Wearing a Type I or III PFD over an anti-exposure coverall may be dangerous in certain situations.

Wearing a Type I or III PFD over an anti-exposure coverall may be dangerous in certain situations.

• A. False
• B. Not sure
• C. It depends
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Wearing a Type I or III PFD over an anti-exposure coverall can be dangerous because flotation gear must fit snugly and be easy to remove in an emergency. An anti-exposure coverall is bulky and seals tightly, so putting a PFD on top changes how the PFD sits on you, can cause it to ride up or leave gaps, and may hinder quick shedding of clothing if you need to swim or be rescued. The extra bulk can snag on rails, hatchways, or gear, making movement in confined spaces or during a rapid egress more difficult. Additionally, the combination can affect how the devices inflate and how buoyancy is distributed, potentially complicating orientation and rescue in cold or rough water. In situations that demand fast, unhindered motion and rapid escape, the safer choice is to have the PFD fitted in a way that maintains a proper, secure fit and easy removal, or to follow specific safety procedures for layering.

Wearing a Type I or III PFD over an anti-exposure coverall can be dangerous because flotation gear must fit snugly and be easy to remove in an emergency. An anti-exposure coverall is bulky and seals tightly, so putting a PFD on top changes how the PFD sits on you, can cause it to ride up or leave gaps, and may hinder quick shedding of clothing if you need to swim or be rescued. The extra bulk can snag on rails, hatchways, or gear, making movement in confined spaces or during a rapid egress more difficult. Additionally, the combination can affect how the devices inflate and how buoyancy is distributed, potentially complicating orientation and rescue in cold or rough water. In situations that demand fast, unhindered motion and rapid escape, the safer choice is to have the PFD fitted in a way that maintains a proper, secure fit and easy removal, or to follow specific safety procedures for layering.