an approval number and are in
good and serviceable condition. To be considered serviceable, this
flotation device 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 flotation device must
also be properly armed with a full CO cylinder, inflation system
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status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard. A
flotation device which is "approved only when worn" or "required to
be worn" must be worn under the specified conditions.

WHY ARE FLOTATION DEVICES REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?

Drowning is the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. In over 80 percent of fatal incidents the person was not
wearing flotation and most of these occurred after falls overboard
or capsize of small boats. An approved flotation device, when worn,
helps raise your head above water in the first critical moments of
immersion. Some devices are designed to keep you face up in the
water, and increase your chances for survival and rescue. Different
body types float differently and some boating activities require
special features in a flotation device.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE

Because your flotation device is designed to save your life, you
need to be comfortable using it and thoroughly familiar with how
it works. If you just purchased or have not yet used your flotation
device, Transport Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard recommend
that you immediately test it as described in "How and Why to Test
Your Flotation Device," (page 19). This will not only ensure your
device is in good condition, it will give you experience using all
methods of inflation.
After initial testing, get in the habit of inspecting your flotation
device before each use, re-arming it after each use, and of course
wearing it every time you go out on the water.
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