BY Anirban MallickMar 14, 2023

So, what is a Type IV? What is the main advantage of a type IV PFD? A PFD or Personal Flotation Device is an essential kit that all personal watercraft and boats should have on board. The main purpose is to stay afloat, and people can be saved in an emergency to save people who are about to drown or can’t swim. When the thought of a personal flotation device comes to our mind, we think about life jackets at first. And yes, a life jacket is also a type of PFD. But, there are different types of PFDs, and every type of PFD is different from the others. And here comes the new kind, which is called Type IV PFD. In this article, you are going to learn about Type IV PFD and its advantages. If you want to experience the boating world or you are new to the bloating world, then Type IV PFD is the first thing that you must keep in your mind. So, let’s know about it. What Is Type IV PFD? Image Source Let’s start from the beginning. There is a total of five different types of PFDs. And each and every type serves a different purpose. And the US Coast Guards use these floatation devices to save people, and they need to understand the functions. The most common type of PFD is a life jacket. And I guess everybody in this world knows what a life jacket is. But, Life jackets are Type III PFD. And these Type III PFDs are for calm waters where there should be a quick rescue. And Type III PFDs can be worn, they are not there to be thrown. On the other hand, Type IVs are throwable flotation devices. The main purpose is not to wear the PFDs. Rather, your rescuers can use these Type IV PFDs. The device can be thrown at a person who is drawing or unable to swim. Normally, the devices are made from materials like polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene that don’t absorb water. Type IV PFDs Approval There are specific Type IV PFDs that come in particular sizes. However, there are a couple of variations that you will find in this category. Here are three PFDs that can be used on docks, swimming pools, and large boats. 1. Buoyant Cushion Image Source In this device, there is a strap on both sides of a cushion. And the wearer can hold the sides. You can also place your arms around the straps. If you want to place the large surface under your chest, then you can float on top of them. 2. Ring Buoys Image Source This is the most common type of PFD that most people know about. There are people who call a ring buoy a life buoy, a life ring, or a flotation ring. If you are in a swimming pool, then you must be familiar with this. 3. Horseshoe Buoys Image Source This is the third type of PFD in the Type IV variation, and its shape is like a horseshow. These devices are made from closed-cell plastic. And then, there is a coating of vinyl. What Is The Main Advantage Of A Type IV PFD? Though there were Type III PFDs, there is a need for Type IV PFD. Here are the advantages. 4. Lightweight Image Source These devices are extremely lightweight, so taking these devices from one place to another or throwing them is easy. 5. Easy To Use Image Source There are no rules or restrictions, a drowning man can not think about those. And this is why these devices are handy and easy to use. 6. Towable Image Source If you are using other PFD devices, then you must have to take good care. But, a Type IV PFD is towable, and that makes it unique. 7. No Size Restrictions Image Source When it comes to a life jacket, there are size restrictions. But in this case, anyone can use it regardless of their size. 8. Versatile Image Source You can use a Type IV PFD anywhere. Whether you are in a swimming pool or a coast guard needs to save someone. Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Need To Purchase A Boat 9. Location Marker Image Source There is a location marker that tells you where the PFD is. And this is one of the best features. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some interesting questions and answers regarding type IV PFD. a. What Is A Type Iv PFD Example? Ans: Type IV PFDs are designed to throw in the water while there is a conscious person. The PFDs are not for wearing. There are a couple of examples of Type IV PFD, such as a life ring, a buoyant cushion, or even a horseshow buoy. b. What Is Type Iv PFD? Ans: A Type IV PFD is useful when it comes to throwing it in the water while there is a conscious person in it. But you can’t wear it. There are 16.5 pounds of weighted buoyancy, and this is the most common type of PFD. It is a buoyant cushion. There is also another Type IV PFD, which is a ring buoy. c. What Is The Main Advantage Of Type IV PFD Boated? Ans: When it is about a Type III PFD, this is basically a life jacket. A life jacket is the best option for calm waters and when there is a chance for a quick rescue. On the other hand, a Type IV PFD is a throwable flotation device.And there are different types of these devices. Type III is basically what you can wear. But you can not throw a Type III PFD, and this is the main advantage of Type IV PFD. d. What Vessels Must Have A Type IV PFD? Ans: There are non-motorized watercraft, including vessels like inflatable rafts, canoes, sailboats, and kayaks. So, a minimum of 16 feet long vessels require at least one USCG. And these are approved throwables of different Type IV. So, these devices should be accessible immediately. Kayaks and Canoes are exempt from this requirement. e. What Does PFD Stand For? Ans: PFD means Personal Flotation Device. There are different types of PFDs for rescuing conscious people who can not swim or are prone to die by falling into the water. Final Words I hope now you have the answer to what is the main advantage of a type iv PFD. There is a fact that you must know about Type IV PFD. The vessels must have to be at least 16 feet long. Also, if you are using canoes or kayaks, then there is no need to use a Type IV PFD. And if you want to place it near your swimming pool, you can do that also. Thank You. Read Also: When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? Want To Buy A 3 Point Slinger For Camera For Traveling? What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard?