Mustang Survival Inflatable Work Vest Earns Top Ratings From Commercial Fishermen

November 18, 2009 (Bellingham, WA) – Mustang Survival’s Inflatable Work Vest is the top rated personal flotation device (PFD) among commercial fishermen according to the preliminary findings of a study commissioned by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Multiple products were included in the study and rated in eight categories fishermen find most important in the selection of PFDs.

According to NIOSH, drowning after a fall overboard is the second leading cause of death among all commercial fishermen. Although the risk of drowning is high, most fishermen do not wear PFDs because of common objections that they are bulky, heavy and snag on fishing equipment. Between October 2008 and June 2009, NIOSH commissioned a study with 400 fishermen in Alaska to investigate the current opinions of six modern day PFDs. The main objectives of the study were to find out if the modern day PFDs were in fact more wearable in actual fishing conditions and to increase awareness of PFDs in the commercial fishing community.

Of the six PFDs involved in the study, Mustang’s MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest with hydrostatic technology was the highest rated PFD. Its lightweight design, easy to clean fabric, and hydrostatic activation system – designed to eliminate accidental inflation due to rain and spray – made the Inflatable Work Vest a favorite on deck and the only PFD in the study to receive a four-star rating. The MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest is also the first and only USCG-approved inflatable work vest on the market.

For more information on NIOSH and its commercial fishing safety initiatives, visit http://cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fishing. For a copy of the preliminary results of the NIOSH report, visit http://www.mustangsurvival.com/resources/NIOSH_prelim_report_summary.pdf

The MD3188 will be featured with Mustang’s full line of industrial products at the upcoming Pacific Marine Expo booth #900 (http://www.pacificmarineexpo.com) and at the International WorkBoat Show booth #2035 (http://www.workboatshow.com). In collaboration with industry partners and select dealers, Mustang will be offering attendees a chance to win a new MD3188 Inflatable Work Vest at each show.

About Mustang Survival
Mustang Survival has been providing lifesaving solutions for over 40 years. Through constant innovation and application of new technologies, Mustang is the leading supplier of quality flotation and hypothermia protection products to the most demanding users – from fishermen, sailors and commercial mariners to the Coast Guard, jet fighter pilots and even NASA astronauts.

Mustang Survival. We save lives for a living.

For more information, please contact:
Cindy Cheung
Marketing Communications Specialist
Mustang Survival
T: 604 244 6739
F: 604 273 5882
E: ccheung@mustangsurvival.com
www.mustangsurvival.com

By Professional Mariner Staff