Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Duty of Owner to Provide Equipment (ORC 1547.38)

No person who lets vessels for hire, or the agent or employee thereof, shall rent, lease, or otherwise permit the use of a vessel unless the person provides the equipment required under sections of Chapter 1547 of the Ohio Revised Code and rules adopted under the Ohio Administrative Code.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) (ORC 1547.25)

All recreational boats must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, called personal flotation devices or PFDs. The quantity and type depend on the length of your boat and the number of people on board and/or being towed. Each PFD must be USCG–approved, be in good condition, be of the proper size for the intended wearer, and very importantly, be readily available! Boat operators should ask everyone on their boat to wear a PFD whenever on the water. Emergencies can occur instantly and without warning, allowing no time to put on a PFD. Remember ... Life jacket, life vest, personal flotation device (PFD)—whatever you call it, it only works if you wear it! PFD Requirements (ORC 1547.25) All vessels must have at least one wearable U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD for each person on board or being towed. Type V PFDs may be substituted for a Type I, II, or III if the Type V PFD is approved for the activity for which it is being used. This can be determined by reading the PFD label All vessels 16 feet or greater also must carry a Type IV throwable PFD. All PFDs must be: U.S. Coast Guard–approved In good and serviceable condition Of appropriate size for the wearer Readily accessible

Everyone should wear a life jacket, especially anyone who is: Boating alone Boating at night On rough water or in a swift current Out in bad weather Boating in cold water Boating in heavy traffic In remote areas or far from shore Using a small boat Hunting or fishing Consuming alcohol Not a strong swimmer Prone to sudden or at risk of sudden serious health conditions

PFD Descriptions	Illustrations
TYPE I: Offshore Life Jackets This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up and has over 22 pounds of buoyancy. This is the best PFD to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may take awhile. They can be very bulky and uncomfortable compared to other types of PFDs and also cost more.
TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests This “classic” PFD is designed for calm water when quick assistance or rescue is likely. They are less expensive than a Type I as well as less bulky. 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 PFDs are generally considered the most comfortable and come in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices. They are typically used for water sports, and some Type III PFDs are designed as inflatable devices. These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. They are not for rough waters since they will typically not turn an unconscious person face up.
TYPE IV: Throwable Devices These cushions or ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. They are not for long hours in rough or cold waters, non-swimmers, or the unconscious. These devices are not intended to replace the requirement for wearable PFDs. Remember ... Throwable devices do not take place of a wearable device. A wearable device is required for each person on board every boat. Seat cushions or ring buoys do not meet the requirement for wearable devices.
TYPE V: Special-Use Devices Special-use PFDs include deck suits, work vests, and hybrid PFDs. They are designed for specific activities as designated by the label or manufacturer’s specifications. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.

Inflatable PFDs

Traditional PFDs use inherently buoyant materials, such as foam, to stay afloat. Inflatable PFDs rely on inflatable chambers that provide buoyancy when inflated. The specific type of PFD is determined by it characteristics.

To understand the details for using your inflatable PFD, read the label and the owner’s manual. Inflatable PFDs have the following features. They use a CO2-filled cylinder to inflate the device that is triggered manually or automatically. Automatic mechanisms use a water-soluble capsule or water-pressure sensor attached to the inflation unit. The mechanism pierces the CO2 cylinder and releases the gas when it is submerged. These PFDs have a back-up manual ripcord. Manual mechanisms release the CO2 gas from the cylinder as a result of pulling the ripcord. They contain a back-up oral-inflation tube that also deflates the PFD. Inflatable PFDs are less bulky than inherently buoyant PFDs. These PFDs are highly visible when inflated.

PFDs are designed several ways. Inherently buoyant: Traditional foam PFDs Air or CO2: Inflatable PFDs Hybrid: PFDs made with a combination of buoyant material and an inflatable air bladder

You should consider the following when deciding whether to use an inflatable PFD.

• Inflatable PFDs require frequent inspection and maintenance.
• Some inflatable PFDs require additional steps to put them on after inflating.
• Inflatable PFDs should not be used by anyone restricted per the device’s label. Read the label for age and use restrictions.

Ohio statistics show that most boating fatalities are the result of drowning. The majority of victims could have survived if they had been wearing a PFD.

PFD Specifications

PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard–approved. To determine if your device is approved, read the label on the PFD. All USCG–approved devices will have a label. Be sure to read the label prior to purchasing a PFD to ensure you are getting a device that is appropriate for your needs.

PFDs must be in good condition. Regularly inspect and test your PFD to ensure it will work properly and keep you afloat.

• Check for rips, tears, and holes in the material.
• Check to see that seams, fabric, straps, and hardware are functional. Give them a quick, hard pull to make sure they are secure.
• If using an inflatable PFD, check the status of the inflator and that the CO2 cylinder has not been used, has no leaks, and is screwed in tightly. After using an inflatable PFD, replace the spent cylinder and re-arm it. Refer to the label and owner’s manual for instructions.
• Let your PFD dry thoroughly before putting it away. Don’t leave your device on board for long periods when the boat is not in use. Store your device in a well-ventilated, dry, cool, dark place.

PFDs must be of the proper size for the intended wearer. Always read the label of the PFD to make sure it is the right size based on the person’s weight and chest size. It’s especially important to check that a child’s PFD fits snugly. Test the fit by picking a child up by the shoulders of the PFD and checking that his or her chin and ears do not slip through.

PFDs must be readily accessible. All passengers must be able to easily locate and retrieve life jackets that fit them. Life jackets should be placed in plain view where they are easily and immediately reached in an emergency. They should not be stowed in plastic bags, be stowed in locked or closed compartments, or have other gear stowed on top of them. Consider carrying them where they will float if the boat should sink. It is best if everyone wears a life jacket!

Labels on PFDs

Not all U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFDs are approved for impact sports such as water-skiing, tubing, wake boarding, riding on PWCs, or paddling in whitewater.

Some devices may not be approved for youth or weak swimmers, and some devices must be worn to meet the requirements.

Check the device label or owner’s manual for activity or age restrictions.

Labels will include the following information.

• U.S. Coast Guard approval number
• Type of device (Type I, II, III, IV, or V)
• User weight or chest size limits
• Activity or use restrictions
• Age restrictions
• Any requirements to wear the device
• Re-arming instructions for inflatable PFDs
• Cleaning or maintenance recommendations

Nine out of ten drownings occur in inland waters, and most are within a few feet of safety and involve boats less than 16 feet long.

Child PFD Requirements (ORC 1547.24)

No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel under 18 feet long with a child less than 10 years of age on board unless the child is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

The PFD must be:

• U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V
• In good and serviceable condition
• Of the appropriate size
• Securely attached

PFD Regulations for Commercial Vessels (ORC 1547.25)

No person shall operate or permit to be operated any commercial vessel:

• Less than forty feet in length and not carrying persons for hire without one Type I, II, or III PFD per person
• That is carrying persons for hire or is forty feet in length or longer and is not carrying persons for hire without one Type I PFD per person
• Twenty-six feet in length or longer without at least one Type IV ring life buoy in addition

PFDs Required for Skiers and Others Being Towed (ORC 1547.18)

• No person shall ride or attempt to ride upon water skis, surfboards, inflatable devices, or similar devices being towed by a vessel without wearing an adequate and effective U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size.
• No operator of a vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law.
• Note: Check the PFD label to be sure the device is approved for the activity.

Barefoot Skiing (ORC 1547.18)

• No person shall engage in barefoot skiing without wearing an adequate and effective U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size, or a wetsuit specifically designed for barefoot skiing.
• No boat operator shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law.

PFDs Required for Personal Watercraft (ORC 1547.41)

• No person shall operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft unless each person on the PWC is wearing a Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
• Note: Check the PFD label to be sure the device is approved for this activity.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, local marine patrol officers, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your boat and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your boat meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal.