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)

• A wearable PFD (Type I, II, or III) must be available for each person on vessels less than 16 feet long, including canoes and kayaks of any length. A throwable PFD (Type IV) may not be substituted for a wearable PFD.
• Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one Type I, II, or III PFD for each person on board. In addition, one Type IV throwable PFD must be on board and be immediately available for use.
• Children under the age of 12 must wear a PFD on a vessel less than 26 feet long that is in motion.
• A Type V PFD may be used in place of any PFD if the U.S. Coast Guard has specifically approved it for the wearer’s activity. A Type V PFD must be worn at all times to be acceptable as a life jacket.
• Sailboard operators younger than 15 must wear a PFD at all times. If two or more people occupy a sailboard, each person must wear a PFD.
• Water-skiers and anyone towed by a vessel must wear a PFD.
• All persons operating or riding on a PWC must wear a PFD.
• All PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard–approved and:
  • 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.

Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Pictures of PFDs	Descriptions of PFDs
	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: 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: 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: 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: 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.