Special Order items often ship direct from the manufacturer, and are not eligible for return or exchange. For more details, please contact us by phone 204-888-8469 or email orderdesk@cleanflow.ca
Description
Self-Righting Inflatable Life Jacket with Hammar HIT Auto-Inflate and 38 lbs Buoyancy
A PFD keeps a conscious person afloat. A life jacket turns an unconscious person face-up. The Mustang Survival HIT inflatable life jacket meets the Transport Canada self-righting life jacket standard (CAN/CGSB 65.7) and deploys 38 lbs of buoyancy through Hammar hydrostatic activation. This Mustang inflatable life jacket pairs a 420D nylon shell with a 33g CO2 cylinder. USCG Type II and Type V approved.
HIT Inflatable Life Jacket Key Features
- The MD3157 inflatable life jacket turns an unconscious wearer face-up, a classification above a standard PFD.
- The Hammar HIT inflatable life jacket mechanism fires on water pressure at more than 4 inches (10 cm) of submersion. Rain, spray, humidity, and deck wash do not trigger it.
- A single 33g CO2 cylinder deploys 38 lbs (17.2 kg) of buoyancy within 4 to 5 seconds.
- SOLAS-grade reflective tape, whistle, and fast tab for personal locator light attachment are included.
- Neoprene Comfort Collar and SecureZip closure fit chest sizes from 30 to 52 inches (76 to 132 cm).
- Single-point status indicator shows green when the hydrostatic life jacket is armed.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | MD3157 (Canada) / MD3183 (US) |
| Manufacturer | Mustang Survival (Burnaby, BC, Canada) |
| Canadian Approval | Transport Canada, CAN/CGSB 65.7-2007 (Life Jacket) |
| US Approval | USCG Type II (Recreational) + Type V (Commercial, when worn) |
| Self-Righting | Yes (life jacket classification requirement) |
| Buoyancy | 38 lbs (17.2 kg) when inflated |
| Minimum Buoyancy (Certification) | 150 N (33.7 lbs) |
| Inflator | Hammar HIT (Hydrostatic Inflator Technology) |
| Activation | Automatic (hydrostatic, >4 in / 10 cm submersion) + manual inflation handle + oral tube |
| Inflation Time | 4-5 seconds to full buoyancy |
| Shell | 420D Nylon, polyurethane coated |
| CO2 Cartridge | 33g |
| Fit | Universal: 30-52 in (76-132 cm) chest, 88 lbs (40 kg) minimum user weight |
| Closure | SecureZip (two-step zippers with Velcro tabs) |
| Collar | Neoprene Comfort Collar |
| Visibility | SOLAS-grade reflective tape |
| Safety Features | Whistle, fast tab (personal locator light attachment), single-point status indicator (green = armed) |
| Re-arm Kit | MA5283 (33g CO2, sold separately) |
| Inflator Life | Maintenance-free 5 years from date of manufacture |
| Colour | Orange/Black |
| Size | Universal |
| Ideal For | Commercial marine, industrial, boating, sailing, fishing |
| Not Approved For | Water skiing, high-impact / high-speed activities |
| Not Recommended For | Non-swimmers, weak swimmers |
| Carriage | Must be worn (not stowed) for USCG Type V compliance |
| Cold Weather | CO2 inflation compromised below 0°C (32°F) |
| Inherent Buoyancy | None; flotation only when inflated |
| Warranty | 2-year limited (materials and workmanship) |
How HIT Activation Works
The Hammar HIT in this automatic inflatable life jacket uses a water-pressure sensor, not a dissolvable bobbin. Submersion beyond 4 inches (10 cm) punctures the CO2 cylinder. Full buoyancy in 4 to 5 seconds.
If the automatic system does not fire, pull the manual inflation handle. An oral tube behind the left zipper panel inflates the bladder by mouth. After any inflation, deflate the inflatable life jacket through the oral valve, dry thoroughly, and re-arm.
Care and Maintenance
Before each use: check the status indicator (green = armed), confirm the inflation handle hangs outside, and verify the inflator date is within 5 years.
Every two months: orally inflate the HIT life jacket and leave for 16 hours. Visible deflation indicates a leak.
Annually: inspect stitching, straps, and hardware for wear, abrasion, or corrosion.
Hand wash with warm soapy water. Rinse and hang dry on a plastic hanger away from direct sunlight. Do not submerge the life jacket or directly spray the inflator. Do not dry clean.
Applications
The MD3157 is an automatic inflatable life jacket with self-righting capability for commercial and recreational use:
- Commercial marine operations (inspected and uninspected vessels)
- Industrial waterside work (utility, construction, oil and gas)
- Charter and guide operations
- Coastal and offshore sailing
- Recreational boating (where self-righting life jacket protection is preferred)
- Municipal and emergency crews
This HIT life jacket sits flat when stowed and stays packed until actual submersion.
Buy an Inflatable Life Jacket Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Mustang Survival supplier and ships the HIT inflatable life jacket across Canada and the USA with free shipping over $199. This Mustang inflatable life jacket is a Special Order item shipped directly from the manufacturer. Cleanflow also carries Mustang Survival flotation gear including foam PFDs and flotation coats. Email info@cleanflow.ca for stock confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inflatable life jacket vs inflatable PFD: what is the difference?
An inflatable life jacket meets CAN/CGSB 65.7 and turns an unconscious wearer face-up (self-righting). An inflatable PFD keeps a conscious person afloat but does not guarantee face-up positioning. The MD3157 is a certified life jacket. For a PFD option, see the Mustang Survival Elite 28 Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD.
How does a HIT inflatable life jacket work?
The Hammar hydrostatic inflator fires when submerged more than 4 inches (10 cm). Water pressure punctures the CO2 cylinder, and the bladder reaches full buoyancy within 5 seconds. Rain, spray, and humidity do not trigger it. A manual pull-tab and oral tube back up the system.
What is the best inflatable life jacket for commercial use?
The MD3157 HIT inflatable life jacket carries USCG Type V approval for commercial vessels (inspected and uninspected, any size) and Transport Canada life jacket certification. The 38 lbs of buoyancy and self-righting capability exceed minimum requirements for commercial work-vest compliance.
Do inflatable life jackets turn you face up?
A certified inflatable life jacket under CAN/CGSB 65.7 turns an unconscious wearer face-up. This self-righting capability is the defining difference between a life jacket and a PFD. Standard inflatable PFDs, such as the Mustang Survival MIT 100 Convertible A/M Inflatable PFD, do not carry the self-righting requirement.
How long does a HIT inflatable life jacket last?
The Hammar hydrostatic inflator is maintenance-free for 5 years from the date of manufacture. Check the replacement date on the yellow inflator cap before each boating season. After any deployment, re-arm with kit MA5283 (33g CO2, sold separately).
Special Order items often ship direct from the manufacturer, and are not eligible for return or exchange. For more details, please contact us by phone 204-888-8469 or email orderdesk@cleanflow.ca
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