Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 3228 DECEMBER 2016 • FOGHORN SAFETYMATTERS By Eric Christensen, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Risk Management • 100% Furuno designed Linux software improves stability & reduces virus risk • Fully compliant IMO systems (19" & 23.1" LCD) or Black Box ECDIS with user supplied wide glass bridge monitors are available • Simple Ethernet connection to FAR2xx7 Radars, saving thousands over complex interface kits www.FurunoUSA.com www.Facebook.com/Furuno ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System Complete control and steering systems for vessels of all types and sizes. +1 (604)572-3935 • Surrey, BC, Canada sales@kobelt.com • www.kobelt.com KOBELT MANUFACTURING CO.LTD. L ifejackets, also known as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), are one of the most important pieces of equipment on board a vessel, com- mercial or recreational. Regulations mandating the carriage of PFDs go back as far as the Steamboat Act of 1852. So critical is the condition of a PFD that when one is found to be not in service- able condition it is required by regula- tion to be destroyed on the spot. The materials used in making PFDs has changed over the years. Cork was the primary material in the 1800s and up through the mid-1900s. Kapok, a buoyant plant material, was introduced in the early 1900s and can be found in many PFDs today. The vast majority of PFDs manufactured today use buoyant unicellular foam. All materials have their advantages and disadvantages, hence why proper inspection is so important. I should note that cork PFDs were phased out of production in 1965 and out of approved service in 1999. Serviceable Condition The focus here will be on the in- spection of non-inflatable Type I PFDs. All commercial passenger and small passenger vessels are required to have a Type I PFD for every person on board. Sizes can be Adult, Child or Extended (Universal). The PFDs are required to be inspected annually. The criteria for inspecting a Type I PFD can be applied to inspecting work vests and float coats worn by the crew. The bottom line is that PFDs need to be in serviceable condition. According to the Coast Guard, a PFD is considered to be in serviceable condition only if the following condi- tions are met: • No PFD may exhibit deterioration What to Look for When Inspecting Lifejackets