It’s law that each person in the boat must have a PDF Type 3 Vest. If you are outside enclosed waters, such as the ocean, you have got to step it up to a PFD Type 2. What is the difference? Colour! Both PFD Type 2 and PFD Type 3 will float your chest up with your body in a relaxed state. And while PDFs come in funky colours to match your boardshorts and bikinis, the PFD Type 2 comes in colours that can been seen by rescue crews during an open water search.
Then there is PFD Type 1; it’s the ultimate safety floatation! It will keep your head above water at all times, even during an overnight snooze while waiting for the ocean rescue chopper to find you.