DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE!
OWNER’S MANUAL for
Model 24MSPT-1
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS
This inflatable PFD is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use as a
Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is not approved for water
skiing or other high impact, high speed activities. This inflatable PFD
was designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive to wear than
inherently buoyant PFDs. When worn, used and serviced according to
this owner’s manual, this PFD can greatly increase your chances of
survival in the water. Not recommended for non-swimmers or weak
swimmers. Users of inflatable PFDs must be at least 16 years old.
I. MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry Coast
Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with
the Coast Guard approval number which are in good and serviceable
condition and are the correct size for each person on board. To be
considered serviceable, this PFD shall not exhibit deterioration that could
diminish its performance such as broken or deformed hardware,
detached webbing, rotted structural components, air leaks, or non-functional
oral inflation tube. Unless worn inflated, this PFD must also be properly
armed with a full CO2 cylinder, inflation system status indicator and an
accessible manual inflation lanyard. A PFD which is “approved only
when worn” or “required to be worn” must be worn under the specified
conditions.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Chest Size: 30 - 52 inches (76 - 132 cm)
Weight Range: More than 80 pounds (36 kg)
Age Range: 16 years of age and older
Buoyancy (minimum): 22.5 Pounds (100 Newtons) when fully inflated
Inflation System:
Manual Inflation Mechanism (located on your right side)
Oral Tube - (located on your left side)
Jerk to Inflate Tab - (located on your right side) used to manually
activate the inflation mechanism and inflate the PFD.
CO2 Cylinder: 24 gram with cylinder seal indicator.
Indicators: For the PFD to be fully armed, a cylinder must be inserted
into the mechanism and the cylinder seal indicator must be Green.
•• USE REARMING KIT # 24MRK ••
DONNING INSTRUCTIONS
Practice closing hardware and adjusting before use or prior to in-water
testing.
Step 3 -
Buckle belt
around your
waist and adjust
to a snug fit.
Step 1 - Insert arm
between back strap
and vest.
Step 2 -
Pull vest on over
your head.
INFLATED DONNING - Depress oral inflation tube valve until the
chamber is mostly deflated. Don as described above and reinflate until
firm.
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II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
A. PRE-DONNING INSTRUCTIONS
CHECK THE FOLLOWING BEFORE USING THIS PFD:
1. INSPECT PFD FOR DAMAGE
2. BE SURE A CYLINDER IS INSERTED INTO THE MECHANISM
AND CYLINDER SEAL INDICATOR IS GREEN
READ BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION!
1. Inspecting Your PFD For Damage
Make sure that the PFD is free from rips, tears or punctures. This type of
damage on the outside covering indicates that the Inflatable Chamber
may have been exposed to potentially damaging elements. If these
defects are noticed, discontinue use of the PFD until you have the PFD
inspected by an authorized repair facility. The Inflatable Chamber
should be checked for leaks at the beginning of each season and at least
every two months during the boating season. The leak test procedure is
described under USER’S INSPECTION. (Refer to Page 8.)
2. How to Inspect the Mechanism and Cylinder
The mechanism is located on your right side under the protective cover.
Before inspecting the mechanism remove the CO2 cylinder to prevent
unnecessary discharge.
The CO2 cylinder contains the gas charge that will inflate your PFD
when the inflation mechanism is fired. You must verify that the CO2
cylinder installed is of the correct size specification and has not been
previously fired. See the SPECIFICATIONS section on page 3 of this
manual to determine proper size cylinder.
Be sure that an undamaged cylinder is inserted into the mechanism
and that the cylinder seal indicator shows GREEN. If the indicator
shows RED, replace with a new cylinder following the rearming instructions
on back cover.
Additional Notes on CO2 Cylinders:
a. FAILURE to properly rearm the inflation mechanism prior to installing
the CO2 Cylinder will result in premature activation of the cylinder.
b. CO2 Cylinders are only good for one (1) inflation and cannot be
recharged.
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c. CO2 Cylinders are made with a protective coating that may wear off
after a period of use or exposure to the environment. When this
coating is worn off, the CO2 Cylinder may start to show some signs of
rusting. If this occurs, replace the CO2 Cylinder.
d. If a gram scale (such as a postal scale) is available, it is recommended
to weigh the cylinder to verify that it meets the minimum weight
imprinted on the cylinder.
B. REARMING AND INDICATOR CHECK INSTRUCTIONS
The back cover of this manual provides the REARMING/STATUS
INSTRUCTIONS for the mechanism on your PFD.
C. DONNING INSTRUCTIONS
See Page 3 for pictogram instruction. After donning, locate the Jerk to
Inflate tab for the mechanism. It should protrude from the PFD as shown
on the pictogram. Make sure that you are comfortable locating the Jerk
to Inflate tab with either hand. Should an emergency develop, be pre-
pared to use it! Always wear your PFD over, not under clothing.
Caution - Bulky clothing may affect the ability of this PFD to turn the
wearer to a face-up position in the water.
D. INFLATED DONNING INSTRUCTIONS
Inflatable PFDs can be very difficult to don when fully inflated. Deflate
through the Oral Tube until enough gas has escaped to don. See
DEFLATION INSTRUCTIONS on Page 6. Don as described above and
re-inflate orally as described below.
E. INFLATION INSTRUCTIONS
See Pages 9-11 for additional information on testing and inflating your
PFD.
1. MANUAL INFLATION - To inflate, grasp the Jerk to Inflate tab and
pull sharply downwards.
2. ORAL INFLATION - The Oral Tube is located on the wearer’s left
side. Grasp the Oral Tube and bring to mouth. Blow air through the
Oral Tube until the Inflatable Chamber is firm. If the chamber
becomes soft due to CO2 permeance (normal loss of cylinder gas
over extended period of time), Oral Inflation will be necessary to
maintain full buoyancy. Whenever you orally inflate the PFD it would
be good practice to remove the CO2 cylinder prior to inflating.
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3. COLD INFLATION - Oral Inflation may be required in addition to
manual inflation if chamber is not firm due to cold temperatures at or
below 40° F (4°C). Inflation Time using CO2 gas will be longer at
these temperatures.
See FREEZING TEMPERATURES on page 7.
4. OTHER INFLATION PRECAUTIONS
a. CAUTION - Do not fully inflate orally then manually inflate with the CO2
cylinder. Repeated CO2 inflation after oral inflation will damage the
PFD to the point that it will not hold air or float.
b. Never inflate this PFD with a Pump or Air-Compressor.
c. Permeation loss is greater when the device is inflated with C02 than
with air, and that earlier replenishment by means of the oral inflation
system will therefore be necessary after several hours.
F. DEFLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Depress Oral Valve (located inside end of Oral Tube) using the protec-
tive cap or tab provided by inserting into the end of Oral Tube, see draw-
ing. Gently compress air out of the inflatable chamber while depressing
the Oral Valve.
Refer to the back inside cover for REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS.
DO NOT TWIST OR WRING INFLATABLE CHAMBER TO DEFLATE.
If for any reason the Oral Valve remains open, depress it several times.
If it does not release, discontinue use of this PFD and take it to a certified
Repair Facility. In an emergency situation, hold thumb over the valve if
it will not close.
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G. OTHER USE GUIDELINES
1. Always wear your PFD when underway unless you are inside a cabin.
2. If you need to jump from any height always fold arms over your chest
to keep the PFD in place when entering the water.
3. Avoid all unnecessary activities that will be abrasive to the device.
4. Use extreme caution around sharp objects.
5. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sunlight. See GENERAL PRODUCT
LIFE EXPECTANCE below.
6. Inflatable PFDs are not designed for activities in which the wearer
expects to encounter impact with the water at a high-speed such as
water skiing, riding personal water-craft; etc.
7. Never use in below freezing temperatures unless worn partly inflated.
At or below 40°F inflation time with CO2 gas will be longer. Wearing a
partially inflated PFD under these conditions will provide some initial
buoyancy while the PFD fully inflates.
Caution: Do not fully inflate orally and then inflate with the CO2 cylinder.
Repeated CO2 inflation after oral inflation will damage the PFD to the
point that it will not hold air or float.
III. CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
A. GENERAL PRODUCT LIFE EXPECTANCY
The reliability and service life of this PFD depends greatly upon how it is
used and cared for. Avoid storing PFD in direct sunlight. Sunlight con-
tains ultraviolet radiation that weakens synthetic materials. Prolonged
exposures to high temperatures and high humidity may shorten service
life of this PFD. While it is known that these elements degrade the mate-
rials, every use environment is unique so there is no sure way to esti-
mate how long the PFD will last. It is for this reason that you must follow
the Care and Cleaning Instructions and perform the maintenance and
service checks. This will assure that the PFD remains functional and will
maximize the useful life of this PFD. Failure to follow these instructions
rigorously could result in a non-functioning PFD causing injury or death.
B. CARE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Drying - If the device is wet, place on a coat hanger to allow thorough
drying. Do not place in direct sunlight to dry. Do not use any heat source
or place on radiator.
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Cleaning - Damp wipe only with mild detergent recommended for
synthetic fabrics. Remove grease and oil immediately. Always rinse well
with fresh water. Read instructions provided on the device.
• DO NOT MACHINE WASH
• DO NOT MACHINE DRY
• DO NOT DRY CLEAN
• DO NOT USE SOLVENT BASED CLEANERS
• DO NOT BLEACH
C. INSPECTION
Certified Inspection - SOSPENDERS® strongly recommends that this
device be inspected at least every 24 months by a certified Repair
Facility or SOSPENDERS®.
User’s Inspection - The user should perform the following checks
before each season, or before a long journey, or as recommended
below:
1. Leak Test - This test should be performed every two months and at
the start of each season. (a) Remove the CO2 cylinder (b) Inflate using
the oral inflator (c) Leave to rest for 16 hours. When buoyancy cham-
ber remains firm and full of air, there is no leakage and chamber is in
operational condition. If the chamber deflates, immediately bring to a
certified Repair Facility for repair. The device is no longer in opera-
tional condition. (d) Deflate, install the CO2 cylinder, inspect to ensure
that the PFD is properly armed (Back Cover) and then repack the PFD
(page 15) so it’s ready for use.
2. Function Test of Oral Valve - Remove the dust protection cap. With
the PFD inflated (see steps a and b of Leak Test), test the valve by
pushing it down using the tab provided on the cap (refer to page 6).
The valve should depress easily. When released it should automatical-
ly return to the closed, resealed position. Prepare the PFD for use
(see step d of Leak Test).
3. Physical Inspection of Cover and Straps - Examine outer shell
fabric, seams, webbing attachments, buckles, slides; etc. Fabric
fading can indicate a loss of strength. Check for strength by pulling
seams and attachments snugly. If device shows any signs of damage,
return to a certified Repair Facility or replace the entire device. This
inspection should be performed each outing.
D. STORAGE
• STORE IN CLEAN, COOL, DRY AREA.
• DO NOT STORE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
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IV. IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?
Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly armed;
that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely sewn; and
that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong. Inspect the inflatable
portion of the PFD in accordance with Care and Maintenance
Instructions on pages 7 and 8.
V. WHY ARE PFDs REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational boating.
A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water, help you to
stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for survival and
rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of flotation to keep
their heads above water. The proper size PFD will properly support the
weight of the wearer.
Since this inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides
flotation only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD
so you know what to do in an emergency.
VI. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
• Make sure it floats you:
Comfortably
(When worn properly)
Adequately for expected wave conditions
(Body shapes/densities affect performance)
• Make sure it works:
A flow of bubbles should not appear
(See page 8 for leak tests)
It should inflate quickly and easily
• Learn how it works by:
Activating the CO2 inflation system
Rearming the CO2 inflation system
Using the Oral inflator tube
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming
kits. One to be used immediately in testing the inflation system and the
other to carry onboard as a spare.
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HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE MANUAL INFLATOR?
1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will need:
• Your fully armed PFD, and
• Rearming kit approved for your PFD.
2. Put on the PFD.
3. Actuate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the Jerk to
Inflate tab. The PFD should fully inflate within 5 seconds.
4. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your
head above the surface.
5. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical.
In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the
water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how
you float.
6. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Remove the used CO2
cylinder from the PFD inflator. Completely deflate the PFD using the
oral inflator.
7. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM and REPACK the PFD in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions!
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HOW DO YOU TEST YOUR PFD USING THE ORAL INFLATOR?
1. To test your inflatable PFD, you will not need any spare parts or
rearming kits.
2. Remove the CO2 cylinder, to prevent inadvertent activation of the
manual inflation system which could potentially damage the PFD.
3. Put on the PFD.
4. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your
head above the surface.
5. If you are a weak swimmer or non-swimmer, inflate the PFD partially
so that you are supported well enough to be able to complete inflation
without touching bottom, either orally or manually. Note this level of
inflation because it is the minimum needed for you to safely use this
inflatable PFD.
6. Fully inflate the PFD using the oral inflator.
7. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical.
In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the
water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how
you float.
8. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Completely deflate the PFD
using the oral inflator.
9. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM and REPACK the PFD in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions!
VII. WEAR YOUR PFD
In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were not
wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days. This
inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD types.
Get into the habit of wearing this PFD. Non-swimmers and children
especially should wear a hybrid or non-inflatable PFD at all times when
on or near the water.
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VIII. HYPOTHERMIA
Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as
hypothermia - a substantial loss of body heat, which leads to exhaustion
and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first suffer from hypothermia.
The following chart shows the effects of hypothermia:
HOW HYPOTHERMIA AFFECTS MOST ADULTS
Water Temperature
Exhaustion or
Unconsciousness
Expected Time
of Survival
º C
º (F)
0.3
(32.5)
UNDER 15 MIN
15 TO 30 MIN
30 TO 60 MIN
1 TO 2 HOURS
2 TO 7 HOURS
2 TO 12 HOURS
INDEFINITE
UNDER 15 TO 45 MIN
30 TO 90 MIN
0.3 TO 4 (32.5 to 40)
4 TO 10 (40 to 50)
10 TO 16 (50 to 60)
16 TO 21 (60 to 70)
21 TO 27 (70 to 80)
Over 27 (Over 80)
1 TO 3 HOURS
1 TO 6 HOURS
2 TO 40 HOURS
3 HOURS TO INDEFINITE
INDEFINITE
PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float without
using energy treading water and because of their insulating properties.
Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation you will require. When
operating in cold waters [below 60º F(15.6º C)] you should consider
using a coat or jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as
they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs.
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Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection:
1. Always wear your PFD. Even if you become incapacitated due to
hypothermia, the PFD will keep you afloat and greatly improve your
chances of rescue.
2. Do not attempt to swim unless it is to reach a nearby craft, fellow sur-
vivor, or a floating object on which you can lean or climb. Swimming
increases the rate of body heat loss. In cold water, drown-proofing
methods that require putting your head in the water are not recom-
mended. Keep your head out of the water. This will greatly lessen heat
loss and increase your survival time.
3. Use the standard H.E.L.P. position
when wearing an inflatable PFD,
drawing the legs up to a seated posi-
tion, because doing so will help you
conserve body heat.
4. Keep a positive attitude about your
survival and rescue. This will
improve your chances of extending
your survival time until rescued. Your
will-to-live does make a difference!
5. If there is more than one person in the
water, huddling is recommended while waiting to be rescued. This
action tends to reduce the rate of heat loss and thus increase the sur-
vival time.
IX. EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU SAVE
YOUR OWN LIFE
For your PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to verify that
it fits, floats, and remains in good condition.
1. Check the status of the inflator and make sure that the status indicator
is green. Check before each outing.
2. Get in the habit of rearming the inflation mechanism right after each
inflation.
3. Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and
out of the water.
4. Mark your PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.
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5. Do not alter your PFD. If it doesn’t fit properly, get one that does. An
altered device is no longer Coast Guard approved.
6. Your PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling pad.
7. If your PFD is wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it. Store it
in a well-ventilated area.
8. Do not dry your PFD in front of a radiator or other source of direct heat.
X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you need more information about PFDs and safe recreational boating,
contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S.
Power Squadron, Red Cross, or your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast
Guard; or call the CG Customer InfoLine at 1-800-368-5647 or the Free
Boating Course number 1-800-336-BOAT (in VA, 1-800-245-BOAT) or
DO NOT ATTACH PFD’S TO YOUR BOAT
Each PFD has straps, hooks, buckles, or other means for securing the
device in place on the wearer. Some PFDs also incorporate decorative
dee rings or tabs. Such items are not to be used to attach the device to
the boat. Attaching the device to the boat will not permit it to perform as
intended.
CO2 PERMEATION LOSS
CO2 gas from the cylinder will permeate the chamber fabric over
time. If you are in the water for a long time, it may be necessary
to top off the inflatable orally, by blowing air in through the oral
tube.
BUDDY LINE INFORMATION
Buddy lines, when provided, are to be used by people adrift in the water,
to attach themselves to one another and aid in staying together. Buddy
lines are not designed for lifting.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INITIAL ARMING,
REARMING, REPACKING, OR NEAREST CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILI-
TY CALL 1-800-783-2767.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION: PLEASE MAIL REGISTRATION CARD
OR CALL 1-800-783-2767 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE IMPORTANT
UPDATES ON THIS PRODUCT.
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REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS: Use guide lines on Yellow Chamber.
Deflate yellow chamber completely, smoothing chamber flat. Depress
the Oral Valve located inside end of Oral Tube (see fig 3) using the
Protective Cap by inserting into the end of the Oral Tube."
1. Lay device out flat with
yellow inflatable chamber, arrows side, up.
1
Oral Tube
Access Tab
2. Fold left side of chamber under and
fold again. Wrap Oral Tube Access Tab
around Oral Tube with a portion of the
tab left outside of the device. Refer to
2
®
Figure 3 for more detail. Secure Velcro
Strips.
Fold right side of chamber under and fold
again.
®
Secure Velcro Strips.
Position Jerk to Inflate Tab below bottom
of clear window.
3
Oral Tube
3. Fold upper left chamber under. Repeat
®
on right side. Secure upper Velcro
Strips.
4
4. Check to see that the Jerk to Inflate
Tab is hanging free and the status indicator
is clearly visible through the clear window.
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Halkey-Roberts V86160 Manual Inflator
ReArming/Status Indicator Instructions
CO Cylinder
2
Step 2
Sensor Ring
Step 3
Bayonet
Tabs
Step 4
Service Indicator
Step 5
Note: Right and Left hand models
pictured above. Your inflator will
look like either the left or right image.
DISASSEMBLY
(see figure)
Step 1: Unpack or open the life vest so that the manual inflator is visible.
Step 2: Remove gas CO cylinder by rotating cylinder
2
counterclockwise then pull out. Discard cylinder.
REARMING
Note: Rearming must follow the sequence below.
Step 3: Check the new cylinder to be sure it has
sensor ring attached.
Step 4: Install new cylinder by engaging bayonet tabs in housing,
pushing in then turning clockwise 1/8 turn to a full stop.
WARNING: PFD WILL ONLY INFLATE IF
CYLINDER IS TURNED TO FULL STOP.
Step 5: Check to be sure service indicator is green.
Service Indicator
If green, unit is operable.
If red, stop and service unit.
print run id
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