USCG Exam PracticePFD types and stowage requirements
A recreational vessel is 20 feet in length and has four persons aboard. What is the minimum PFD requirement under federal regulations?
- A. Four wearable PFDs only
- ✓ Four wearable PFDs and one throwable PFDCorrect
- C. Three wearable PFDs and one throwable PFD
- D. Four throwable PFDs only
Why B is correct
33 CFR §175.15(a) requires at least one wearable PFD for each person aboard, and §175.15(b) requires one throwable PFD in addition to the wearable PFDs for any recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length. A 20-foot vessel with four persons therefore requires four wearable PFDs plus one throwable PFD.
Cited:33 CFR §175.15