Types of Life Vests

Whether sailing, fishing or participating in recreational activities on the water, it is a federal requirement to have at least one Type I, Type II, Type III or Type V wearable personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for each person onboard a vessel. A vessel 16 feet or longer must possess a minimum of one Type IV throwable device onboard, according to the USCG Boating Division. There are five classifications of PFDs, including life vests, that the USCG has approved for recreational boaters.

  1. Offshore Life Jacket

    • An offshore life jacket offers the most buoyancy. The USCG classifies an offshore life jacket as a Type I PFD that works in all types of water, especially where a rescue could take time. Additionally, it can turn most unconscious people wearing the jacket over to face up in the water. The jacket comes in bright colors such as red, yellow and orange, and it typically is bulky.

    Near-Shore Life Vest

    • The USCG has designated near-shore life vests as Type II PFDs. This means the vests are for general recreational boating activities within calm inland waters where a fast rescue is most likely. These jackets can turn some unconscious people over in the water. However, these jackets also might not turn all people face up. This vest also is not designed for surviving long periods in rough water. Additionally, some of these life vest brands are inflatable.

    Flotation Aid

    • The USCG classifies flotation aids as Type III PFDs for use in areas where there is a chance for a fast rescue. A Type III PFD is not designed for prolonged survival in rough water. These jackets are designed for general boating or recreational activity, such as water skiing, designated on the device's label. These aids also are designed for people who are conscious and have fallen into an inland body of water.

    Throwable Device

    • Throwable devices are not life vests but serve as a backup to people who are wearing life vests. The USCG classifies throwable devices as Type IV PFDs. The devices are shaped like horseshoes, rings or cushions and are thrown to a person who is in trouble in the water. A Type IV device is not designed to help people who cannot swim or for use in rough waters for an extended period.

    Special-Use Device

    • Special-use devices may include deck suits, boardsailing vests, hybrid PFDs, work vests or other devices designed for a certain recreational activity. The USCG has designated special-use devices as Type V PFDs and are most commonly worn when kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing. This type of device also is not designed to turn people who are conscious over in the water.