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 carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard– approved PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
Besides being U.S. Coast Guard–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.
In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one Type IV U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD on board and readily accessible.
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD whenever underway in a vessel less than 26 feet in length.
Each person riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD.

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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Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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