[MENTION=31048]LouDoo[/MENTION]
(At the bottom I threw in a blurb about the differences. And I believe you are correct about inland/protected waters as it is reasonable to expect a speedy rescue as compared to open water, (aka the ocean)).
Here is a copy and paste from the USCG page. I think this answers all of your questions. And,,, also gives some good info that makes them approved based on who can wear them and if they will be accepted to pass all safety requirements ect ect..
When was the inflatable PFD approved?
The Approval of the Inflatable PFD for Recreational Boaters became effective on April 29, 1996. [Federal Register (60FR13923) ]. This approval subsequently allowed boaters to purchase and use approved inflatable PFDs on their boats to meet the legal requirement for PFDs. The Recreational Inflatable PFD Standards ruling was effective on Sept. 24, 1996. [Federal Register (61FR13931)]. This ruling established approval procedures for manufactures of inflatable PFDs.
Who may use the inflatable PFDs?
Unfortunately, not everyone was approved to wear the inflatable PFDs. The inflatable PFD is not approved for children (under 16 years of age) and is not recommended for use by non-swimmers. The Coast Guard acknowledges there is no practical way for law enforcement officers to conduct field tests for swimming abilities. Therefore, there are no regulations restricting the use of the inflatable PFD for non-swimmers. The Coast Guard, being keenly aware of the unique risks involving the inflatable PFDs, has imposed strict labeling and information pamphlet requirements to explicitly state that the PFDs are not recommended for use by non-swimmers. On the issue of inflatable PFDs used by children, the Coast Guard takes the position that because of the importance of understanding how to properly use the PFDs, only persons over the age of 16 years are considered adults. This position defines who is an adult or child, thereby enabling the Coast Guard to set the limitation of usage on the inflatable PFDs.
Are all inflatable PFDs in the market place approved by the Coast Guard?
Most of the inflatable PFDs being sold on the open market are not approved by the Coast Guard. Prior to any inflatable PFD being approved by the Coast Guard, an independent laboratory must evaluate the PFD designs. The laboratory performs approval testing using the Underwriters laboratories (UL) 1180 standard. The UL standards were developed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute procedure for voluntary industry standards. An inflatable PFD design that does not comply with the UL standard will be labeled as a conditionally approved Type V PFD. The Coast Guard defines “conditionally approved” to mean that its approval is based on what the user must comply with in order for the PFD to be counted toward meeting the carriage requirements. The wearers of the PFDs are limited to persons at least 16 years of age and weighting more than 80 pounds. The Coast Guard acknowledges that there are no regulations currently preventing the sale of non-approved inflatable PFDs to the public.
Can someone use non-approved inflatable PFDs?
Coast Guard regulations do not prohibit the carriage and use of non-approved PFDs. However, carrying these PFDs does not count toward meeting the equipment carriage requirement. The Coast Guard continues to believe that in order to achieve the minimum acceptable level of safety and meet operational needs, only Coast Guard-approved devices, which meet specified safety criteria, should be counted toward carriage requirements. The Coast Guard notes that a poorly manufactured device could fail to provide needed assistance, or a poorly designed device could actually perform in such a way that the user is safer having no PFD at all. However, the Coast Guard agrees, in general, that unapproved equipment is better than no equipment.
Will the approved inflatable PFD satisfy the USCG carriage requirement?
Only if the user complies with the approval conditions will the carriage requirement be met. Unlike the inherently buoyant wearable PFDs, which must be readily available, an inflatable PFD must be worn to meet the carriage requirement.
Are there any serviceable condition requirements for the inflatable PFDs?
In addition to the requirements stated in 33CFR175.23 for inherently buoyant PFDs, the inflatable PFD must have a functional inflation mechanism-arming indicator. The air chambers, oral inflation tube, and manual inflation lanyard must also be in serviceable condition.
References:
(Coast Guard rulings are published in the Federal Register for open examination. Access to the Federal Rulings and the Code of Federal Regulations is available through the Coast Guard Web site.
http://uscgboating.org)
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Register: Volume 60, Number 121, Pages 32835-32860. Recreational Inflatable PFD Standards; Interim Rule. Washington: GPO. June 23, 1995.
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Register:Volume 61, Number 61, Pages 13923-13931. Approval of Inflatable PFD for Recreational Boaters. Washington: GPO. March 28, 1996.
United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Register: Volume 61, Number 61, Pages 13931-13947. Recreational Inflatable PFD) Standards. Washington: GPO. March 28, 1996.
United States. Code of Federal Regulations. Navigable Waters. Title 33, Volume 2, Part 175, Subpart B. Washington: GPO. July 1, 1999. United States. Code of Federal Regulations. Shipping. Title 46, Volume 6, Part 160, Subpart 076. Washington: GPO. July 1, 1998
United States. Code of Federal Regulations. Shipping. Title 46, Volume 6, Part 160, Subpart 077. Washington: GPO. July 1, 1998
Extra Blurb.
Why are there several types of life jackets or PFDs?
Personal flotation devices are classified into various types based on the environment in which they are designed to perform and their intended use. The design of the PFD is tested on its characteristics of buoyancy and in-water performance. For example, the Type I is effective for all waters, especially open, rough and remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. Type II PFDs are designed for use where the water is calmer and rescue can be expected in a shorter period than in open seas. Type III PFDs are designed for protected waters where rescue can be expected in a very short period of time.
