Online Water Safety & Marine Rescue Store | Our suppliers include: ACR, Aqua Lung, Aqua Sphere, Deep See, Dive Rite, Global Manufacturing, Henderson, Hodgman, Hunter, Innovative Scuba Concepts, Mad Dog, OMS, OS Systems, OxyCheq, Pelican, Poseidon, Pro Tec, Sospenders, Stearns Industrial, Trident, Viking, Warmers, plus a host of accessory companies. You will find support for a wide range of Surface Water Rescue and Public Safety Diving equipment at our Eagan, Minnesota location. If we don't stock what you need, we would be happy to special order it.

Stearns PFDs | Industrial and Safety Equipment

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Stearns Public Safety & Rescue PFDs

Stearns Industrial PFDs | This is a line of life jackets made for professional use in demanding environments. Our commercial life vests are for those who make their living in and on the water. Commercial life vests, search and rescue life jackets, and law enforcement life vest offerings are all part of the Stearns line of personal flotation devices.
Stearns has grown from a small Minnesota company to become the World's largest manufacturer of PFDs ( personal flotation devices ). Since 1948, innovative industrial, survival and rescue equipment has been at the center of their business. Stearns Industrial products for Public Safety, Marine Rescue and Survival are widely recognized as industry leaders. The US Coast Guard, US Navy and many NATO Countries can be found among their major clients. If you require assistance selecting the appropriate items for your Public Safety Diving Team and/or Surface Water Rescue Team, we are here to help.

Please contact our Public Safety Sales Dept. at (651) 681-8434 or email

Government Sales Information


The following are examples of the Stearns products that may fit the needs of your Public Safety Diving Team and/or Surface Water Rescue Team.  The entire Stearns line is available for special order at Scuba Center.
Order free Stearns Product Catalogs
Stearns I422 First Mate Vest -- USCG Approved Type III PFD -- Stearns Industrial PFDsStearns I422 First Mate Vest -- Type III PFD
Stearns I465 Versatile -- USCG Approved Type III PFD -- Stearns Industrial PFDsStearns I465 Versatile -- Type III PFD
Stearns 6000 Merchant Mate II Vest -- USCG Approved Type I PFD -- Stearns Industrial PFDsStearns 6000 Merchant Mate II -- Type I PFD
Stearns I426 Comfort SAR Vest -- USCG Approved Type III PFD - - We took our Search and Rescue (SAR) vest and added a soft, lightweight mesh designed for comfort and ventilation. Soft Aquafoam™ combined with durable Crosstech® foam adds extra comfort. Two 1 1/2" encircling belts, adjustable chest strap and zipper front for optimal fit and security. Two pockets with hook and loop closure. Rolled, stand-up collar; 62 sq. in. (400 sq. cm.) SOLAS-grade reflective tape. -- Stearns Industrial / Rescue PFDsStearns I426 Comfort SAR Vest -- Type III PFD
Stearns I600 Deluxe Merchant Mate II -- USCG Approved Type I PFD - - Stearns offshore vest with encircling belt. Foam-filled collar head support and hinged back panel. Aquafoam flotation, 210 denier nylon shell and lining, 62 sq. in. SOLAS-grade reflective panels, and two chest adjusters, Velcro patch on shoulder of vest to mount light. Features USCG approved whistle with pocket for whistle and light storage. Special opening on back to accommodate most brands of fall projection harnesses. Provides a minimum of 22 lbs. (98 Newtons) of buoyancy. -- Stearns Industrial PFDsStearns I600 Deluxe Merchant Mate II -- Type I PFD
Stearns 4185 SAR Vest -- USCG Approved Type III PFD - - Security and comfort for water rescue personnel. Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets with zippered and pleated gear storage compartments. Leg strap with storage pocket, three 2" wide adjustable belts, emergency whistle, SOLAS-grade 3M reflective material on panels, and pockets with velcro patch for light. -- Stearns Industrial / Rescue PFDsStearns 4185 SAR Vest -- Type III PFD
Stearns I650 VR Versatile Rescue Vest -- USCG Approved Type V PFD - - Provides up to 25 # of buoyancy. Loaded with safety features and plenty of pockets and lash tabs. Adjustable straps and belts for comfortable fit. A must for all swift water rescue operations. -- Stearns Industrial / Rescue PFDsStearns I650 VR Versatile -- Type V PFD
Stearns 6551 Flotation Pet Vest -- Perfect for canine units operating on or around water. Flotation Dog Vests -- Perfect for canine units and SAR dogs.
Stearns Industrial Dry Wear and Flotation sizing charts -- PDF

Types of US Coast Guard Approved PFDs

U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety

Check out the official website of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety. Learn how to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities while boating. Review safety tips, news, recalls, defects, and laws and regulations you should know.
Type I: (Off-Shore Life Jacket) -- For open, rough or remote water, where rescue may be slow coming.
Type II: (Near-Shore Buoyant Vest) -- For calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Type III: (Flotation Aid) -- For calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue. The most comfortable for continuous wear.
Type IV: (Throwable Devices) -- For calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic where help is nearby.
Type V: (Special Use Devices) -- For special uses or conditions. Examples include Industrial Work Suits, Cold Water Immersion Suits, Work Vests and some inflatable PFDs.

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Surface Rescue Drysuits Throwlines & Bags Wetsuits
While these are excellent reference materials, in no way should this information be considered a replacement for proper training for the specific type of activity in which you plan to participate.