It's the Law: Required Equipment

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

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All vessels, except sailboards, must have at least one USCG-approved Type I, II, or III PFD (life jacket) for each person on board or being towed.
• In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet up to 40 feet long must have on board one USCG-approved Type IV PFD. Vessels 40 feet or longer must carry two Type IV PFDs, with one in the front of the vessel and the other in the rear. Also, vessels 26 feet or longer must have 30 feet of throwing line (or rope) attached to each required Type IV PFD.
• Children under 13 years old must wear a PFD whenever underway in a vessel, unless they are in a fully enclosed area.
• Each person on board a PWC or anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for these activities.
• A Type V PFD may be substituted for other types if specifically approved by the USCG for the activity at hand. Type V hybrid PFDs (inflatables) must be worn while underway, except when the wearer is in an enclosed space.
• Inflatable PFDs are not approved for persons under age 16.
• Besides being USCG-approved, all PFDs must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition and legibly marked with the USCG approval number.
  • Readily accessible, which means it is being worn or it is stowed where it is quickly reachable, ready to wear, and not under lock and key.
  • 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)

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 assistance or rescue is likely. Type II vests will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water, but the turning is not as pronounced as with a Type I.
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. Type III PFDs are used for water sports such as water-skiing. Some Type III PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water.
TYPE IV: Throwable Devices/Not Wearable 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.
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.