FAQ - Salus Marine

Q. What is the difference between a PFD and a life jacket?
Q. Should I wear a PFD or a life jacket?
Q. With so many PFD options, how do I choose?
Q. What is your product warranty?
Q. Why can’t I order a product directly from your website?
Q. How do I find a retailer near where I live?
Q. Why does my dog need a PFD?
Q. How do I care for my PFD?
Q. How do I remove mold from my PFD?
Q. Are there PFDs that take into account women’s body needs?
Q. Why should I take the time to try on different PFDs?
Q. Why should I take the time to try on different PFDs?
Q. What are some features I should look for if I am looking for comfort?
Q. What features should I look for if I am a hard core water enthusiast?
Q. What features should I look for when shopping for a PFD for my child?
Q. What features should I look for when shopping for a PFD for my baby?
Q. Can I wear my Canadian Approved vest in the US?
Q. What is the difference between Transport Canada Approval, ULC Approval and Coast Guard Approval?
Q. Will marking my vest void the Approvals, for example, by writing my name on it?
Q. By law, do I need to wear a life jacket or PFD when on a small vessel?

Q. What is the difference between a PFD and a life jacket?

For some people the two terms are used interchangeably. Additionally, Canada and the US have different definitions.

In Canada, a PFD, or Personal Flotation Device, is a flotation device meant for CONSTANT USE. It is meant to be worn at all times. A life jacket is intended to be put on in a time of emergency.

The PFD has 15 ½ lbs of buoyancy and will come in a wide range of styles, sizes and colours. Because of the lesser amount of foam and bulk, the PFD’s are more comfortable than a Life Jacket. Most PFD’s have 60% of the foam in the front and 40% in the back.

Q. Should I wear a PFD or a life jacket?

Accidents can take just seconds to happen. In Canada (on average over the last 5 years) there were 150 boating related drownings per year and 150 other (beach, pool, hot tub) drownings per year. If you are wearing a life jacket or PFD, your chances of surviving are greatly enhanced. If you are looking for all day wear and comfort together with the security of flotation should something happen, than a PFD may be a good choice for you.

Q. With so many PFD options, how do I choose?

Click here for tips on finding the right PFD for you and your loved ones.

Q. What is your product warranty?

Please click here for our warranty description.

Q. Why can’t I order a product directly from your website?

As the manufacturer, we ship our products to various retailers across North America. Many of these retailers, in turn, offer online ordering and shipping methods. Please use our retailer locator to find the retailer(s) nearest you to request shipping services. In future, we will offer these order links directly on our website for your convenience.

Q. How do I find a retailer near where I live?

Please click here and simply find the town or city closest to you. If the nearest location is too far, please call that retailer to request a shipping option. Should you have any trouble with ordering, please contact us.

Q. Why does my dog need a PFD?

Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, dogs can fatigue or take time to recover from a sudden accident. PFDs can also make it easier to spot your dog and attached straps will help you pull your furry friend quickly out of the water.

Q. How do I care for my PFD?

Allow your PFD to drip dry and store it in an area with good ventilation
You can hand wash your PFD, but use a mild detergent
Purchase PFDs that are quick drying and use high quality material for the outer shell
Further care instructions can be found on the inside of the PFD
Regularly check your PFDs’ buoyancy under controlled conditions

Q. How do I remove mold from my PFD?

As a result of different algae and pollution levels found in our waterways, every lake will render a different effect on PFD’s and unfortunately various degrees of mold is a result of prolonged dampness. Before mold has a chance to form on your vest, it is best to rinse it with clean water and allow it to dry in the sun. The sun is a natural bleaching “agent” that can help to keep your PFD from growing mold. You can also wipe the vest with a gentle cleaner and allowing it to dry. There are some coatings on the material and harsh cleaners or cleaning may remove some of these coatings. Keeping the vest clean and hanging it to dry should keep mold and mildew at bay. Having said that, once mold/mildew is in the vest, the following products claim to remove mildew/mold stains:

IOSSO Mold and Mildew Stain Remover (it sells for about $25 a jar and is available at marine supply stores). To use it, mix the contents with water, dip the vest in the solution for about 12+ hours and allow the vest to dry. We have used this product ourselves and found it to work very well, removing the mold and more! Although we haven’t tried it, Kenyon Mildew Remover (about $20 a jar in speciality shops) and Oxyclean are also supposed to work.

Q. Are there PFDs that take into account women’s body needs?

We are proud to introduce the Capri, with features designed for the special comfort needs of a woman.

Q. How do I know what size to get?

Please view our handy size chart by clicking here.

Q. Why should I take the time to try on different PFDs?

It is important to make certain you will wear it, so take the time to ensure you feel comfortable, that it fits your body well, that it is designed for the specific activity you will be doing and that it offers convenient features that will be useful for you.

Q. What are some features I should look for if I am looking for comfort?

Mesh shoulders will make the vest feel lighter and provide optimal mobility
Low profile sides will provide enhanced arm movement and comfort
Quick drain and drying features such as mesh lining bottoms and pockets
Neoprene collars or open neck and shoulder designs for neck and shoulder comfort
Soft foam and rounded edges for superior comfort and fit
Adjustment straps to ensure comfortable and proper fit
High cut designs and wrap around waists for ease in bending and ride-up prevention
Tapered back for clearance in shoulder and arm movement
Durable material

Q. What features should I look for if I am a hard core water enthusiast?

Superior venting liners
Fleece lined pockets
Hydration back pouch
Utility lash tab
Durable outer shell
Design contours to offer unlimited range of motion
Pockets, security clips
Reflective trims for security
Loops to fit a strobe light or hydration pack

Q. What features should I look for when shopping for a PFD for my child?

Children love playing in the water so it’s important to purchase a vest they will want to keep on. Comfort is therefore a must. Soft to the touch, our popular Nimbus can be worn for hours. The contours help ensure a good fit while offering mobility. Superior drying, soft foam rounded edges and a leg harness to keep the vest in place are all extras you will appreciate.

Q. What features should I look for when shopping for a PFD for my baby?

As parents, safety, security and comfort are musts. Our popular Bijoux Baby Vest ensures that baby turns face-up if in a face-forward position. The collar cradles your baby’s head and the short front enhances comfort from different positions. A specialized liner and adjustable mesh harness system ensures breathability and comfort for baby while adding security.

Q. Can I wear my Canadian Approved vest in the US?

Yes, as long as you are there for less than 45 days and considered visiting. The US and Canada have a reciprocity agreement that allows Canadian residents to use their vest when visiting. This law stems from the Port of Origin clause in the shipping act. In fact, if you are sailing around the world and stop to visit 30 different countries, it would be ludicrous to expect you as a visitor to purchase a vest that meets the different approvals for each country.

Q. What is the difference between Transport Canada Approval, ULC Approval and Coast Guard Approval?

They are all basically the same type of approval; however, Transport Canada (TC) is the only body that “approves” the vests. There was a time when PFDs were approved by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans under which the Coast Guard was operating. Today, however, the CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board) writes the standards, ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) test to these standards and Transport Canada grants the approval. You will see markings on your vest from TC, ULC and CGSB.

Q. Will marking my vest void the Approvals, for example, by writing my name on it?

Please refer to the Minister of Justice’s “Small Vessel Regulations” (current to June 12, 2014), found at http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/SOR-2010-91.pdf, page 11. We recommend reviewing the legislation in full.