Editorial Note on Part 160
Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 160 appear by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59785, 59786, Oct. 1, 2012.

§ 160.077-15 Construction and Performance—Recreational Hybrid PFD. ( a ) *Performance.* ( 1 ) Each recreational hybrid PFD must be able to pass the tests in § 160.077-19.
( 2 ) Each recreational hybrid PFD must— ( i ) If second stage donning is required, have an obvious method for doing it;
( ii ) If it is to be marked as Type II or Type V providing Type I or II performance, not require second stage donning to achieve that performance;
( iii ) Be capable of being worn while inflated at 60 N (13 lb.) of buoyancy without significantly changing its appearance from, or making it significantly less comfortable than, the uninflated condition;
( iv ) Not cause significant discomfort to the wearer during and after inflation; and
( v ) If it has a manual or automatic inflation mechanism and can be put on inside out, not restrict breathing when donned inside out, adjusted to fit, and inflated.
( b ) *Construction; General.* Each recreational hybrid PFD must— ( 1 ) Have one or more inflation chambers;
( 2 ) Have at least one oral means of inflation on each inflation chamber;
( 3 ) Have at least one automatic inflation mechanism that inflates at least one chamber, if marked as providing Type I or II performance;
( 4 ) Be constructed so that the intended method of donning is obvious to an untrained wearer;
( 5 ) Not have a channel that can direct water to the wearer's face to any greater extent than that of the reference vest defined in § 160.077-3(j).
( 6 ) Have a retainer for each adjustable closure to prevent any part of the closure from being easily removed from the PFD;
( 7 ) If marked as universally sized for wearers weighing over 40 kg (90 pounds), have a chest size range of at least 76 to 120 cm (30 to 52 in.);
( 8 ) Not have means of access to any inherently buoyant inserts;
( 9 ) Not have edges, projections, or corners, either external or internal, that are sufficiently sharp to damage the PFD or cause injury to anyone using or maintaining the PFD;
( 10 ) Be of first quality workmanship;
( 11 ) Unless otherwise allowed by the approval certificate— ( i ) Not incorporate means obviously intended for attaching the PFD to the vessel; and
( ii ) Not have any instructions indicating that attachment is intended;
( 12 ) Except as otherwise required by this section, meet UL Standard 1517, sections 6.14, 6.20, 7.1, 7.3, 7.8, 8.4, and 9; and
( 13 ) Provide the minimum buoyancies specified in Table 160.077-15(b)(13). Table 160.077-15(b)(13)—Buoyancy for Recreational Hybrid PFDs
Adult
Youth
Small child Inherent buoyancy (deflated condition): Type II
45 N (10 lb)
40 N (9 lb)
30 N (7 lb) Type III
45 N (10 lb)
40 N (9 lb)
N/A Type V
33 N (7.5 lb)
34 N (7.5 lb)
N/A Total buoyancy (inflated condition): Type II
100 N (22 lb)
67 N (15 lb)
53 N (12 lb) Type III
100 N (22 lb)
67 N (15 lb)
N/A Type V
100 N (22 lb)
67 N (15 lb)
N/A
( 14 ) Meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe, if necessary, to approve unique or novel designs.
( c ) *Inflation mechanism.* ( 1 ) Each inflation mechanism on a recreational hybrid PFD must— ( i ) Not require tools to activate it or replace its inflation medium cartridge or water sensitive element;
( ii ) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained wearer; and
( iii ) Be located outside of its inflation chamber.
( 2 ) Each oral inflation mechanism must— ( i ) Be designed to operate without pulling on the mechanism;
( ii ) Not be capable of locking in the open or closed position except that, a friction-fit dust cap that only locks in the closed position may be used; and
( iii ) Have a non-toxic mouthpiece.
( 3 ) Each automatic and manual inflation mechanism must— ( i ) Have a simple method for replacing the inflation medium cartridge; and
( ii ) Be in a ready-to-use condition or be conspicuously marked to indicate that the inflation mechanism is not in a ready-to-use condition and that the purchaser must assemble it.
( 4 ) Each manual inflation mechanism must— ( i ) Provide an easy means of inflation that requires only one deliberate action on the part of the wearer to actuate it; and
( ii ) Be operated by pulling on an inflation handle that is marked “Jerk to Inflate” at two visible locations.
( 5 ) Each automatic inflation mechanism must— ( i ) Have an obvious method for indicating whether the mechanism has been activated; and
( ii ) Be incapable of assembly without its water sensitive element.
( 6 ) The marking required for the inflation handle of a manual inflation mechanism must be waterproof, permanent, and readable from a distance of 2.5 m (8 ft.).
( d ) *Deflation mechanism.* ( 1 ) Each inflation chamber must have its own deflation mechanism.
( 2 ) Each deflation mechanism must— ( i ) Be readily accessible to either hand when the PFD is worn while inflated;
( ii ) Not require tools to operate it;
( iii ) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained wearer, and
( iv ) Not be able to be locked in the open or closed position.
( 3 ) The deflation mechanism may be the oral inflation mechanism.
( e ) *Sewn seams.* Stitching used in each structural seam of a PFD must provide performance equal to or better than a Class 300 Lockstitch meeting Federal Standard No. 751.
[CGD 78-174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as amended by CGD 78-174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4, 1986; CGD 78-174, 60 FR 2487, Jan. 9, 1995]