It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

Part C - Minimum Required Equipment for Recreational-Type Vessels

Section 1. Personal Flotation Devices.

(a) Except as provided in Section 2 of this part, no person may use a recreational vessel unless at least one PFD of the following types is on board for each person:

1. Type I PFD;
2. Type II PFD; or
3. Type III PFD.

(b) No person may use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one Type IV PFD is on board in addition to the total number of PFD’s required in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) A Type V PFD may be carried in lieu of any PFD required under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, provided:

1. The approval label on the Type V PFD indicates that the device is approved:
(a) For the activity in which the vessel is being used; or (b) As a substitute for a PFD of the Type required in the vessel in use;
2. The PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and
3. The PFD is used in accordance with requirements in its owner's manual, if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.

(d) A Type V hybrid PFD may satisfy the carriage requirements provided it is worn except when the vessel is not underway or when the user is below deck.

Section 2. Exceptions.

(a) Canoes and kayaks 16 feet in length and over are exempted from the requirements for carriage of the additional Type IV PFD required under Section 1(b) of this part.

(b) Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any Type PFD required under Section 1 of this part.

(c) Sailboards are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any Type PFD required under Section 1 of this part.

Section 3. Stowage, Condition, and Marking of PFDs.

(a) No person may use a recreational vessel unless each Type I, II, or III PFD required by Section 1(a) of this part, or equivalent Type allowed by Section 1(c) of this part, is readily accessible.

(b) No person may use a recreational vessel unless each Type IV PFD required by Section 1(b) of this part, or equivalent Type allowed by Section 1(c) of this part, is immediately available.

(c) No person may use a recreational vessel unless each PFD required by Section 2(c) of this part or allowed by Section 1(b) of this part is:

1. In serviceable condition, as defined by 33 CFR § 175.23;
2. Of an appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer, as marked on the approval label; and
3. Legibly marked with its Coast Guard approval number, as specified in 46 CFR Part 160.

Types of Personal Flotation Devices	Illustrations
TYPE I: Offshore Life Jacket 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: Near-Shore Vest 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: Flotation Aid 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: Throwable Device 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: 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.