It's the Law: Required Equipment

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

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All vessels must have at least one USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
• In addition to the above requirement, one Type IV (throwable) USCG–approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer.
• While underway on a recreational vessel on the Mississippi River, the Missouri River, or federal reservoirs, a child under 13 years old must wear a USCG–approved PFD unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Federal Reservoirs in Iowa include Saylorville, Red Rock, Rathburn, and Coralville Reservoirs.

• Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for persons being towed.

• Each person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on PWCs.

• PFDs must have a legible USCG approval tag and be:

  • In good and serviceable condition. PFDs must not have a torn or missing strap; punctured flotation bag; waterlogged flotation material; rotted material in straps, webbing, or cover; missing laces; missing hardware; envelope torn or perforated; torn stitching; or any other condition that impairs the operating efficiency. Inflatable PFDs must have operable gas cartridges.
  • 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.

PFD Descriptions	Illustrations
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: Near-Shore Vests These vests are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. Type II vests will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water, but the turning is not as pronounced as with a Type I.
TYPE III: Flotation Aids These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick assistance or rescue is likely. They are not recommended for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up. Type III PFDs are used for water sports such as water-skiing. Some Type III PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water.
TYPE IV: Throwable Devices/Not Wearable These cushions and ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Since a Type IV PFD 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 Devices These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. Some Type V PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be worn and used in accordance with their label.