When I joined the Aux in 1999, it was going thru a cultural change of sorts. In PE and MDV I(now PV) we were mandated to stop calling lifejackets well 'lifehjackets'. They were to be called Personal Flotation Devices or PFDs. That became the rule of the day and PFD began to replace lifejacket all over the Aux.
The claim was made at the time that 'lifejacket' was wrong since there was no guarantee they would save your life and PFD more accurately described what the device did. Consumers could place too much confidence in a 'lifejacket'. Although the latest change has been some time coming, it is now official - Helm hard Over - Come About Immediately.
Boating Safety Organizations Join to Speak with One Voice in 2008:
The Office of Boating Safety has requested that all Auxiliarists follow their lead in transitioning from using the term "PFD" to using the term "life jacket" exclusively for all non-regulatory purposes, both internally and externally. This change is part of a national thrust being spearheaded by the National Safe Boating Council with the full support of the Coast Guard, all state boating authorities, and affiliated organizations and associations to promote life jacket wear. The Coast Guard reminds you....... Boat Responsibly and Always Wear Your Life Jacket. [Posted: 16 JAN 2008. Source: Stu Soffer, N-MS]
