Which of the following is a feature of a Type IV flotation device?

Which of the following is a feature of a Type IV flotation device?

• A. It is designed for individual use
• B. It is designed to be thrown
• C. It has built-in flotation chambers
• D. It features a sailor's harness

Answer: (B)

A Type IV flotation device is specifically designed to be thrown to a person in distress in the water. This makes it an essential safety tool on board a vessel, allowing for rapid assistance to someone who has fallen overboard or is in danger. Its construction emphasizes being easy to throw and accessible, rather than individual use or personal flotation, which are characteristics of personal flotation devices (PFDs) like Type I, II, or III devices. While Type IV devices may not be designed for individual wear or have built-in flotation chambers like other PFDs, their primary function is to provide immediate, auxiliary flotation support to a person in the water. This feature of being throwable is crucial during emergency situations, as it means that anyone on the boat can quickly assist someone in trouble. The other options reflect characteristics associated with different types of flotation devices.

A Type IV flotation device is specifically designed to be thrown to a person in distress in the water. This makes it an essential safety tool on board a vessel, allowing for rapid assistance to someone who has fallen overboard or is in danger. Its construction emphasizes being easy to throw and accessible, rather than individual use or personal flotation, which are characteristics of personal flotation devices (PFDs) like Type I, II, or III devices.

While Type IV devices may not be designed for individual wear or have built-in flotation chambers like other PFDs, their primary function is to provide immediate, auxiliary flotation support to a person in the water. This feature of being throwable is crucial during emergency situations, as it means that anyone on the boat can quickly assist someone in trouble. The other options reflect characteristics associated with different types of flotation devices.