2–24 Chris-Craft
Safety and Operations
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Federal regulations require that you have at least one Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device
(PFD) for each occupant in a recreational boat. All PFDs must be in serviceable condition, readily accessi-
ble, and legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number. Each PFD must be of the appropriate type
and size for each individual occupying the boat.
The Coast Guard recommends, and many states require, wearing the appropriate PFD when:
• Water-skiing and other towed activities.
• While operating personal watercraft (PWC).
• During white water boating activities.
• While sailboarding (under Federal law sailboards are not boats).
Laws governing the use of a particular type of PFD for a particular activity varies from state-to-state. Some
states require that children wear a PFD at all times. For clarification on any state requirement, check with
the state boating safety officials.
There are three kinds of PFDs: Foam, Inflatable, and Hybrid.
Within these three kinds there are five classes, known as Types, of PFDs, four wearable and one throwable.
Only Type I is designed to turn an unconscious person’s face upward, out of the water.
The best PFD is the one that you wear. When boating always wear your PFD.
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