It's the Law: Required Equipment

When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All vessels must carry one Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD for each person on board or being towed. If a Type V PFD is used, it must be approved for the activity at hand.
• One Type IV U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet long or longer, in addition to the requirement above.
• Children under 8 years of age must wear a properly secured U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD at all times while on board any vessel, except when in an enclosed cabin.
• Every person on board a PWC or being towed behind a vessel must wear a properly secured USCG–approved PFD.
• Each person on board a vessel within 800 feet below a hydro-electric dam and/or navigational lock and dam must wear a Type I, II, III, or V U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD.
• Besides being USCG–approved, all PFDs must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition.
  • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
  • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.

Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Pictures of PFDs	Descriptions of PFDs
	TYPE I: Offshore Life Jacket These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They are excellent for flotation and will turn most unconscious persons face up.
	TYPE II: Near-Shore Vest These vests are good for calm waters and fast rescues. Type II vests may lack the capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up.
	TYPE III: Flotation Aid These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters and fast rescues. They are not for rough waters since they will not turn a person face up.
	TYPE IV: Throwable Device These cushions or ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. They are not for long hours in rough waters, non-swimmers, or the unconscious.
	TYPE V: Special Use Device These windsurfing vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking or water-skiing. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.