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PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES
Every vessel, except sailboards, must carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard -approved
personal flotation device (PFD) of suitable size and readily accessible for each person on
board. Also:
• Vessels less than 26 feet in length must carry a wearable PFD for each person on board,
plus one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable device.
• Vessels at least 26 feet in length but less than 40 feet must carry a wearable PFD for
each person on board, plus one throwable 20-, 24- or 30-inch ring buoy.
• Vessels longer than 40 feet must carry one offshore wearable PFD for each person on
board, plus one throwable 20-, 24- or 30-inch ring buoy.
• No child age 12 or under is allowed aboard any vessel when not wearing a PFD of
suitable size, except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored boat. The vessel operator
is responsible for compliance.
• Kayaks and canoes – A U.S. Coast Guard -approved PFD is required to be on board for
each person in a kayak or canoe. Children age 12 and under must wear a properly sized
PFD at all times.
• Paddleboards – Paddleboarders of all ages must wear a U.S. Coast Guard -approved
PFD.
Each PFD must be:
• U.S. Coast Guard approved;
• In good and serviceable condition;
• An appropriate size for the wearer;
• Readily accessible to each person aboard the watercraft at all times.
Types of PFDs:
Inflatable PFDs
The intended use of inflatable PFDs is for many of the same activities
as the inherently buoyant types of PFDs. The user must be aware of the
differences and read the owner's manual to determine the approved
usage.
Wearable
Throwable
