It's the Law: Required Equipment

When preparing to go out on the water, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board the boat. In South Dakota, a “boat” is defined as “every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.”

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All vessels must have at least one USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board or being towed.
• All vessels 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry on board one USCG–approved Type IV throwable device.
• All children under seven years of age must wear a PFD on any vessel operating at greater than “slow, no wake speed” unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
• A personal watercraft may not be operated unless each person on board is wearing a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
• A Type V hybrid PFD is acceptable only if it is worn at all times except when the person is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
• 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.

Read and follow the label restrictions on all 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.