It's the Law: Required Equipment

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

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)    IC 14-15-2-6(b)

• All vessels must carry one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD for each person on board or being towed.
• In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in length or longer (except a canoe or kayak) must have one Type IV USCG–approved PFD on board and readily accessible.
• Each person on board a personal watercraft must wear a PFD.
• All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD. Ski belts are not USCG–approved.
• Besides being USCG-approved, all PFDs must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition.
  • Readily accessible. You must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency. PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags or in locked or closed compartments and they should not have gear stowed on top of them.
  • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
• In addition to the requirements above, on Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction:
  • A child under 13 years of age must wear a PFD except when the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin or the vessel is docked or at anchor.
  • Anyone towed on water skis, a surfboard, a kite, or similar device must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD (Type V PFDs are not approved for these activities).

Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

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 rescue is likely. A Type II may not turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.
TYPE III: Flotation Aids These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. They are not for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious persons face up.
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: Special-Use Devices 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.

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