
- BackTow™tows you face-up while tethered
- Auto-inflatewith manual backup handle
- Deck harnessintegrated tether attachment
- ISO 12402certified; designed and made in the UK
- Sprayhoodand SOLAS whistle aboard
- Re-armablekits matched to each firing head
Why BackTow exists
The problem with a tether overboard
Clipped on and over the side, a conventional inflatable PFD tows you face-down through the water while the boat is still moving — exactly when you cannot help yourself. It is the known worst case of wearing a tether.
What the handle does
After inflation, you pull the large BackTow™ handle on the right-hand lung and the harness rotates you into a face-up, seated position under tow — airway clear, ready for recovery. TeamO holds the patent; no other inflatable harness does this.
Plain honesty on certification: TeamO jackets are certified to ISO 12402 (the UK/EU standard) and are not USCG type-approved — TeamO has not sought US approval. US boats should still carry USCG-approved PFDs to satisfy carriage rules; many of our customers wear the TeamO and stow the approved jackets.
Which jacket is right for you
| Model | Buoyancy | Firing head | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 170N Coastal | 170 N (38 lb) | ProSensor Mark 5i | Coastal cruising, overnight passages — lightest of the range | from $254.55 |
| Offshore ProSensoryou are here | 170 N (38 lb) | ProSensor Elite | Offshore sailing with sprayhood and water-activated light | $349.95 |
| Offshore Hammar | 170 N (38 lb) | Hammar hydrostatic | Wet working decks — fires on submersion, not spray | $395.95 |
| 275N Ocean | 275 N | ProSensor Elite | Bluewater and foul-weather gear — maximum buoyancy | $438.95 |
Colors vary by listing; every BackTow jacket above shares the integrated deck harness, sprayhood, and SOLAS whistle. We stock TeamO in our US warehouse with duty and tariffs already paid.
Before you buy
Is it USCG approved?
No — TeamO certifies to ISO 12402 (UK/EU) and has not sought USCG type approval. To meet US carriage requirements, keep USCG-approved PFDs aboard; the TeamO is the jacket you actually wear for its BackTow protection.
ProSensor or Hammar — which firing head?
ProSensor fires when its water-sensitive element gets wet — fast, and right for most sailors. Hammar is hydrostatic: it fires on water pressure from submersion, so rain, spray, and green water over the deck will not set it off — the pick for wet working decks. Both have a manual pull backup.
170N or 275N?
170 N (38 lb inflated) is the standard for coastal and offshore sailing. Choose 275 N if you sail bluewater in heavy foul-weather gear or carry tools — the extra buoyancy is there to float the extra weight, and it rights an unconscious wearer more decisively.
Which re-arm kit fits my jacket?
The kit must match your exact jacket model and firing head — check the label inside the jacket before ordering. We stock Mark 5i (Coastal), ProSensor Elite 38 g, Hammar 170N, and 275N Elite 60 g kits.
Do I need a tether too?
BackTow protects you because you are tethered — pair the jacket's integrated harness with a triple-hook safety tether and jackstays you trust. Clip on before you leave the cockpit.
What maintenance does it need?
Inspect before the season and after any inflation: cylinder weight and firing head per the label, no chafe, dry storage. Re-arm after every inflation with the matching kit. TeamO's SOLAS light carries a 5-year warranty; service the jacket per the manual.
Between two models, or outfitting a whole crew? Tell us how and where you sail and we will point you at the right jacket.