A personal flotation device (PFD) is a life jacket or similar device that provides buoyancy for the wearer; when used for rescue operations, it should be U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III or V.

• A. Life raft
• B. Thermal blanket
• C. PFD
• D. Float coat

Answer: (C)

A PFD is a wearable device that provides buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat. For rescue operations, it should be Coast Guard approved Type III or Type V because these designs are specifically certified for active, wearing-use in rescue scenarios, balancing buoyancy with mobility and the ability to perform rescue tasks. Type III offers good mobility for near-shore work, while Type V covers specialized rescue devices that meet certain activity-specific requirements. The description matches a PFD, making it the best choice. The other items aren’t worn flotation devices used for rescue: a life raft is deployed for abandonment rather than worn during a rescue, a thermal blanket provides insulation with no buoyancy, and a float coat is a buoyant garment but does not define the general category needed here.