In Reply Refer To:
Mail Stop 441


				MEMORANDUM

					               July 21, 1999


To:		District Chiefs
		Branch Chiefs

From:		Catherine L. Hill /signed/
		Associate Chief Hydrologist for Program Operations

Subject:	Personal Flotation Devices

			RESPONSE REQUESTED BY AUGUST 13, 1999

Based on the response to the May 7, 1999, Headquarters' request to identify district
safety equipment needs, we are preparing to make a procurement.  We seek information
on the type, size, and number of safety devices you would like to purchase at a
subsidized cost.  The Water Resources Division (WRD) has identified flotation
devices as the highest priority need and has decided that the Hydrologic
Instrumentation Facility (HIF) will make a mass purchase for resale to WRD field
offices at reduced prices.  Descriptions and costs of the PFD types are listed
below.  A sample order form is attached for your use.  The ordering information is
to be submitted electronically to the Division Safety Manager, Melvin Lew , by
August 13, 1999.  

1. Self-inflating Suspender Type V Flotation Devices, resale price $33 per unit. --
(Outer cover and air bladder will be international orange in color and equipped with
retroreflective tape) These devices are not U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved at this
time and cannot be used onboard a boat.  Also, any PFD's of this type that are
purchased prior to USCG approval will not be grandfathered into compliance when USCG
approval is given.  In addition, it is not likely that the Department of the
Interior or the Bureau Watercraft Safety Committee will embrace inflatable PFD's for
use on watercraft.  The Self-inflating Suspender Type Flotation Devices provide a
good alternative to using a regular life vest when wading, or working from a
cableway, bridge, dock or pier.  They do, however, require a heightened level of
care and maintenance to insure they will inflate when submersed. 

2. Manual Inflatable Suspender Type III Flotation Devices, resale price $23 per
unit. -- (Outer cover and air bladder will be international orange in color and
equipped with retroreflective tape.)  The manual-inflating ripcord version, without
the automatic triggering mechanism, is USCG approved, but is NOT AUTHORIZED for use
by WRD personnel except in low-velocity conditions as follows:

	o if the water is too deep to use a self-inflating type STFD, it will 
	  activate the triggering mechanism

	o if the use of a PFD will cause the person to float and lose their footing.

3. Vest Type III Flotation Devices, resale price $13 per unit. -- (Four-pocket
survival vest will be international orange in color and equipped with
retroreflective tape.)  These devices are USCG approved and can be used onboard a
boat or when wading, or working from a cableway, bridge, dock, or pier.

4. Bomber Jacket Type III Flotation Devices, resale price $30 per unit. --
(Industrial bomber jacket will be international orange in color and equipped with
retroreflective tape.)  Bomber Jackets are USCG approved, as a type V PFD.  When
Type V PFD's are used onboard a boat as a life preserver, they must be worn at all
times.  This device can be used when wading, or working from a cableway, bridge,
dock, or pier.

5. Float Coat Type III Flotation Devices, resale price $54 per unit. --
(Thermosystem coat with beavertail and hood will be international orange in color
and equipped with retroreflective tape.)  Float coats are USCG approved as a Type V
PFD.  During times of cold weather these devices can serve two functions; to protect
the wearer and lessen exposure to the effects of hypothermia, and serve as a
required PFD. These devices can be used when wading, or working from a cableway,
bridge, dock, or pier.

6. Bib Pant, resale price $36 per unit.-- (Accessory pant for use with flotation
jackets or coats will be international orange in color). 

7. Flotation Work Suit Type V Flotation Devices, resale price $68 per unit. --
(Anti-exposure work suit will be international orange in color and equipped with
retroreflective tape.)  Flotation work suits are USCG approved, but should not be
confused with immersion suits that are for extreme exposure in open water commonly
associated with at-sea rescues.  Flotation work suits are heavy flotation coveralls
that can be used in extreme weather conditions to reduce the effects of hypothermia
and serve as a required PFD.  

Attachment

Cc:	WRD Senior Staff
	Regional Safety Officers