Specific PFD Requirements
New Mexico law requires the following with respect to PFDs.
- All vessels must carry at least one USCG–approved wearable PFD of proper size and fit for each person on board. If the USCG label requires a PFD to be worn to be counted as having a PFD on board, then it must be worn.
- In addition to the requirement for wearable PFDs, all vessels must carry at least one USCG–approved throwable device. A throwable device is not required for PWC, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, wind sailboards, inner tubes, air mattresses, float tubes, rubber rafts, or other inflatable watercraft.
- Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved wearable PFD of proper size and fit while underway, unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
- If a person chooses to wear a PFD that is not USCG approved (when not specifically required), a properly fitting USCG–approved PFD must be carried on board the vessel to meet the state and federal carriage requirements.
- Each person boating on a river or in a boat race, and each person on board an ice sailboat, PWC, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, rubber raft, wind sailboard, inner tube, air mattress, float tube or other inflatable devices must wear a USCG–approved wearable PFD of proper size and fit.
- Each person being towed behind a vessel—on skis or any floating object—must wear a USCG–approved wearable PFD of proper size and fit.
- All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and readily accessible. The PFDs must be of the proper size and fit for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
