What are the minimum requirements for PFDs on my boat?
The United States Coast Guard says that you must have one wearable Type I or II or III of the correct size for each person on board. A Type V may be used, that provides performance of either a Type I or II or III, as marked on the label, and must be used according to the conditions on the label. In addition, any boat 16 feet and longer, except canoes and kayaks, must have one Throwable Type IV device. Some additional regulations are: • The PFDs on board must be in good and serviceable condition. • They must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer. • They must be readily accessible and not stored in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stored on top of them. Coast Guard recommends and some states require wearing PFDs for the following: • For water skiing and other towed activities (use a PFD marked for Water Skiing) • While operating personal watercraft (use a PFD marked for Personal Watercraft or Water Skiing) • During white water boating activit
