Section 1
Equipment requirements for coastal and inland waters differ. Check with local authorities or the USCG for further
information about coastal water requirements.
The following equipment may or may not be required by federal/local regulations.
Life Saving Equipment
Federal law requires at least one Type I, II, III, or V Personal Flotation Device (PFD), of the proper size, for each person on board or being towed, and at least one Type IV throwable PFD in the boat.
There are four types of PFDs to wear and one type used for throwing in emergency situations.
Type I Life Preserver: Most buoyant PFDs are effective on all waters, especially open, rough water.
Type II Buoyant Vest: Good for calm water near shore on most inland waters where quick rescue is likely.
Type III Flotation Aid: Good for most inland water applications where quick rescue is likely. Comes in various styles and some are designed for water sport activities.
Type V Hybrid PFD: Inflatable design for special use activities and may be used instead of a Type I, II, or III PFD if used in accordance with the approval conditions on the label and if worn when the boat is underway. Some Type V PFDs provide increased protection against hypothermia.
Type I
Life Preservers
Type II
Buoyant Vests
Type III
Flotation Aids
Type V - Hybrid PFD
Must Be Worn
When Underway
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