Specific PFD Requirements
South Carolina law requires the following with respect to PFDs.
- All recreational vessels must carry one USCG–approved wearable PFD for each person on board. For wearable Type V PFDs to be counted, they must be used according to their label requirements.
- In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one USCG–approved throwable device on board.
- South Carolina law requires all children under 12 years of age to wear a USCG–approved PFD while on board a vessel less than 16 feet long. The PFD must be fastened and of the proper size for the child.
- If a person chooses to wear a PFD that is not approved by the USCG (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.
- One Type V PFD may be substituted for any other type if it is specifically approved by the USCG for the activity at hand. Type V PFDs may not be substituted on children weighing less than 90 pounds.
- Each person riding on a PWC or being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
- All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and must be readily accessible. Wearable PFDs must be of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
