METHODS: Fishermen working on four types of commercial fishing vessels (longliners, trawlers, gillnetters and crabbers) were invited to wear and evaluate a PFD. Participants were randomly assigned to evaluate one of six commercially available PFD models and were asked to wear their assigned PFD each time they went on deck. The six PFD models included a foam vest, two types of inflatable suspenders, and three types of rain gear with integrated inflatable or foam flotation components. Participants were asked to rate the PFD comfort after the first and 30th day of wear. Overall comfort was rated on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the most comfortable.
RESULTS: Of 214 fishermen who participated in the PFD evaluation, 190 (89%) completed the first day evaluation and 146 (68%) completed the 30th day evaluation. On the first day evaluation, the top PFDs were: inflatable suspenders with a rubberized neoprene cover (comfort rating: 8.0), inflatable suspenders with a nylon cover (7.0), and rain gear with foam flotation material integrated into the chest and back of the overall bibs (6.9). The rubberized neoprene covered suspenders PFD was also rated highest on the 30th day evaluation. Overall satisfaction with each of the PFD models varied widely across vessel types.
CONCLUSIONS: By involving fishermen in PFD evaluation this study revealed that several commercially available PFD models were highly rated for comfort and safety in actual work conditions. However, fishermen working on different vessel types were found to have different PFD preferences, likely based on fishing equipment, on-deck activities, and weather conditions. A “one size fits all” approach to increasing PFD usage in the fishing industry is therefore unlikely to be effective. PFDs and messages about PFDs must be tailored to fishermen on specific vessel types.