Ontario Underwater Council

Safety Bundle Proposal

Here’s our proposal: Purchase a Mustang Survival PFD … and receive a FREE OUC blue membership when you order by the deadline, March 15, 2026!

  • New members: 2026 blue membership fee is waived with purchase of a Mustang PFD
  • Current 2026 members: 2027 blue membership fee is waived with purchase of a Mustang PFD

Life Jackets Save Lives
OUC Group Purchase of Mustang PFDs

by Heison Chak

As part of our ongoing commitment to on‑water safety during club dives, training events, and boat operations, the Ontario Underwater Council is coordinating a group purchase of Mustang Survival inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs).

This initiative is undertaken in remembrance of Joshua Steinburg, an 11-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a boating accident on the St. Lawrence River in 2018.  All OUC members are encouraged to set an example for children and teenagers–wear a PFD when boating or riding as a passenger on any pleasure craft.

While carrying PFD is mandated by law, wearing one is especially important during:

  • Walking onto or off a dive vessel while loading or carrying heavy equipment
  • Scuba diving activities from a vessel, before changing into an exposure suit or when a drysuit is not fully zipped up.
  • Support roles for scuba divers, such as boat duty or pool supervision
  • Water sports (e.g., boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jetskiing, etc.)

Why choose an auto-inflating PFD ?

While a basic form PFD is economical, it is often bulky, uncomfortable and less effective, providing only 15-18 lbs of buoyant lift and no guarantee of turning an unconscious person face-up. An auto-inflating PFD, by contrast, can provide 30+ lbs of buoyancy, superior comfort, and reliable performance–crucial for boating and diving support in challenging conditions.

We’ve identified three Mustang models that meet the needs of most club members, offering different buoyancy ratings and activation technologies. 

1..MIT 70 (Auto), MSRP: CAD 191.99

    • Water‑soluble bobbin for automatic inflation upon immersion; Harmonized Level 70 (USCG and Transport Canada Approved), ~15.7 lbs buoyancy 
    • MIT 70 Product Link 

2. MIT 100 (Convertible Auto/Manual), MSRP: CAD 214.99

    • Lightweight, low‑profile, and ideal for general use.
    • 28 lbs buoyancy (does not guarantee turning an unconscious person face‑up).
    • MIT 100 Product Link

3. Elite 120 (Hydrostatic), MSRP: CAD 349.99

    • Inflates only when submerged ~4 in (10 cm), preventing false activation from rain or spray; 28 lbs buoyancy
    • Elite 120 Product Link

4. Elite 190 (Hydrostatic), MSRP: CAD 379.99

    • Inflates only when submerged ~4 in (10 cm), preventing false activation from rain or spray; Harmonized Level 70 (USCG and Transport Canada Approved), ~42 lbs buoyancy 
    • Elite 190 Product Link

Below is a comparison of the PFDs. (Instead of clicking “more details” on the image below, see the links above, one link for each PFD.)

Click the image for a larger, more legible view.

Maintenance

After each inflation–whether intentional (during a safety drill or actual use) or accidental–the CO2 cartridge is spent and the activation mechanism is no longer functional. To restore the PFD’s full inflation capacity and ensure it works reliably in future emergencies, it must be re-armed by replacing the used CO2 cartridge and reset or replace activation components. 

Hydrostatic inflators typically have a 5-year bobbin life before needing a replacement (unless deployed) where MIT bobbins usually require replacement every 2 years regardless of deployment.

Re-arm kits are available for each model ranging from $35 to $120. These kits include the CO2 cartridge and necessary activation components (water-soluble bobbin for MIT models and hydrostatic sensor for Elite models). 

Action Required

Complete the OUC Life Jacket Order Form now 

 

Thank you for supporting a consistent, high‑visibility safety standard across the OUC community. Your participation helps us ensure that surface teams and boat crews are properly equipped when supporting divers.

Comments and Questions:
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