Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)

All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, called personal flotation devices (PFDs). The quantity and type depend on the length of your vessel and the number of people on board and/or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, be the proper size for the intended wearer, and very importantly, be readily accessible! Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.). PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags or in locked or closed compartments, and they should not have other gear stowed on top of them.

Vessel operators should ask everyone on their vessel to wear a PFD whenever on the water. PFDs can save lives, but only if they are worn!

Inflatable PFDs are a great new choice but require the wearer to pay careful attention to the PFD’s condition. To satisfy requirements, inflatable PFDs must have a full cylinder and the status indicators on the inflator must be green. The lanyard or lever must be accessible and intact. Hybrid inflatable PFDs, which use foam and inflation for buoyancy, are approved for children; however, non-hybrid inflatable PFDs (no foam) are authorized only for persons at least 16 years old.

PFD Requirements

• All vessels, except sailboards and certain racing shells or rowing skulls, must have at least one wearable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device that is U.S. Coast Guard–approved and of the proper size for each person on board. Sizing for life jackets (PFDs) is based on body weight and chest size.
• All life jackets (PFDs) must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible.
• In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer, except a canoe or kayak, must have one Type IV U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket (PFD) on board and readily accessible.
• All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jacket (PFD) while underway on any vessel. The life jacket (PFD) must be fastened according to the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly.
• Each person on a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device; and all closures of the personal flotation device must be fastened or secured according to the manufacturer’s design or recommended use and must be adjusted for a snug fit.
• Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or a similar device must wear a life jacket (PFD) or buoyant belt. Note, however, that buoyant belts are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

PFD Descriptions	Illustrations
TYPE I: Offshore Life Jackets These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They provide the most buoyancy, are excellent for flotation, and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.
TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests These vests are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. Type II vests will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water, but the turning is not as pronounced as with a Type I.
TYPE III: Flotation Aids These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. They are not recommended for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up. Type III PFDs are used for water sports such as water-skiing. Some Type III PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water.
TYPE IV: Throwable Devices/Not Wearable These cushions and ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Since a Type IV PFD is not designed to be worn, it is neither for rough waters nor for persons who are unable to hold onto it.
TYPE V: Special-Use Devices These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. Some Type V PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be worn and used in accordance with their label.