PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 02 - Boating Equipment

TYPE I: OFFSHORE LIFE JACKET

 

This is the most buoyant life jacket option. Type I’s are designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water. You should wear this type of life jacket if you’ll be paddling in rough water conditions, if you’ll be far from shore, or if you’ll be in a location where a quick rescue might not be immediately possible.

Advantage

  • The high level of buoyancy increases the likelihood of your survival during an overboard emergency. 

Disadvantage

  • This is a larger, heavier vest than the other life jacket types and can be less comfortable to wear while paddling.

 The Type I’s available include:

  • Inherently Buoyant Type I PFDs - SOLAS Service.
  • Inherently Buoyant Type I PFDs - U.S. Service.
  • Inflatable Type I PFDs - SOLAS and Domestic.
  • Hybrid Type I PFDs – U.S. Services.

 

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