The inflatable type PFD uses which gas as the inflating agent?

The inflatable type PFD uses which gas as the inflating agent?

• A. CO2
• B. Air
• C. Helium
• D. Nitrogen

Answer: (A)

When you see an inflatable PFD, the gas that does the inflating is carbon dioxide. It’s stored in a small, sealed cartridge and released when the inflator is activated, quickly filling the bladder. CO2 is ideal here because it can be stored compactly under pressure, is released rapidly, and is inert and safe in a life jacket context. Using ambient air would require a pump or manual inflation, which is slower and less reliable, especially in emergency near or on water. Helium would be unnecessarily expensive and tends to escape quickly; nitrogen isn’t used because CO2 is the standard, readily available option that reliably fills the vest fast.

When you see an inflatable PFD, the gas that does the inflating is carbon dioxide. It’s stored in a small, sealed cartridge and released when the inflator is activated, quickly filling the bladder. CO2 is ideal here because it can be stored compactly under pressure, is released rapidly, and is inert and safe in a life jacket context.

Using ambient air would require a pump or manual inflation, which is slower and less reliable, especially in emergency near or on water. Helium would be unnecessarily expensive and tends to escape quickly; nitrogen isn’t used because CO2 is the standard, readily available option that reliably fills the vest fast.