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USCG Boating Safety
 

WEARING YOUR uscg approved Personal Flotation device

There’s no excuse not to wear a USCG Approved personal flotation device or buoyancy aid while on the water.

Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray. So, it's tempting to boat without wearing a personal flotation device or buoyancy aid especially on nice days. But most boating related drownings happen on nice days.

USCG Approved personal flotation devices and buoyancy aids are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests or hunter coats. Others are inflatable as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically fill with air.

How to Choose the Right Personal Flotation Device Brochure (PDF)

 

Things to know

  • The best personal flotation device is the one you will wear.
  • Some personal flotation devices are designed to keep your head above water and help you maintain proper breathing.
  • Some styles are not intended for weak or non swimmers. Read the label and be honest.
  • To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a recreational vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person aboard.
  • Personal flotation device wear rules for children may vary by state.
  • Adult sized personal flotation devices may not work for children. Child sizes are available.
  • When worn correctly, a foam filled personal flotation device fits snugly and will not rise above the wearer’s chin or ears.
  • Foam filled personal flotation devices should be tested for fit and buoyancy at least once a year. Waterlogged, faded, or damaged personal flotation devices should be discarded.
  • Inflatable personal flotation devices should be maintained per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Most adults only need 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy, 31 to 53 Newtons, to keep their heads above water.

How do personal flotation devices save lives?

  • By providing buoyancy if you unexpectedly enter the water.
  • By providing buoyancy if you intentionally enter the water to help someone else.
  • By providing buoyancy when you can no longer stay afloat due to fatigue, injury, or cold.
  • By providing buoyancy if you are a weak or non swimmer.

Personal flotation devices must be

  • The appropriate size for the intended user
  • Appropriate for the intended activity
  • In good and serviceable condition
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved to meet carriage requirements

Size and fit

  • Check the label for user weight and chest size.
  • Different body types float differently.
  • Try your personal flotation device in the water to ensure your airway is clear.
  • A good fit is secure, comfortable, and adjustable.

Accessibility

  • Even when not required by law, a personal flotation device should be worn while the vessel is underway. A wearable personal flotation device can save your life only when you wear it.
  • Wearable personal flotation devices must be readily accessible.
  • You must be able to put it on quickly in an emergency such as a sinking or fire.
  • Do not stow personal flotation devices in plastic bags, locked or closed compartments, or under other gear.
  • Throwable devices must be immediately available for use.

Inflatable personal flotation devices

  • Inflatable personal flotation devices may be more comfortable to wear.
  • They require careful attention to maintenance and condition.
  • Inflatable personal flotation devices must have a full cylinder and all status indicators must be green, otherwise the device is not serviceable and does not satisfy carriage requirements.
  • Inflatables are not appropriate for weak or non swimmers.

Child personal flotation device requirements

  • Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a personal flotation device while the vessel is underway.
  • Exceptions may apply when below deck or within an enclosed cabin.
  • State laws may vary. Check with your state boating safety officials.

Recommended wear situations

The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing personal flotation devices:

  • For water skiing and other towed activities. Use a personal flotation device marked for water skiing.
  • While operating a personal watercraft. Use a personal flotation device marked for water skiing or PWC use.
  • During whitewater boating activities.
  • While sailboarding. Under federal law, sailboards are not classified as boats.

If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, additional rules may apply.

PFD design and categories

Design types: Inherent, Inflatable, Hybrid, and Special Purpose.

Two main classes:

  • Devices that provide face up in water support regardless of physical condition.
  • Devices that require the user to swim or adjust posture to keep the face out of the water.

Wearable PFD categories:

  • Performance Types: Type I, II, III, V
  • Performance Levels: Level 50, 70, 100, 150, 275

The number in a performance level device indicates minimum buoyancy. Buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). For example, 70 N equals 15.74 pounds of buoyancy.

Performance Type devices

  • Type I: greatest inherent buoyancy and turns most unconscious persons from face down to a safer face up position.
  • Type II: intended to turn some unconscious persons to a position where breathing is not impeded.
  • Type III: intended to support a conscious person upright. Not required to turn an unconscious person.
  • Type V: approved for restricted uses such as boardsailing or commercial whitewater rafting. Label specifies approved use and limitations.

Performance Level devices

  • Level 50: for competent swimmers near shore or with help nearby.
  • Level 70: minimal bulk for near shore or with rescue available. Not expected to keep a user safe for long in disturbed water.
  • Level 100: for sheltered water where rescue may take time.
  • Level 150: general use or foul weather clothing. Turns an unconscious person face up.
  • Level 275: primarily for offshore use under extreme conditions.

Personal flotation device size categories

  • Adult: greater than 88 lb
  • Youth: over 55 lb and up to 88 lb
  • Child: over 33 lb and up to 55 lb
  • Infant: 33 lb or less

Minimum buoyancy reference

The following reference tables are presented as responsive layouts for easier reading on mobile.

Inherent (Foam)

Adult Type I, II and III, V, Level 70 22 lb, 15.5 lb, 15.5 to 22 lb, 70 N
Youth Type II and III, V 11 lb, 11 to 15.5 lb
Child and Infant Type II 7 lb
Throwable: Cushion, Ring buoy Type IV 20 lb, 16.5 and 32 lb

Inflatable

Adult Type I and II, III, V 34 lb, 22.5 lb, 22.5 to 34 lb

Hybrid (Foam and Inflation)

Adult Type II and III, V, Level 70 10 lb, 7.5 lb, 40 N 22 lb, 22 lb, 70 N
Youth Type II and III, V 9 lb, 7.5 lb 15 lb, 15 lb
Child Type II 7 lb 12 lb

What personal flotation devices are required to be carried on my recreational boat?

In general, Federal law requires that you must have a Coast Guard-approved, wearable personal flotation device that is in good and serviceable condition and of the appropriate size for each person onboard your vessel. In addition, boats greater than 16 feet in length must carry a Coast Guard-approved throwable device (Type IV). A throwable device is not required on canoes or kayaks regardless of length. For more information on exemptions and the proper use of personal flotation devices, see Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats opens in a new window.

When should I wear my personal flotation device?

The USCG recommends wearing your personal flotation device at all times when the boat is underway.

What are the federal regulations for personal flotation device wear for children?

On a vessel that is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear an appropriate U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device unless they are below deck or within an enclosed cabin. If a state has established a child personal flotation device wear requirement that differs from the Coast Guard requirement, the state requirement will be applicable on waters subject to that state's jurisdiction. Contact your state boating authority for more information.

Who can wear a Coast Guard-approved inflatable personal flotation device?

Inflatable personal flotation devices are generally intended for persons over 80 lbs (39kg). To meet personal flotation device carriage requirements, the intended wearer must be over 16 years of age. See the personal flotation device’s label for more information.

Am I required to carry a personal flotation device on my Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)?

Yes, when used beyond the narrow limits of a swimming, surfing, or bathing area, a SUP is considered a vessel under 46 U.S.C.

If I lose my boating safety certificate, how do I obtain a replacement?

You should contact the organization that issued the certificate and request a replacement card. You may also contact your state boating agency’s boater education department for more details or visit https://www.ilostmycard.com

Is my boating safety certificate valid to operate a boat in another state?

In most cases, yes. However, there are a few states that do not honor a certificate obtained outside of their state. Always check the laws of the state where you will be boating to ensure your current certificate will be accepted. Visit www.nasbla.org

How do I dispose of expired pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals (VDS) or marine flares?

The disposal of expired pyrotechnic devices should be done in accordance with local county and state hazardous waste regulations. Please check with these local authorities to obtain the correct disposal procedures.

How do I register my Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or submit an updated registration form?

You may register online at www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. For more information visit the NOAA website at http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/beacon.html.

What Visual Distress Signals must I carry on my boat?

Visual distress signals are required to be carried onboard vessels operating on the Great Lakes, High Seas, Territorial Seas and connecting waters seaward of a point where the width of the entrance exceeds 2 nautical miles, with certain exceptions. For more information on the types and quantities required and proper use of visual distress signals, see https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf

What is a Vessel Safety Check?

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. The volunteer VSC examiner may also make recommendations and discuss safety issues that can make you a safer boater. No citations will be given if the boat does not pass. The examiner will supply you with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow up with any recommendations. Vessels that pass the examination will be able to display the distinctive VSC decal. The decal does not exempt boaters from law enforcement boarding but indicates to boarding officers that the boat has been examined and found to be in compliance with safety equipment regulations.

What agency is responsible for performing a Vessel Safety Check?

The volunteer Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and a member of either the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, or in some cases state volunteer examiners.

How can I get my recreational vessel inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

"Visit the Vessel Safety Check website at: http://www.safetyseal.net. Click on the tab labeled ""I want a VSC."" Enter your 5-digit ZIP Code and the program will search the database to locate