PFD types and stowage requirements

33 CFR §175.13

§ 175.13 § 175.13 Definitions. As used in this subpart: ormeans a device that is approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR part 160. means a PFD that is intended to be thrown to a person in the water. A PFD marked as Type IV or Type V with Type IV performance is considered a throwable PFD. Unless specifically marked otherwise, a wearable PFD is not a throwable PFD. means a PFD that is intended to be worn or otherwise attached to the body. A PFD marked as Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V with Type (I, II or III) performance is considered a wearable PFD. [USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014]

33 CFR §175.15

§ 175.15 § 175.15 Personal flotation devices required. Except as provided in §§ 175.17 and 175.25: (a) No person may use a recreational vessel unless— (1) At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person; (2) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and (3) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual, if the approval label makes reference to such a manual. (b) No person may use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one throwable PFD is onboard in addition to the total number of wearable PFDs required in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either— (1) Wearing an appropriate PFD …

33 CFR §175.19

§ 175.19 § 175.19 Stowage. (a) No person may use a recreational boat unless each wearable PFD required by § 175.15 is readily accessible. (b) No person may use a recreational boat unless each throwable PFD required by § 175.15 is immediately available. [USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014]

33 CFR §175.21

§ 175.21 § 175.21 Condition; size and fit; approval marking. No person may use a recreational boat unless each PFD required by § 175.15 is— (a) In serviceable condition as provided in § 175.23; (b) Of an appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer, as marked on the approval label; and (c) Legibly marked with its approval number, as specified in 46 CFR part 160. [CGD 81-023, 55 FR 32034, Aug. 6, 1990, as amended by CGD93-055, 61 FR 13926, Mar. 28, 1996; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014]

46 CFR §180.72

§ 180.72 § 180.72 Personal flotation devices carried in addition to life jackets. Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 97401, Dec. 6, 2024.(a) Equipment carried under this section is not acceptable in lieu of any portion of the required number of approved life jackets and must not be substituted for the approved life jackets required to be worn during drills and emergencies. (b) Wearable marine buoyant devices that include “ski vests,” “boating vests,” and “fishing vests,” approved in accordance with § 160.064 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, may be carried as additional equipment. (c) Buoyant work vests approved in accordance with § 160.053 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, may be carried as…

46 CFR §25.25-15

§ 25.25-15 § 25.25-15 Retroreflective material for personal flotation devices. (a) Each life preserver, each marine buoyant device intended to be worn, and each buoyant vest carried on a vessel must have Type I retroreflective material that is approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. (b) Each item required to have retroreflective material must have at least 200 sq. cm (31 sq. in.) of material attached to its front side, at least 200 sq. cm of material on its back side, and, if the item is reversible, at least 200 sq. cm of material on each of its reversible sides. The material attached on each side of the item must be divided equally between the upper quadrants of the side, and the material in each quadrant must be attached as closely as possible to the shoulder area of the item. …