It's the Law: Required Equipment

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

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

All vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
In addition to the requirement for life jackets, one Type IV U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer (except canoes and kayaks) and immediately available.
Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG–approved PFD while underway in an open vessel on federally controlled waters.
Sailboarders and windsurfers are exempt from PFD requirements but are encouraged to wear a PFD.
Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
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.

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, these PFDs must be worn whenever the vessel is underway.

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It's the Law!

Boating Basics

Wisconsin Information

Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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