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Inflatable Lifejacket (PFD) Choices by Manufacturer

Sospenders by Stearns: From its humble beginnings in a Barn in Meridian Idaho, Sospenders has manufactured inflatable lifejackets since 1987. Leading the industry, Sospenders has been instrumental in the approval and recognition process back in the 1990's of the Type V inflatable PFD. Sospenders are USCG approved and have received numerous awards over the past decade for safety and design. In late 2005 Sospenders was acquired by Stearns.

Stormy Seas Inflatable Lifejackets (PFDs Personal Flotation Devices): Since 1995 Stormy Seas has been building quality inflatable PFD's for a niche market. Although Stormy Seas has not sought USCG approval, their products meet and exceed the minimum requirements set by the USCG. Due to the very unique nature of inflatable PFD's, from a life vest yoke to inflatable vests to children’s inflatable’s, Stormy seas has found markets in both the Civilian population and nearly every Government Marine agency.

Stearns Inflatable Lifejackets (PFDs Personal Flotation Devices) by Coleman: Stearns’ innovative history steams from 60 years in the marine safety industry and is ranked #1 in the worldwide market share with its personal floatation devices line. Stearns manufactures a wide variety of USCG approved devices for nearly ever water sport and user. Beyond inflatable PFD's, life vests, life jackets, float coats; Stearns offers an Industrial Product line of Ice rescue suits, immersion suits and more.

Mustang Inflatable Lifejackets (PFDs Personal Flotation Devices): Since the first float coat in 1967 Mustang Survival has been a mainstay in the industry. Mustang has been a design leader and innovator, extirpating the tradition of the Kapok filled life jacket and heralding in what was the floatation revolution. Mustang Survival's products include offshore sailing gear, rescue and dry suits, Ice Rider snowmobile gear as well as a complete selection of PFD's for nearly ever user and water sports activity.

Go2marine carries inflatable lifejackets (PFD's) from Revere Survival Products, Stearns, Sospenders, Hodgman, Mustang Survival and Stormy Seas. Products include; inflatable PFD's and Floatation Life Vests for Recreation, Professional, Military, Security and Rescue.

History of PFDs

PFDs have come a long way from their first origins. Some of the early forms of Personal Flotation were simple blocks of wood or cork and can be traced back Norwegian seaman. The design of the modern life jacket comes from the United Kingdom. Captain Ward of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution created in 1854 the cork vest to be worn by lifeboat crews.

The "Mae West" is the original design version of what is now the Type I offshore life jacket. The rights to the original Mae West life vest, designed by Andrew Toti were sold in 1936 to the US War Department ; for the sum of $1600. Used during World War II, the B-4 was invented with rubber inflatable bladders by James Boyle.

Modern inflatable life vests were designed in the 1980's but not to receive USCG approval for use by recreational boaters until 1996. Over the past decade, there have been a number of improvements. The USCG drew a line on age though. You must be 16 years of age to wear a type V PFD.

Features and functions of Inflatable PFDs

One size fits all - well almost. You will need to be 16 and a minimum of 80 pounds to wear an inflatable PFD. The Coast Guard also takes the position that non-swimmers should not wear this type of PFD.