Mustang Survival MD3188 User Manual
MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL
MD3188
United States Coast Guard Approvals:
- Type V Work Vest
- Type V Uninspected Commercial Vessels
- Type II Recreational PFD
INFLATABLE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
Copyright © 2009 Mustang Survival Corp.
No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, or transcribed in any form or by
any means without the express permission of Mustang Survival Corp.
While every effort possible has been made to ensure technical accuracy, information within
this document is subject to change without notice.
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MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
CONTENTS
Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
United States Coast Guard Approvals ..................................................................... 1
Approval Conditions and Carriage Regulations .......................................................................2
Conditions for Commercial Type V and/or Work Vest Approval in Commercial
Applications ...........................................................................................................2
Mandatory Carriage Requirements .........................................................................3
Note to Commercial Vessel Operators .....................................................................3
What is an Inflatable PFD? ......................................................................................................3
Instructions for Use ..................................................................................................................3
Commercial Vessel Use .......................................................................................... 3
Visual Inspection Instructions and Readiness Checklist .........................................4
Donning Instructions ..............................................................................................5
Removal Instructions ...............................................................................................6
Inflating Your Inflatable PFD ...................................................................................6
Usage Below Freezing ............................................................................................8
Deflating the Inflatable PFD ....................................................................................8
Re-arming Your PFD ................................................................................................8
Repacking Your PFD ..............................................................................................11
Is Your PFD in Good and Serviceable Condition? ..................................................13
Servicing Instructions for Commercial Operators ..................................................13
Care and Maintenance instructions ......................................................................13
Commercial Training Content and Procedure .........................................................................17
Use ........................................................................................................................17
Maintenance .........................................................................................................17
Service Record and Inspection Log Procedure .......................................................19
Why are PFDs Required Safety Equipment? ...........................................................................20
How and Why to Test Your PFD .............................................................................20
Hypothermia ..........................................................................................................................22
How Hypothermia Affects Most Adults .................................................................23
Each of These Devices is Intended to Help You Save Your Life ..............................24
Inflatable PFD Safety Accessories ..........................................................................24
Additional information ...........................................................................................................24
Do Not Attach PFDs to Your Boat .......................................................................... 24
Airline Operator Policy on Carriage of Inflatable PFDs and CO
Glossary .................................................................................................................................25
Cartridges ..........24
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MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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INTRODUCTION
This manual provides instructions and guidelines for safely using and maintaining the
Mustang Survival MD3188 Inflatable Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is strongly
recommended that users familiarize themselves with all the procedures presented in this
manual.
Full gear in-water testing is recommended to validate performance and to become familiar
with the use and feel of the PFD.
The MD3188 PFD provides flotation, helping to keep the head above water, to stay face up,
and to increase chances for survival and rescue. The PFD inflates automatically on submersion
using a hydrostatic inflator that significantly reduces the potential for accidental inflation due
to humidity, sea spray, or wet storage. The inflator must be submerged to activate.
The MD3188 PFD may also be inflated manually, prior to submersion, by pulling the manual
inflation handle.
The MD3188 PFD is designed to offer maximum mobility with minimum bulk. The MD3188
PFD is worn as a comfortable, slim collar that can be inflated at any time either automatically
(water immersion), manually (manual inflation handle), or orally (oral inflation tube).
Drowning is the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational and commercial vessels.
Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days, and in approximately 80 percent of all
boating fatalities, the victims were not wearing a PFD.
When worn, used, and serviced according to the instructions in this manual, Mustang Survival
MD3188 PFDs can greatly increase a user's chance of survival in the water.
United States Coast Guard Approvals
• Type V work vest
• Type V uninspected commercial vessels
• Type II recreational PFD
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE
REGULATIONS
Commercial Vessels – Model MD3188 is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as a
Work Vest ONLY WHEN WORN under 46 CFR 160.053 for use on all inspected and uninspected
commercial vessels of any length. Not approved for “Hot Work”.
Uninspected Commercial Vessels – Model MD3188 is USCG-approved for use in
lieu of a Type II PFD under 46 CFR 160.064 on uninspected commercial vessels less than 40
feet in length not carrying passengers for hire as a substitute for a Type II PFD when used and
serviced in accordance with this manufacturer’s manual.
Conditions for Commercial Type V and/or Work Vest
Approval in Commercial Applications
1. The MD3188 must be worn before getting underway and whenever above deck and not
within an enclosed space to meet the carriage requirement.
2. The operator of a commercial vessel is responsible for servicing and maintaining the
MD3188 in good serviceable condition in accordance with this manufacturer’s manual.
See Care and Maintenance Instructions (page 13) for servicing information.
3. The operator of a commercial vessel is responsible for providing each person onboard
with the safety information required for use of the MD3188. See Note to Commercial
Vessel Operators, page 3, for information.
4. All inflatable PFDs in use aboard a commercial vessel must be the same manufacturer
and model or have the same method of operation. Hydrostatic inflation and pill or
bobbin type inflation do not qualify as the same method of operation.
Recreational Boats – Model MD3188 is approved by the USCG for use as a Type II
Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is not approved for water skiing or other high impact, high
speed activities. This inflatable PFD was designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive
to wear than inherently buoyant PFDs. When worn, used, and serviced according to this
manufacturer's manual, this PFD can greatly increase your chances of survival in the water.
Not recommended for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Users of
inflatable PFDs must be at least 16 years old.
General – When fully inflated, this Inflatable PFD will provide Type II in-water performance.
This Inflatable PFD will turn most wearers from a face down to a face up position and provide
support suitable for offshore conditions. This PFD must be in good and serviceable condition
including properly armed with a full CO
accessible manual inflation lanyard.
cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an
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MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
Mandatory Carriage Requirements
Federal regulations in 33 CFR 175-1993 require you to carry USCG-approved personal
flotation devices (PFDs) legibly marked with the USCG-approval number which are in good
and serviceable condition and are the correct size for each person on board. To be considered
serviceable, this PFD shall not exhibit deterioration that could diminish its performance such
as broken or deformed hardware, detached webbing, rotted structural components, air leaks,
or nonfunctional oral inflation tube. This PFD must also be properly armed with a full CO
cylinder, inflation system status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard. A PFD
which is "approved only when worn" or "required to be worn" must be worn under the
specified conditions.
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Note to Commercial Vessel Operators
The operator of the vessel must note that this PFD is NOT approved for use by passengers
and is advised to tell passengers which PFDs are and are not suitable for their use during any
passenger safety orientation (reference 46 CFR 26.03-1 and 46 CFR 122.506).
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE PFD?
While traditional PFDs are inherently buoyant, inflatable PFDs rely entirely on inflation for
buoyancy. Uninflated, this Inflatable PFD is a comfortable slim collar that can be inflated at
any time with a 33-gram CO
mobility with minimum bulk. The Inflatable PFD can be inflated either automatically by water
immersion, manually by jerking a pull-tab, or orally by mouth. It is recommended that you
familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined in Instructions for Use (page 3).
gas cylinder. The Inflatable PFD is designed to offer maximum
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This manual supplies instructional, maintenance and safety information for model MD3188.
The PFD model number is listed on the underside label.
Commercial Vessel Use
This Inflatable PFD is not approved for “hot work”. Although the outer cover in the packed
condition is resistant to abrasion and puncture, care must be taken to avoid damage from
heat, abrasion, and sharp objects.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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Visual Inspection Instructions and Readiness Checklist
Single
Point
Status
Water Inlet Valve
Lanyard
Manual Inflation
Pull-tab
Hydrostatic Inflator Cap
Yellow Inflator Cap
Cap/Locking Ring
Black Locking Ring
Inflator
Body
Expiry
Date
Before each use, perform a visual inspection and ensure each check box is checked.
F Check that the single point status indicator is green.
F Check that the current date is not past the date on
F Check that the oral tube dust cap is in the stowed
F Check for damage to the device.
Figure 1
• Examine the single point status indicator through the window panel of the
hydrostatic inflator (Figure 1 and 2). Ensure the indicator is green. If the indicator is
red, the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly fitted (see Re-arming Your PFD,
page 8).
NOTE: The single point status indicator
must be green before proceeding.
the inflator.
• If the current date is past the date on the
inflator, replace the inflator (see Re-arming Your
PFD, page 8).
position (Figure 7).
• To access the oral tube, use the Velcro™ tab
(Figure 1) to undo the zipper on the wearer’s left
Figure 2
side and unfold the inflatable cell.
• Check for rips, tears, excessive abrasion, fading, or holes.
• Check the seams for secure attachment.
• Check the cell cover, straps, and hardware for strength.
• Ensure the hardware is not deformed.
• If the device shows damage, it may need servicing or replacement.
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MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
F Check that the inflation pull-tab is hanging on the outside (Figure 32).
• If the pull-tab is not hanging on the outside, see Repacking Your PFD, page 11.
F Check that all zippers, Velcro™ and waist buckle are securely fastened.
• If zippers are opened, repack the device according to Repacking Your PFD, page 11.
• Put on the inflatable PFD (see Donning Instructions, page 5).
F Check that the inflatable PFD is not twisted.
• Feel the device around your neck to ensure it is not twisted.
Your Inflatable PFD is ready for use if all boxes are checked.
NOTE: Contact your Mustang dealer if you have any concerns about the
readiness of your Inflatable PFD.
Sizing and Fit
This PFD provides a minimum of 33.7 lbs (150 N) of buoyancy when inflated and is designed
for wearers over 16 years of age, with a chest range of 30-52 inches (76-132 cm) weighing
over 80 pounds (36 kg).
Donning Instructions
It is important that the Inflatable PFD is properly adjusted to fit the person wearing it. An
incorrect fit or improper fastening of attachments could impede its effectiveness.
1. All belts and straps are already threaded correctly and only need to be adjusted for fit.
The belt should fit below your rib cage, adjusted to a tight personal fit.
2. Put the Inflatable PFD on just like a jacket (Figure 3) and fasten the front buckle.
Figure 3
WARNING: LOOSE VEST OR LOOSE ENDS CAN KILL OR MAIM YOU.
MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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To secure loose ends:
3. Adjust the waist belt for a snug fit using the side buckle on the belt.
4. Reposition the plastic sliding loop as far back as possible to keep the free end from
hanging loose.
5. Wrap and tuck any remaining loose strap around belt.
6. Recheck loose ends and readjust as needed.
WARNING: Do not wear Inflatable PFDs under clothing as the inflation
could be restricted or you could be injured.
Removal Instructions
In some instances, quick removal of the PFD may be necessary for your safety.
Simply unfasten the front buckle, and remove the vest like a jacket.
In-water removal of your PFD may require deflation through the oral tube to access and open
the front buckle (see Deflating the Inflatable PFD, page8).
Inflating Your Inflatable PFD
It is recommended that the following procedures be
followed to inflate your Inflatable PFD:
1. Manual Inflation – Activate the inflation system
by jerking firmly downward on the pull-tab (Figure
4). The Inflatable PFD should fully inflate within 5
seconds.
2. Automatic Backup Inflation – When
the inflator is lowered more than about
4 inches in the water, then the hydrostatic valve opens
and lets the water meet the water sensitive element
that in turn releases a stainless steel coil spring. The
spring then drives a needle into the end of the gas
cylinder, which is now punctured so that the gas
instantly fills the life jacket. Total buoyancy is normally
reached within 4-5 seconds.
Permeation Loss Information
Permeation loss is greater when the PFD is inflated with carbon dioxide (CO2 gas) than with
air. When inflated, the CO
over time. A slight reduction of pressure will be observed after several hours of inflation.
Topping up by oral inflation may be required in the event of prolonged immersion.
gas used to inflate the PFD will slowly escape through the fabric
2
Figure 4
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MD3188 Inflatable PFD Manufacturer's Manual
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