USCG Exam PracticePFD types and stowage requirements
A recreational vessel is underway with a 10-year-old child aboard who is on deck. Which of the following satisfies the federal requirement regarding that child?
- A. A Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD is on board in the child's size but stowed in a locker
- ✓ The child is wearing a Coast Guard-approved PFD of appropriate sizeCorrect
- C. An adult is supervising the child on deck
- D. A throwable PFD is immediately available on deck
Why B is correct
33 CFR §175.15(c) requires that any child under 13 aboard a recreational vessel underway must either be wearing an appropriate Coast Guard-approved PFD or be below decks or in an enclosed cabin. Merely having a PFD on board or available does not satisfy this requirement.
Cited:33 CFR §175.15