Stearns and Sospenders Inflatable PFDs -- 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.

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Stearns and SOSPENDERS Inflatable PFDs
Click here for Stearns, Inc. web site -- More information on Stearns Industrial -- Public Safety, SAR, Marine Rescue and Survival Equipment. 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.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

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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 Inflatable Public Safety & Rescue PFDs -- Stearns is the most trusted name in water safety and survival products. That's because Stearns holds up under the most punishing conditions. It's been that way for over 50 years. Stearns' extensive line of industrial products are constructed of exceptionally high quality materials. Stearns...Quality is our Tradition®.
Stearns 1131 Ultra Inflatable -- USCG Approved Type V PFD -- Stearns IndustrialStearns 1131 Ultra Inflatable -- Type V PFD
Stearns 1473 Ultra 4000 Inflatable -- USCG Approved Type V PFD -- Stearns IndustrialStearns 1473 Ultra 4000 Inflatable -- Type V PFD

SOSPENDERS inflatable lifejackets are lightweight, comfortable, and allow freedom of movement while providing maximum buoyancy. These lifejackets give you peace of mind when you are sailing, fishing, paddling, boating, or hunting. SOSPENDERS - Designed to be worn.
SOSPENDERS 1231 Classic Series Inflatable -- Type II PFDSOSPENDERS 1231 Classic Series Inflatable -- Type II PFD
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.

Related Items
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.