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Official Massachusetts Boating Handbook

It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

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.
  • One Type IV (throwable) USCG–approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer, in addition to the above requirement.
  • Children under 12 years old must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD whenever above deck on any vessel underway.
  • All persons on board a personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD at all times.
  • All persons water-skiing or being towed in any manner must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times.
  • All persons on board a canoe or kayak from September 15 to May 15 must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times.
  • All life jackets (PFDs) must be:
    • U.S. Coast Guard–approved, which means clearly marked with the USCG approval number
    • In good and serviceable condition
    • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency
    • Of the proper size for the intended wearer; sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size.
Pictures of PFDs
Descriptions of PFDs
Type I personal flotation device
TYPE I: Offshore Life Jacket
These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They are excellent for flotation and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.
Type II personal flotation device
TYPE II: Near-Shore Vest
These vests are good for calm waters and fast rescues. Type II vests may lack the capacity to turn unconscious wearers face up.
Type III personal flotation device
TYPE III: Flotation Aid
These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters and fast rescues. They are not for rough waters since they will not turn a person face up.
Type IV personal flotation device
TYPE IV: Throwable Device
These cushions or ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. They are not for long hours in rough waters, non-swimmers or the unconscious.
Type V personal flotation device
TYPE V: Special Use Device
These windsurfing vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs and others are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking or water skiing. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.

Boat Smart—Wear Your PFD

Father and daughter PFDsApproximately 90% of all boating fatalities involve drownings caused by boating accidents. Most drowning victims are not wearing a PFD or are wearing an inadequate one. That is why it is critical that you have a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD for each person on board.

  • PFDs must be readily accessible. Better yet, each person should wear a PFD because PFDs are difficult to put on once you are in the water. In most fatal accidents, the proper PFDs are on board but are not in use or are not easily within reach. If you are in the water without a PFD, retrieve a floating PFD and hold it to your chest by wrapping your arms around it.
  • PFDs must be of the proper size for the intended wearer. Always read the label of the PFD to make sure it is the right size based on the person's weight and chest size. It's especially important to check that a child's PFD fits snugly. Test the fit by picking the child up by the shoulders of the PFD and checking that his or her chin and ears do not slip through.
  • PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition. Regularly test a PFD's buoyancy in shallow water or a swimming pool. Remember that over time, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun will break down the synthetic materials used to make your PFD.
    • Frequently inspect personal flotation devices for rips or tears, discolored or weakened material, insecure straps or zippers or labels that are no longer readable. Discard and replace any PFD that has a problem.
    • If using an inflatable PFD, before each outing check the status of the inflator and that the CO₂ cylinder has not been used, has no leaks and is tightly screwed in. Also check that the PFD itself has no leaks by removing the CO₂ cylinder and orally inflating the PFD. The PFD should still be firm after several hours. After an inflatable PFD has been inflated using the CO₂ cylinder, replace the spent cylinder and re-arm it. Because an inflatable PFD is a mechanical device, it requires regular maintenance. Inspect and maintain the inflatable portion of the PFD as instructed in the owner’s manual.

Boat Smart from the Start

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It's the Law!
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Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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