Life jackets (PFDs) are marine safety devices designed to provide flotation and keep wearers afloat in lakes, coastal, and rough waters. Approved by the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada, they are used on boats, kayaks, personal watercraft, and during water sports. Types II, III, IV, and V serve different needs, from comfortable wear to emergency rescue and unconscious face-up flotation, for adults, youth, and infants.
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Pilot 180 Inflatable Lifejacket Auto UML Elite in Red combines 180 N buoyancy with an automatic Pro Sensor Elite inflation system for dependable safety. Its 300-denier UV-treated polyamide cover, ergonomic collar, SOLAS-certified bladder, and ISO 12402-3 certification make it suitable for demanding marine conditions.
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$ 169.84
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Pilot 180 inflatable lifejacket is built for recreational and professional boaters who need dependable performance in harsh conditions, delivering 180 N buoyancy for improved safety and freeboard. With its ISO 12402-3 certification, UV-treated 300D polyamide cover, SOLAS-certified fluorescent bladder, automatic Pro Sensor Elite inflation system, and harness with crotch strap, it combines comfort, durability, and compatibility with key safety signaling devices for offshore use.
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$ 224.11
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P202139 Cyalume Yellow Snaplight Light Stick is a reliable safety tool visible from over 1 nautical mile. It is unbreakable, watertight, battery-free, and designed for easy attachment to life jackets, providing instant bright light in emergencies without producing flames or sparks.
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$ 38.97
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P202148 Ocean Safety Jon Buoy Recovery Module Mk6 is an essential safety item for man overboard situations, featuring a buoy with low freeboard, a high-visibility pole, and automatic inflation within 12 seconds. It includes a 5m throwing quoit for recovery, complies with safety regulations, and features a beacon for enhanced tracking, making it a vital addition to any vessel's safety gear.
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$ 2,010.65
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P202215 Sous Cutale Y 70940 is a durable and reliable sous cutale designed for nautical use. Its lightweight construction ensures ease of handling while providing dependable performance in harsh marine conditions.
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$ 14.29
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P202534 merges a Jon Buoy Danbuoy with a horseshoe buoy to enhance safety at sea, ensuring quick and effective rescue operations. This lightweight and compact design allows for easy storage and deployment, while maintaining high visibility for better identification in emergencies.
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$ 617.35
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P202535 MOB Sling is a vital safety device for maritime activities, aiding in the rapid recovery of individuals who have fallen overboard. Its strong and reliable construction ensures it can be easily used in emergencies, while its compact and lightweight design allows for easy accessibility on board.
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$ 337.38
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Plastimo P204464 - Pilot 300 Inflatable Lifejacket Auto UML Elite Navy With Harness And Crotch Strap
1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Pilot 300 inflatable lifejacket is designed for demanding marine use, offering 300 N buoyancy for excellent self-righting and freeboard, even with heavy clothing. Featuring a durable 300-denier polyamide cover, automatic Pro Sensor Elite inflation, integrated harness and crotch strap, and ISO 12402 certification, it is well suited for offshore sailing, sport fishing, and professional maritime activities.
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$ 234.31
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Pilot Pro 300 inflatable lifejacket in orange provides powerful 300 N buoyancy for offshore and professional use, ensuring reliable flotation when wearing heavy gear. Built with an ultra-resistant double PVC-coated fabric, automatic Pro Sensor Elite inflation, crotch strap, and ISO 12402 certification, it delivers long-term durability and high visibility in harsh marine environments.
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$ 224.11
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Pilot Pro 300 inflatable lifejacket in yellow combines 300 N buoyancy with a highly durable double PVC-coated cover for demanding recreational and professional applications. Equipped with an automatic Pro Sensor Elite release, stainless steel harness buckle, crotch strap, and ISO 12402 certification, it offers excellent comfort, visibility, and corrosion resistance.
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$ 244.48
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Pilot Pro 300 inflatable lifejacket with hydrostatic HAMMAR release is designed to minimize accidental inflation while providing 300 N buoyancy for reliable offshore safety. Featuring a robust double PVC-coated fabric, crotch strap, high-visibility SOLAS bladder, and ISO 12402 certification, it is ideal for professional and industrial marine environments.
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$ 251.28
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204765 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in Black size XXL provides 50N buoyancy with a comfortable, ergonomic fit, featuring a front zip entry, adjustable waist, non-slip waistband, and flexible materials for active water sports safety.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204766 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in Black size L delivers certified 50N buoyancy with a secure and comfortable race fit, combining easy front access, adjustable support, durable materials, and freedom of movement for sailing and water sports.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204767 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in black size M is designed for active sailors and water sports users, offering certified 50N buoyancy with a lightweight ergonomic fit, front zip access, adjustable waist, non-slip internal waistband, neoprene shoulder panels, and practical chest storage for all-day comfort and reliable safety.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204768 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in black size S provides secure 50N flotation in a compact, race-inspired design, featuring a front zip entry, adjustable waist strap, non-slip waistband, soft neoprene shoulder panels, and a draining chest pocket for comfortable and safe active water sports use.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204769 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in black size XL delivers dependable 50N buoyancy with an ergonomic race fit, combining easy front zip access, adjustable waist support, non-slip internal grip, neoprene shoulder panels, and a practical chest pocket for unrestricted movement on the water.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204770 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in black size XS is ideal for smaller users, offering certified 50N flotation in a lightweight and comfortable design with front zip entry, adjustable waist strap, non-slip waistband, neoprene shoulder panels, and functional chest storage for active water sports.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204771 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in lime size L combines high visibility with certified 50N buoyancy, featuring an ergonomic race fit, front zip entry, adjustable waist strap, non-slip internal waistband, neoprene shoulder panels, and a draining chest pocket for safety and comfort during active use.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204772 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in lime size M delivers reliable 50N flotation with a secure and comfortable fit, incorporating a front zip opening, adjustable waist support, internal non-slip waistband, neoprene shoulder panels, and practical chest storage for versatile water sports performance.
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$ 102.19
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo P204773 Zhik Active PFD Buoyancy Aid in lime size S offers dependable buoyancy in a compact ergonomic design, featuring front zip access, adjustable waist strap, non-slip internal grip, soft neoprene shoulder panels, and a draining chest pocket for comfort and stability on the water.
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$ 102.19
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What are life jackets and how do they function as personal flotation devices for marine safety?
A life jacket, also called a life vest or PFD, is a coast guard approved personal flotation device that provides floatation in emergency situations while swimming, during water sports, or onboard a boat. Different types of life jacket use foam or inflation to deliver required lbs of buoyancy, help turn unconscious wearers face-up, support infant life and youth life, and improve mobility for rescue. These flotation devices are designed to be worn or thrown, aiding survival, grab, and rescue in marine environments.
How do foam and inflatable life vests differ in flotation, inflation method, and mobility?
Foam life vests, commonly used as Type III or Type IV personal floatation devices, provide constant float without activation, meet USCG-approved and Transport Canada approved requirements, but can feel bulky and uncomfortable when worn for long periods or seated. Inflatable life vests, usually classified as Type V, rely on manual or automatic inflation to create floatation, offering greater mobility and comfort, while still meeting coast guard-approved standards for approved life and rescue use where flotation devices may be required.
How should PFDs be stored and handled to maintain approved life performance over time?
PFDs should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve materials and buoyancy performance over time. They should not be used as seats, crushed, or left under heavy objects, as this can reduce comfort and flotation effectiveness. Regular inspection for wear, damaged rings, or fabric issues helps ensure the device remains comfortable to wear and ready if rescue may be needed.