U.S. Coast Guard Required Equipment
This section covers the minimum re- Types Of PFDs
quirements needed to satisfy United States
Type I PFDs are designed as offshore lifejack-
Coast Guard regulations. Many boaters,
ets. They provide more buoyancy than other
especially those venturing offshore, will want
types and are designed to turn an unconscious
to carry additional items. At the very least,
wearer in the water to a face-up position. Type
most boats should carry backup supplies of
I jackets come in sizes for adults and children.
flares in case any of them must be used (or
The smaller jackets provide a minimum of 11
in case any fail to work properly).To meet
pounds of buoyancy; the larger jackets provide
U.S. Coast Guard standards, all equipment
at least 22 pounds of buoyancy.
must be Coast Guard approved; approved
Type II PFDs are designed as near-shore
equipment will be labeled as such. There is
lifejackets and, although they will turn some
no prohibition against carrying additional
unconscious wearers to a face-up position
non-approved equipment. In addition to
in the water, the turning action is not as
the equipment listed below, all vessels must
pronounced as with Type I PFDs. Adult sizes
comply with the Navigation Rules regarding
provide at least 15.5 pounds of buoyancy;
navigation lights and sound signals.
medium children’s sizes provide about 11
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
pounds. Small children’s sizes provide at
PFDs must be Coast Guard approved and
least 7 pounds of buoyancy.
in “good and serviceable” condition. They
Type III PFDs are to be used in near-shore
should be the appropriate size for each per-
waters when there is a good chance of a nt
son wearing them, must be readily accessible,
quick rescue. Wearers will usually have to
turn themselves face-up in the water and
me
and must be removed from any plastic or
other wrapping. Obviously, they should not
may have to lean back to avoid turning face-
be stored in locked or remote lockers. Other
down. Type IIIs have the same minimum
gear should not be stored on top of PFDs. All
buoyancy as Type IIs and come in many
throwable devices must be instantly avail-
types and styles. They are often designed
able. When applicable, it is important to buy
with fashion in mind, as well as safety. Float
PFDs that are specifically designed for small
coats and vest styles can often be worn to
USCG Equip
children. Most adult-sized flotation devices
provide extra warmth in addition to safety.
do not fit a smaller person properly and, in
Type IV PFDs are throwable devices in-
fact, may cause the person wearing one to
tended for use in near-shore waters. They are
float in a dangerous position. Some states
not designed to be worn in the water. The
require that PFDs be worn by children of
most common type is the popular flotation
specific ages under certain conditions. Check
cushion, which is often used in dinghies and ules
small craft. Horseshoe buoys, another Type
R
with your state boating safety officials. Re-
member, PFDs will keep you from sinking,
IV PFD, are often found on the stern pulpits
but not necessarily from drowning. Take the
of offshore boats. These devices often remain
time to select a properly sized PFD to ensure
in the sun for long periods and should be
a safe fit. Testing your PFD in shallow water
inspected frequently for wear. Note that Type
or a guarded swimming pool is a good and
IV PFDs no longer fulfill the PFD require-
reassuring practice. Though not required by
ment for small boats.
law, it is advisable to wear a PFD at all times
Type V PFDs are special-use devices de-
when underway. A point often overlooked is
signed for particular water activities. They
the great danger present in using small din-
may be carried instead of another PFD only
ghies away from the large boat. Small boats
if used according to the approval condition
are inherently less stable and seaworthy than
on that label. These devices include deck
larger ones. PFDs are required on board all
suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and
vessels, though there are some federal and
hybrid PFDs. A typical use is aboard offshore
state exemptions for racing kayaks, wind
oil platforms where a normal PFD would be
surfers and so on.
too bulky or too fragile.
HYBRID PFDs are the least bulky of all.
They incorporate both inherent buoyancy
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