PFD types and stowage requirements

33 CFR §175.13

Definitions. As used in this subpart: Personal flotation device or PFD means a device that is approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR part 160. Throwable PFD 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. Wearable 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

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 approved by the Co…

33 CFR §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

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

Personal flotation devices carried in addition to life jackets. (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 additional equipment for use of persons working near or over the water. (d) …

46 CFR §180.78

Stowage of life jackets. (a) General. Unless otherwise stated in this section, life jackets must be stored in convenient places distributed throughout accommodation spaces. (1) Each stowage container for life jackets must not be capable of being locked. If practicable, the container must be designed to allow the life jackets to float free. (2) Each life jacket kept in a stowage container must be readily available. (3) Each life jacket stowed overhead must be supported in a manner that allows quick release for distribution. (4) If life jackets are stowed more than 2,130 millimeters (7 feet) above the deck, a means for quick release must be provided and must be capable of operation by a person standing on the deck. (5) Each child size life jacket must be stowed in a location that is ap…