1-7
Safety On Board
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Personal Flotation Devices
All personal flotation 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 (fire,
boat sinking, etc.). They should not be stored or locked in closed areas
Also, make sure that all coverings are removed such as plastic from any
PFD’s. Throwable 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 explaination 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 specific 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 fits the person wearing it. It is a
good idea to test PFD’s in a lifeguarded shallow pool before venturing
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.
1-7
Safety On Board
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Personal Flotation Devices
All personal flotation 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 (fire,
boat sinking, etc.). They should not be stored or locked in closed areas
Also, make sure that all coverings are removed such as plastic from any
PFD’s. Throwable 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 explaination 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 specific 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 fits the person wearing it. It is a
good idea to test PFD’s in a lifeguarded shallow pool before venturing
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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