Federal law requires recreational boaters to carry one US coast guard approved life jacket (also known as a Personal Floatation Device P.D.F.) for each person on the boat. These jackets must be in good condition and the correct size for the wearer. Any boat 16ft and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable PFD (Type IV PFD). Personal Flotation Device Accessibility Rules The coast guard also states that the PDF's must be wearable and readily accessible. The PDF's must be in a spot that the wearer could put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.). - They should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them. - The best PFD is the one you will wear. - Though not required, a PFD should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it. - Throwable devices must be immediately available for use. Child PFD Requirements - Some states require that children wear PFD's - Most state requirements apply to children of specific ages - Most state requirements apply to certain sizes of boats - Most state requirements apply to specific boating operations - Child PFD approvals are usually based on the child's weight. Make sure and check the user weight on the label. There are PFD requirements for certain boating activities under state laws The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing PFDs: - For water skiing and other towed activities (use a PFD marked for water skiing). - While operating personal watercraft (PWC) (use a PFD marked for water skiing or PWC use). - During white water boating activities. - While sailboarding (under Federal law, sailboards are not "boats"). Check with your state boating safety officials. Federal law does not require PFDs on racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; state laws vary. Check with your state boating safety officials. If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, other rules may apply. How to purchase a life Jacket/ski vest The Coast Guard classifies life jackets into five different types based on their minimum buoyancy, performance level and limitations. Each type has been design with a specific boating task in mind. As a boater, you may want to assess the different types of activities you will be doing with your boat and buy life jackets according to the activities. Types of Inherently Buoyant Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation DevicesType I - Minimum Buoyancy: 22 pounds - Recommended Uses: Offshore cruising, racing, & fishing - Will turn most unconscious wearers face up - Advantages: Offers the best protection - Disadvantages: Bulky and UncomfortableType II -Minimum Buoyancy: 15.5 pounds - Recommended Uses: Inland Cruising - Will turn some unconscious wearers face up - Advantages: More comfortable than type I and less expensive - Disadvantages: Less buoyant than Type IType III - Minimum Buoyancy: 15.5 pounds - Recommended Uses: Inland Cruising, small dinghy sailing & racing, watersking, kayaking, PWC - Will not turn unconscious wearers face up - Advantages: More comfortable to wear than I or II - Disadvantages: Wearer must tilt head back to avoid face down position Type IV - Minimum Buoyancy: 16.5 pounds for ring buoy and 20 pounds for boat cushion - Recommended Uses: Throwable PFD for overboard victims - Will turn most unconscious wearers face up - Advantages: Easer to throw than a life jacket - Disadvantages: Is not considered a wearable PDF Type V - Minimum Buoyancy: Varies by jacket - Recommended Uses: Restricted to design use - Will turn some unconscious wearers face up - Advantages: Designed for specific use - Disadvantages: Not Versatile Types of Inflatables that are Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices Auto Inflatable- Type: V - Accessories: Integrated Harness - Minimum Inflated Buoyancy: 34 pounds - Recommended uses: Offshore and Coastal Cruising - Will turn wearer face up - Inflation Mechanism: Manual, auto, and oral Manual Inflatable- Type: III - Accessories: Integrated Harness - Minimum Inflated Buoyancy: 16 pounds - Recommended uses: Inshore Cruising - Will turn wearer face up - Inflation Mechanism: Manual and oral Belt Pack Inflatable- Type: III & V - Accessories: Not Applicable - Minimum Inflated Buoyancy: 16 pounds - Recommended uses: Inshore Cruising - Following inflation wearer must lift inflated portion over head - Inflation Mechanism: Manual, Auto, and oral Inflatables are to only be used if you are over the age of 16, weigh over 90 pounds, and can swim. You should not use this type of PDF if water impact is expected. The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of the US Coast Guard and the BoatUS Foundation. #Life Jackets #Product Information #Safety
