When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board.
- All boats must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device that is, wearable, and of the proper size for each person on board or being towed.
- Each person on board must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD while underway on a motorboat less than 16 feet long using an outboard motor that is steered by a hand tiller or steering arm attached to the motor. This requirement does not apply to electronic trolling motors.
- In addition to the above requirement, boats 16 feet in length or longer must have one U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type IV cushion or ring-buoy on board and readily accessible.
- Each person riding on a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a U.S. Coast Guard—approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device.
- Louisiana law requires that all children 16 years of age and younger wear a U.S. Coast Guard—approved PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long. The personal flotation device must be fastened and of the proper size for the child.
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- 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.
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| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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TYPE IV: Throwable Devices
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. |
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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. |
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