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Course Outline

New Mexico law requires the following with respect to PFDs.

  • All vessels must carry at least one USCG–approved wearable PFD of proper size and fit for each person on board. If the USCG label requires it to be worn to be counted as having a PFD on board, then it must be worn.
  • In addition to the requirement for PFDs, all vessels—except PWC, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rubber rafts—must carry at least one USCG–approved throwable device.
  • Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved PFD of proper size and fit while underway, unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
  • Each person boating on a river or in a boat race, and each person on board an ice sailboat, PWC, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or rubber raft must wear a USCG–approved PFD of proper size and fit.
  • Each person using a wind sailboard, inner tube, air mattress, float tube, or other inflatable device must wear a USCG–approved PFD of proper size and fit and in accordance with requirements on the approved label.
  • Each person being towed behind a vessel—on skis or any floating object—must wear a USCG–approved PFD of proper size and fit.
  • All life jackets and other PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition and readily accessible. The PFDs must be of the proper size and fit for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
Person fitting a PFD on a child
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