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Definition
The Type I PFD, or “offshore life jacket,” is a one-piece, reversible PFD intended primarily for use by survivors, passengers on towed vessels, or prisoners aboard vessels. |
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The Type II PFD, also known as a “near-shore buoyant vest,” is a wearable device that will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water. |
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Definition
The Type III PFD, also known as a “flotation aid,” is routinely worn aboard boats when freedom of movement is required and the risk of falling over the side is minimal. It is not designed to turn an unconscious wearer to a face-up position; |
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Definition
The Type IV PFD is a Coast Guard-approved device that is thrown to a person-in-the-water and is grasped by the user until rescued. |
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Definition
Type V PFDs are also known as “special-use devices.” They are intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label |
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Definition
Anti-exposure coveralls are Type V PFDs. The anti-exposure coverall is the standard garment for moderate weather operations with closed cockpit boats. |
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Term
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Definition
The dry suit provides protection in areas where exposure to wind, spray, cold water, and hypothermia is likely. The dry suit, with proper undergarments, provides the best protection for crewmembers in adverse weather and cold-water immersion. |
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Term
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Definition
Boat crew personnel wear headgear for protection in cold weather conditions and during other hazardous conditions such as heavy weather and high-speed operations. |
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Term
Emergency Signaling Mirror |
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Definition
The emergency signaling mirror is a pocket-sized mirror with a sighting hole in the center and a lanyard attached. Light reflected in this manner can be seen at a great distance from the point of origin. |
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Definition
Depending on weather conditions, a whistle’s audible sound may be heard up to 1,000 meters/1,100 yards. Any wind has the effect of carrying the sound downwind. |
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Term
Smoke and Illumination Signal, MK-124 |
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Definition
The MK-124 is a pyrotechnic smoke and illumination signal used day or night as a distress signal at sea or on land. One end produces orange smoke as the day signal and the other end produces a red flare as the night signal. Each end burns for about 20 seconds |
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Term
Illumination Signal Kit, MK-79 |
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Definition
These signals produce a red star display at an altitude of 250-650 feet for a minimum time of 4.5 seconds. Their luminous intensity is about 12,000 candle power. |
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Term
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Definition
The distress signal light is a lightweight, compact, battery-operated strobe light that emits a high intensity visual distress signal. The distress signal lights emit approximately 50 flashes per minute. At the peak of each flash, the luminous intensity is 100,000 candlepower. Under continuous operation, they will flash for 9 hours, or 18 hours when operated intermittently. On a clear night, the distress signal light has a minimum visual range of five miles. |
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Term
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Definition
The survival knife is a basic tool used to free the crewmember from entangling lines. It should be a fixed blade design made of corrosion-resistant material. The blade should be checked periodically for sharpness. |
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Term
Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (PEPIRB) |
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Definition
This personal transmitter is capable of broadcasting a distress signal that can be received and tracked world-wide guiding emergency response resources to the transmitting position for rescue. The PEPIRB is a personal transmitter capable of broadcasting on 406 MHz and is able to provide a position accurate to within three nautical miles within 90 minutes |
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Term
Parachute Illumination Signal, MK-127A1 |
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Definition
The parachute illumination signal, MK-127A1 is a nighttime illumination-signaling device. When fired, it climbs to an altitude of 650 to 700 feet before igniting. Upon ignition, it produces a parachute-suspended white star flare that burns for about 36 seconds with 125,000 candlepower. The signal descends at a rate of 10 to 15 feet per second. |
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