1. PFDMA Progress Report by Dorothy Takashina, PFDMA Chair
NBSAC Resolution No Improved Regulatory Approach to Testing and Approval of Life Jackets
PFDMA Progress Report by Dorothy Takashina, PFDMA Chair

2. 2009 NBSAC Life Jacket Reform Resolution
Separate standards development organization from the authorized testing laboratories.
Transition to a new consolidated North American Standard
Create new process for certifying and testing that facilitates innovation, affordability and wearability of life jackets
Qualify more than one organization for approval and follow-up testing
Modernize compliance and quality control processes
NBSAC Resolves that the Coast Guard should:
04/14/10

3. Working Groups Created
Independent Organization for Standards Development and Maintenance
USCG Liaison – M. Jackson
PFDMA - D. Takashina, D, Campbell, J. Lucius
ABYC – John Adey
Transition to a Consolidated North American Standard
USCG Liaison - M. Jackson, B. Baldwin
PFDMA – R. Scott, S. Wehr
UL – Chris James
IMANNA -- R. Steger
Canada – Paul Potter
Qualification of Multiple Organizations for Initial & Follow-up Testing
USCG Liaison - B. Baldwin
PFDMA – J. Lucius, R. Scott
Modernization of Compliance and Quality Control Processes
PFDMA – J. Lucius, D. Campbell, D. Takashina, S. Swanby
Underwriters Laboratories – M. Cunningham
4/14
/10

4. Independent Standards Organization
What has been accomplished?
ANSI Certified Independent Standards Organization Identified:
(ABYC) American Boat and Yacht Council
ABYC’s interest and qualification confirmed by USCG & PFDMA
Discussions on a home for Consolidated North American Standard (UL, ABYC, PFDMA, USCG)
What remains to be done?
Funding – partners will need to agree on a funding model
USCG to coordinate with industry on how to work with a new standards development organization for the Consolidated North American Standard 4

5. Transition to Consolidated North American Standard
What has been accomplished?
Consolidated draft standard near completion (target May 2010)
Will Be close to ISO format with minimum deviations
What remains to be done?
Place the Document with an ANSI Certified Standards Development Organization
USCG has begun to plan and coordinate with industry on transition and phase in of new requirements
Establish guidelines for maintaining existing approvals 5

6. Multiple Testing Organizations (Laboratories)
What has been accomplished?
December 2009 meeting with multiple laboratories
IMANNA (Florida), FORCE (Denmark) Fleetwood (UK)
IMANNA on target for USCG certification
What remains to be done?
Final confirmation of procedures to maintain uniform test results.
Formal proposal for a listing and follow up program.
Completion of MOU with USCG. 6

7. Modernization of Compliance and Quality Control Processes
What has been accomplished?
UL and Industry met with USCG to consider alternate programs for quality control and compliance confirmation and adopted a two phase approach
Phase 1 - Worked with UL to overhaul the test requirements for manufacturers’ in house quality control
Preliminary agreement reached between USCG, UL and PFDMA on reductions and elimination of current burdensome tests. 7

8. Modernization of Compliance and Quality Control Processes
What remains to be done?
Actual removal of identified unnecessary tests
Presentation of draft for consideration: PFDMA conference
Phase 2 – Shift of responsibility from UL inspectors to mfg. in-house personnel

9. Thank You
Questions?
03/23/10