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 carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board.
• In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one U.S. Coast Guard– approved Type IV PFD on board and readily accessible.
• Children under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while underway on the open deck of any vessel.
• A person under 16 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while on board a sailboard.
• Everyone on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
• Anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Ski belts are not approved personal flotation devices.
• 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.

Types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

Pictures of PFDs	Descriptions of PFDs
	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.