1-7
Safety On Board
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Personal Flotation Devices
All personal otation devices
(PFD’s) must be Coast Guard
approved, in good working
condition, and must be the
correct size for the wearer.
All PFD’s must be readily
accessible. This means
being able to wear them in
a reasonable amount of time
in case of an emergency ( re, boat sinking, etc.). ey should not be
stored or locked in closed areas. Also, make sure that all coverings are
removed, such as plastic from any PFD’s. rowable devices such as
a ring buoys need to be available for immediate deployment. A PFD
should be worn at all times when your boat is operating on the water.
A PFD may save your life, but it must be worn to do so.
As minimum U. S. Coast Guard requirements all recreational boats
must carry one type I, II, III, or V PFD (wearable) for each person
aboard. See the explanation following for each type. For type V to
be counted they must be used according to the label instructions. In
addition, all boats over 16’ must carry one Type IV (throwable) PFD.
Some states require that PFD’s be worn by children of speci c
ages at all times. Check with state boating agencies for particular
requirements in your state before taking children on the water.
Remember PFD’s will not necessarily keep you from drowning, even
though they are designed to keep a person from sinking. When
purchasing PFD’s make sure it safely ts the person wearing it. It is a
good idea to test PFD’s in a shallow pool before trying on the water.
Refer to the USCG minimum equipment requirements at the end of
this chapter. It is meant to be a guide only. Contact state and local
agencies for additional equipment requirements. Remember as the
captain of your vessel you are responsible for its safe operation.
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