Mustang Survival

Mustang Survival offers PFDs across the traditional USCG Type I–V classification system, though note that Types I, II, and III are being phased out in favor of newer harmonized North American standards. Under the traditional system: Type I offers the highest buoyancy for offshore and rough waters; Type II is suited for calmer, inland waters; Type III balances mobility and flotation for active use like paddling and sailing; Type IV are throwable devices; and Type V are specialized PFDs approved for specific uses, such as commercial vessel crew or swift water rescue, and are typically only recognized as a substitute for another type when worn. Mustang Survival's current lineup reflects this evolution, with products now rated under harmonized buoyancy levels (e.g., Level 70, Level 100, Level 150) alongside legacy USCG type designations.

Mustang Survival recommends inspecting your inflatable PFD on multiple schedules. After each use or inflation, you should re-arm the device. Every six months (or more frequently if the PFD is used in extreme conditions or shows signs of wear), you should perform a full inspection — including a leak test by orally inflating the bladder until firm and letting it stand for at least two hours (ideally overnight) to check for air loss, as well as checking the CO2 cylinder, bobbin, service indicator, and overall condition of straps, stitching, and hardware. A visual check should also be performed before each use. Annual inspections alone are not sufficient to ensure reliability and safety.

Yes, Mustang Survival PFDs are USCG-approved across a range of classifications. For example, their HIT Inflatable PFD holds USCG Type II Recreational and Type V Uninspected Commercial vessel approval, and their Universal Swift Water Rescue Vest is a USCG-approved Type V SAR PFD. Products are rigorously tested to meet applicable U.S. Coast Guard standards, making them suitable for both recreational and professional marine use.

Key factors include: your activity type (e.g., sailing, fishing, and boating favor automatic inflatables; paddling and kayaking require greater freedom of movement); water conditions (rougher or offshore waters call for higher buoyancy ratings and hydrostatic or automatic inflators); inflation type (manual, automatic, hydrostatic, or convertible models that switch between modes); fit and comfort (PFDs should fit snugly without restricting movement, with adjustable straps for a secure fit); and USCG or Transport Canada approval to ensure the product meets required safety standards for your intended use.

Mustang Survival offers a range of professional-grade rescue equipment. Their Sentinel™ Series Water Rescue Dry Suit is a constant-wear, waterproof, and breathable drysuit built for flood, swift water, and ice rescue, available in 25 sizes and tested by NAVAIR and Naval Special Warfare. The MSD576 Water Rescue Dry Suit is a broader-fitting evolution of the legendary Swift Water Rescue Dry Suit, featuring GORE-TEX® fabric and Rapid Repair Technology for improved mobility. For flotation, the Universal Swift Water Rescue Vest (MRV150) is a USCG-approved Type V SAR PFD delivering 25 lbs of buoyancy, purpose-built for swift water rescue professionals. Mustang also offers the MRV170 rescue swimmer vest designed as a tactical piece of equipment for public safety water professionals.