Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) while boating is not only the law in many states, but it could save your life. PFDs are designed to keep you afloat if you fall into the water, but they can become waterlogged and lose their buoyancy over time. That’s why it’s important to know how to repack a PFD properly.
Here are step-by-step instructions for repacking a typical Type I or Type II PFD:
1. Start by opening up the PFD so that you have access to the interior compartments. Most PFDs have two compartments – one for the inflation mechanism and one for the CO2 cartridge.
2. Remove any old or expired CO2 cartridges from the compartment and dispose of them properly. If there is an unused cartridge in the compartment, check the expiration date to make sure it’s still good.
3. Inspect the inflation mechanism to make sure that it is clean and free of debris. The firing pin should be in place and not bent or broken.
4. Install a new CO2 cartridge in the appropriate compartment, making sure that it is fully seated and secure before closing up the PFD again.
5 . Once you have checked and replaced all of the components as necessary, close up your PFD and buckle it shut according to manufacturer’s instructions . Make sure that everything is secure before heading out on your next adventure!