COLD WEATHER INFLATABLE PFD USAGE
R 272040Z FEB 25 MID120001758026U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 094/25
SSIC 10470
SUBJ: COLD WEATHER INFLATABLE PFD USAGE
A. Rescue and Survival Systems, COMDTINST 10470.10H
1. This message announces new inflatable Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) cold weather limitations.
2. The Office of Boat Forces (CG-731) discovered that inflatable
PFD’s may not inflate or experience reduced buoyancy below 32°F air
temperature. In these cases, manual or oral inflation may be
required to reach effective buoyancy. To mitigate risk, CG-731 is
mandating boat force units and scheduled mission personnel switch to
non-inflatable PFD’s when the air temperature is below 32°F.
3. COs/OICs, on a single mission, case-by-case basis, may authorize
the use of an inflatable PFD below 32°F air temperature, not to
exceed below 15°F air temperature, based on mission and proper risk
assessment. If a waiver is granted, the crew must review manual and
oral inflation techniques/procedures prior to the mission.
Documentation of the waiver will follow the same procedure as
documentation of hypothermia protective devices per REF (A).
Hypothermia protective device waivers and PFD waivers may be
contained in the same log.
4. Units that require additional Boat Crew Survival Vests and/or
non-inflatable Type III PFDs should enter their needs on the
following SharePoint site, NLT 07 March 2025.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)
5. LOGCOM will facilitate procurement and distribution of an initial
stock of equipment to mitigate immediate operational needs with
priority given to cold weather units. Distribution will come via
EZSupply locations on the East and West coast with additional
details to follow. If necessary, COMDT (CG-731) will prioritize
where limited stocks should be directed. Cost accounting and
tracking will be facilitated through the EZSupply platform.
Budget Officers should anticipate reimbursement through the
full-year funding distribution process.
6. POC: Office of Boat Forces (CG-731), CWO4 Sean Stone
(571) 608-0920, Sean.C.Stone@uscg.mil.
7. RADM S.N. Gilreath, Assistant Commandant for Capability
(CG-7), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.
