A Study of Factors Influencing the Wearability of PFDs in Recreational and Work Environments.

摘要

This report describes the investigation and results of a pilot study of Personal Flotation Device (PFD) wearability. The study (1) estimated the relative impact of various PFD design parameters on PFD wearability and used this information for predicting what increase in wearability could be achieved; (2) generated an approach for the development of an index of wearability which the Coast Guard could use to evaluate PFD designs (3) determined the differential preferences of Coast Guard tender work crews for alternative PFD designs. Both recreational boaters and USCG tender crews have been surveyed to obtain information on the ranking of various PFD characteristics. The data is so displayed that the most important characteristics can be identified. An analytical model is developed to determine the probability of a candidate PFD design being worn based on the survey information. Psychological aspects of PFD wearability are developed to help define personal attitudes of the boating public toward PFD wearing.