What PFD do you use for shore work?

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Jayfarmlaw

Jayfarmlaw

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Divemaster
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Location
Tuttle, Ok
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Other than a 2010 post on the same issue, I did not see anything more recent.

We are a small volunteer evidence and recovery team with a small county budget. Currently we use the vest type PFD’s which are miserable to wear if it’s more than 60 degrees. We have a little money left in the budget and I’d like to get the tube type PFD’s like the pro bass fishermen wear.

This is the style-


I notice some are not coast guard approved, some are automatic, some manual, but all of them look much more comfortable than the typical vest type PFD. We will need at least 4 vests so a $75 vest is better than a $300 vest.

So, what PFD’s do y’all use for shore work?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jay
 
Jayfarmlaw:
Other than a 2010 post on the same issue, I did not see anything more recent.

We are a small volunteer evidence and recovery team with a small county budget. Currently we use the vest type PFD’s which are miserable to wear if it’s more than 60 degrees. We have a little money left in the budget and I’d like to get the tube type PFD’s like the pro bass fishermen wear.

This is the style-


I notice some are not coast guard approved, some are automatic, some manual, but all of them look much more comfortable than the typical vest type PFD. We will need at least 4 vests so a $75 vest is better than a $300 vest.

So, what PFD’s do y’all use for shore work?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jay
Click to expand...
Not sure about US coast guard approval as I'm from the UK, but we mainly use Crewsaver life jackets for shore or boat based operations. A wide range and pretty comfortable. In winter I wear mine over my Fladden Two-piece survival suit and even then have reasonable flexibility

 
A local based state worker friend who does dock side collection and also on water collections said they use several types. But their current favorite approved for the Florida heat is the Mustang Survival, HIT Inflatable Work PFD. It's type V rated, very durable and very long lasting. It also resists stains from oils and grease because it has some type of glossy UV coating on it.

Edit to add.........Found this video of it.
 
Jayfarmlaw:
Other than a 2010 post on the same issue, I did not see anything more recent.

We are a small volunteer evidence and recovery team with a small county budget. Currently we use the vest type PFD’s which are miserable to wear if it’s more than 60 degrees. We have a little money left in the budget and I’d like to get the tube type PFD’s like the pro bass fishermen wear.

This is the style-


I notice some are not coast guard approved, some are automatic, some manual, but all of them look much more comfortable than the typical vest type PFD. We will need at least 4 vests so a $75 vest is better than a $300 vest.

So, what PFD’s do y’all use for shore work?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jay
Click to expand...
I have been using this one for deck work the last two seasons. I have been pleased with and meets class V requirements. It isn't $75, but not $300 either.

www.defender.com

Mustang Survival M.I.T. 100 Inflatable PFD / Life Jacket - Orange

Activation: Automatic, Size: Adult Universal, Color: Orange / Black, Approval: USCG Type III Recreational / Type V Commercial, Buoyancy: 28 lbs, Includes Manual Inflation Cord, Inflator Inspection Window & Easy Access Flap
www.defender.com www.defender.com
 
Our dive team and FD uses Stearns type 3 Versaile pfd for shore support and boat crews.Seeing that Stearns is out of business and what is out there is all that is left, I picked up a Kent First Responder vest to try out and its really low profile and short. Will make a good replacement. I know it's not inflatable but it is a really good vest in the $50-$70 range.
First Responder Vest
 
Resqdivemedic:
Our dive team and FD uses Stearns type 3 Versaile pfd for shore support and boat crews.Seeing that Stearns is out of business and what is out there is all that is left, I picked up a Kent First Responder vest to try out and its really low profile and short. Will make a good replacement. I know it's not inflatable but it is a really good vest in the $50-$70 range.
First Responder Vest
Click to expand...
Along those lines, I strongly do NOT recommend this one. I purchased five of them about 4 years ago for topside work, they have never been left in the sun or bilge. They have actually had a fairly simple life and they have shredded. Very very cheaply made. Hard to call it a work vest.
1653664301589.png
 
The Mustang HIT inflatables are the gold standard. We have a few foam and inflatable vests from FirstWatch Gear & they seem to be holding up pretty well.
 
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