Life Vest Requirements

Life vests, also referred to as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are a very important piece of equipment when on the water. Not only is it a requirement by the United States Coast Guard to have an adequate amount of life vests available, but they are vital to save the lives of swimmers and boaters when necessary. The majority of drowning cases occur when the victim is not wearing a life vest. They are as important as any other piece of equipment located on your boat or personal watercraft.

  1. Classifications

    • There are five different classifications of life vest: Type I is the offshore life vest, used for rough, open water. If necessary, it will usually turn an unconscious person face-up. Type II is the near shore life vest, used for calmer water. They are inexpensive, less bulky and will usually turn an unconscious person face-up as well. Type III is the flotation aid, used for recreational boating activities. They are considered the most comfortable, but will not usually turn an unconscious person face-up. Type IV is a throwable device used to act as an additional floatation device for a swimmer within reach of the watercraft. They come in the form of boat cushions, ring buoys and horseshoe buoys. Type V is a special use device, which may be in the form of work vests, deck suits and hybrids; they contain some internal buoyancy.

    When to Wear a Life Vest

    • Life vests should be worn on any kind of watercraft, whether a boat or personal watercraft such as a jet ski. All children under the age of 14 must wear an approved life vest aboard a vessel that measures 19 feet or less, including manual-powered vessels such as canoes and kayaks.

    Minimum Buoyancy Requirements

    • Buoyancy in life vests enables a swimmer's head to remain above water. An extra 7 to 12 lbs. of buoyancy are needed to provide adequate flotation. Each type of life vest has minimum buoyancy requirements for adult and youth vests: Type I, 22 lbs.; Type II,15.5 lbs. (adult), 11 lbs. (youth), 7 lbs. (child); Type III, 15.5 lbs. (adult), 11 lbs. (youth); Type IV, 16.5 lbs. (ring buoy), 20 lbs. (boat cushion); and Type V, 15.5 to 22 lbs. (adult).

    Life Vest Types Required

    • Any size boat must have either a Type I, II, III or V life vest for each individual on board. All boats measuring 16 feet and over must have a Type IV flotation device (throwable device). Any boat below that size is required to carry only Type I, II or III life vests.

    Accessibility

    • Any passengers must be able to put on life vests in an adequate amount of time in case of an emergency such as a sinking boat or a fire. They should not be stored away in plastic bags, have other gear piled on top of them at any point or be stowed away in a locked compartment.

    Maintenance

    • Life vests must be maintained and checked for quality at least once a year. Different issues to check for are molding or rips. Before being cleared to use, all types of life vests must be approved by a local branch of the United States Coast Guard. Life vests come in different sizes, ranging from child to youth. It is important to make sure each individual is using the correct size to maximize the effectiveness of the life vest at all times.