Alabama Boating Safety Course

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.

Parent putting PFD on infant

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

  • All vessels must carry one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V 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 U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type IV 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 U.S. Coast Guard–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 U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V 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)

Illustrations of PFDs Descriptions of PFDs
Type I personal flotation device 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 personal flotation device TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests
These vests are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. A Type II may not turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.
Type III personal flotation device TYPE III: Flotation Aids
These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. They are not recommended for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up.
Type IV personal flotation device TYPE IV: Throwable Devices
These cushions and ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Since a Type IV is not designed to be worn, it is neither for rough waters nor for persons who are unable to hold onto it.
Type V personal flotation device TYPE V: Special-Use Device
These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.
Alabama Marine Police
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