When selecting a PFD, which measurements should be considered?

When selecting a PFD, which measurements should be considered?

• A. Body height and neck circumference
• B. Passenger's body weight and chest size
• C. Age and experience level
• D. Gender and dress size

Answer: (B)

PFD sizing is based on weight and chest girth, because these two measurements determine both the device’s buoyancy and how securely it fits on your body. The buoyant material in a PFD is rated for keeping a person afloat within specific weight ranges, so choosing a PFD according to body weight ensures there will be enough buoyancy to support you in the water. The chest measurement, or girth, tells you how snugly the PFD will fit around your torso. A proper fit is crucial so the device stays in place and doesn’t ride up, shift, or take on water when you move or float. Height, neck circumference, age, experience level, gender, or dress size don’t directly indicate how much buoyancy you need or how well the PFD will fit and function, so they aren’t the primary factors in selecting a PFD.

PFD sizing is based on weight and chest girth, because these two measurements determine both the device’s buoyancy and how securely it fits on your body. The buoyant material in a PFD is rated for keeping a person afloat within specific weight ranges, so choosing a PFD according to body weight ensures there will be enough buoyancy to support you in the water. The chest measurement, or girth, tells you how snugly the PFD will fit around your torso. A proper fit is crucial so the device stays in place and doesn’t ride up, shift, or take on water when you move or float.

Height, neck circumference, age, experience level, gender, or dress size don’t directly indicate how much buoyancy you need or how well the PFD will fit and function, so they aren’t the primary factors in selecting a PFD.