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B - 1
GENERAL
As the owner/operator of the boat, you are respon-
sible for assuring that all required safety equipment is
aboard. You should also consider supplying additional
equipment as needed for your safety and that of your
passengers. Check state and local regulations and
visit the US Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety
website at www.uscgboating.org for information about
required safety equipment. Also visit the United Power
Squadron website at www.usps.org.
A. Required Safety Equipment
Most of the safety equipment required by federal regu-
lations is provided as standard equipment. Personal
Flotation Devices (life jackets) must fit the persons
wearing them. Minimum requirements include the fol-
lowing:
• Personal Flotation Devices
• Visual Distress Signal
• Bell or Whistle
•
Fire Extinguisher
• Navigation Lights
NOTICE
As the owner/operator of the boat, you are
responsible for assuring that all required safety
equipment is aboard and meets the boating
regulations as prescribed by both federal and
local authorities in your area.
B. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Federal regulations require that you have at least one
Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD)
for each person in a recreational boat. You should
not use your boat unless all PFDs are in serviceable
condition, readily accessible, legibly marked with the
Coast Guard approval number, of an appropriate size
(within the weight range and chest size marked on the
PFD) for each person aboard.
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head
above the water and to help you remain in a satisfac-
tory position while in the water. Body weight and age
should be considered when selecting a PFD. The
buoyancy provided by the PFD should support your
weight in water.
The size of the PFD must be appropriate for the wear-
er. Body weight or chest size are common methods
Boating Safety - Section B
used to size PFDs. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you have the proper number and types of PFDs
on board and that your passengers know where and
how to use them.
C. PFD Types
Five types of PFDs have been approved by the US
Coast Guard. The PFDs are described as follows:
PFD Type 1, Wearable (Figure B1) has the greatest
required buoyancy. Its design allows for turning most
unconscious persons in the water from face down
position to a vertical or slightly backward, face-up
position. It can greatly increase the chances of sur-
vival. Type 1 is most effective for all waters, especially
offshore when rescue may be delayed. It is also the
most effective in rough waters.
Figure B1: Type I, Wearable
PFD Type II, Wearable (Figure B2) turns its wearer
in the same way as Type I, but not as effectively.
The Type II does not turn as many persons under the
same conditions as a Type I. You may prefer to use
this PFD where there is a probability of quick rescue
such as in areas where other people are commonly
involved in water activities.
Figure B2: Type II, Wearable
PFD Type III, Wearable (Figure B3) allows the wearer
to place themselves in a vertical or slightly backward
position. It does not turn the wearer. It maintains the
wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position and
has no tendency to turn the wearer face down. It has
the same buoyancy as a Type II PFD and may be
appropriate in areas where other people are commonly
involved in water activities.
Boating Safety
Owner's Manual Page 27
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