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Table of contents for the manual
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Page 1
1 DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE! OWNER’S MANUAL Model No. 1339 and 1341 I. APPROVAL CONDITIONS and CARRIAGE REGULATIONS This inflatable PFD is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use as a Type V Humidity Sensitive Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with Type II performance. IT IS APPROVED ONLY WHEN WORN. It is not approved for water skiing or other h[...]
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Page 2
2 CONDITIONS FOR THIS TYPE V APPROVAL This manual/automatic inflatable PFD is approved for use as a substitute for a Type II PFD ONLY WHEN WORN . Conditional approvals are granted by the Coast Guard for PFDs that: 1. Do not meet all the requirements for approval under the Type I through IV categories but offer other significant safety features, or [...]
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Page 3
3 3. The PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or position. Owners of inflatable PFDs must understand the unique characteristics of these products so that they can use them safely. You must learn how to properly arm the PFD. Why: An improperly armed mechanism may not inflate the chamber. This PFD will not float you without being inflat[...]
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Page 4
4 Why: The PFD could inflate when you are in an awkward place or position. Why: Automatic inflation after oral inflation could damage the PFD. Do not try to alter or modify the mechanism. If you are dissatisfied with the humidity resistance or other performance of this product, contact Stearns, Inc. at 1-800-783-2767 . Why: Altering the mechanism m[...]
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Page 5
5 III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE SPECIFICATIONS: Chest Size : 30 – 52 inches (76 - 132 cm) Weight Range: more than 90 pounds (40 kg) Age Range : 16 years of age and older Buoyancy (minimum) : 33.7 Pounds (150 Newtons) when fully inflated Inflation System : Manual/Automatic Inflation Mechanism (located on your right side) Oral Tube (located on your lef[...]
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Page 6
6 The indicators are located on the mechanism at points A, B and C, as shown on Rearming Instructions on the back cover of this book. The mechanism itself is located on the PFD on the wearer’s right side. Indicator A shows the status of the manual activating lever. Be sure indicator Green Pin goes through both the plastic housing and the metal ac[...]
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Page 7
7 A d di t i o na l N ot e s on C O 2 C y l i n d e r s : • F A I L U R E t o p r op e r l y r e ar m t h e i n f l a t i on m e c h a n i s m p r io r t o i n s t a l l in g t h e C O 2 C y li n d e r w i ll r e s u l t i n p r em a t u re a c t i v a t io n o f t h e c y li n d e r. • C O 2 C y li n d e rs a r e o n ly goo d f o r one i n f l[...]
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Page 8
8 A f te r d o nn i n g , l o c a t e t h e J e r k T o I n f l a t e t a b f o r t h e me c h a n i s m. It s h ou l d p r ot r u d e f r om t h e P F D a s s h ow n o n t h e p i c t o g r am . Ma k e s u r e t h at y o u a r e c o m f o r t ab l e l o c a t i n g t h e J e r k T o I n f l a t e t a b w i th e i th e r h a nd . S h ou l d a n e m[...]
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Page 9
9 5. Other Inflation Precautions • Caution : Do not fully inflate orally then manually or automatically inflate with the CO 2 cylinder. Repeated CO 2 inflation after oral inflation will damage the PFD to the point that it will not hold air or float. • Never inflate this PFD with a Pump or Air-Compressor. • Permeation loss is greater when the [...]
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Page 10
10 (See page 13 for repair station locations/information.) In an emergency situation, hold thumb over the valve if it will not close. Refer to the back inside cover for REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS. FREEZING TEMPERATURES At or below 40° F (4° C) automatic activation and inflation time with CO 2 gas will be longer. Wearing a partially inflated PFD in th[...]
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Page 11
11 IV. IS YOUR PFD IN GOOD AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION? Check your PFD between outings to be sure that it is properly armed; that it is free of rips, tears or holes; that all seams are securely sewn; and that the fabric, straps and hardware are still strong. Inspect the inflatable portion of the PFD in accordance with Care and Maintenance Instruction[...]
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Page 12
12 no leakage and chamber is in operational condition. If the chamber deflates, immediately bring to a Stearns certified Repair Facility for repair. The device is no longer in operational condition. 3. Automatic Inflation System – This test should be performed during years when the PFD is not inspected by a certified repair facility. With device [...]
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Page 13
13 • DO NOT STORE PILLS ( W A T E R S E N S I N G E L E M E N T S ) IN HIGH HUMIDITY OR HIGH TEMPERATURES (OVER 100°F) FOR AN EXTENDED TIME. • DO NOT STORE PILLS ( W A T E R S E N S I N G E L E M E N T S ) FOR MORE THAN 18 MONTHS BEFORE USE. REPAIR If you have any question about the condition or integrity of this product call 1-800-STEARNS (1-[...]
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Page 14
14 VII. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD? Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to: • Make sure it floats you: Comfortably (When worn properly) Adequately for expected wave conditions (Body shapes/densities affect performance) • Make sure it works: A flow of bubbles should not appear (See Section V for leak tests) It should inflate quick and[...]
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Page 15
15 4. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the water's surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how you float. 5. Get out of the water and remove the PFD. Remove the used CO 2 cylinder and the used pill from the PFD infl[...]
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Page 16
16 4. Get into shallow water, just deep enough that you can stand with your head above the surface. 5. See if the PFD will float you on your back or just slightly back of vertical. In a relaxed floating position, verify that your mouth is well above the water’s surface. Note the effect of where you hold your legs on how you float. 6. Get out of t[...]
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Page 17
17 9. Let the PFD dry thoroughly. REARM and REPACK the PFD in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions! VIII. WEAR YOUR PFD In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were not wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days. This inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD types. Get[...]
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Page 18
18 jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs. Some Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection: 1. Always wear your PFD. Even if you become incapacitated due to hypothermia, the PFD will keep you afloat and greatly improve your chances of rescue. 2. Do not attempt to swim[...]
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Page 19
19 X. EACH OF THESE DEVICES IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE For your PFD to function properly, follow these suggestions to verify that it fits, floats, and remains in good condition. 1. Check cylinder cap to be sure it has not been punctured, before each use. 2. Check the inflation mechanism status indicators before each use. 3. Get in t[...]
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Page 20
20 XI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you need more information about PFDs and safe recreational boating, contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Red Cross, or your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast Guard; or call the Coast Guard Customer InfoLine at 1-800-368-5647 or the Free Boating Course number 1-800-336-B[...]
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Page 21
21 REPACKING INSTRUCTIONS Always deflate the PFD and rearm the Inflation Mechanism --- follow REARMING Instructions prior to REPACKING! 4. 1. Lay device out flat with the yellow inflatable chamber up. Fold right inside edge over as shown, exposing velcro strip. 2. Fold right outside edge over, securing velcro strips. Position Jerk To Inflate Tab be[...]
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Page 22
22 R E A R M IN G / S TA T U S I N D IC AT O R IN S T R U C T IO N S S E C U M AT IC 3 001 S (1) Hold the mechanism as shown in the picture above. Remove used Cylinder by twisting it in a counter-clockwise direction. Throw used Cylinder in garbage. (2) Carefully lift lever marked with the CAUTION symbol until you hear it “click”. Be careful not[...]