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| According to the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission's
report to the President in 1962, "Water is a focal point of outdoor recreation.
Most people seeking outdoor recreation want water -- to sit by, to swim
and to fish in, to ski across, to dive under, and to run their boats over."
This statement is as true today as it was in 1962, with even more people
participating in water-based recreation.
With all the available surface water in the nation, it is not surprising that recreational boating is a major part of outdoor recreational activities, as well as a significant part of the economy and tourism industry. |
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All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II,
III or Type V PFD) for each person aboard. A Type V PFD provides performance
of either a Type I, II, or III PFD (as marked on its label) and must be
used according to the label requirements. Any boat 16ft and longer (except
canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable PFD (Type IV PFD).
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| Accessibility: Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible. You must be able to put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.). They should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them. The best PFD is the one you will wear. Though not required, a PFD should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. A wearable PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it. Throwable devices must be immediately available for use. |
| Inflatable PFDs: Inflatable PFDs may be more comfortable to wear. The best PFD is the one you will wear. Inflatable PFDs require the user to pay careful attention to the condition of the device. Inflatable PFDs must have a full cylinder and all status indicators on the inflator must be green, or the device is NOT serviceable, and does NOT satisfy the requirement to carry PFDs. Coast Guard Approved Inflatable PFD's are authorized for use on recreational boats by person at least 16 years of age. |
| Child PFD Requirements: Some states require that children
wear PFDs, applies to children of specific ages, applies to certain sizes
of boats, applies to specific boating operations. Check with your
state boating safety officials.
Child PFD approvals are based on the child's weight. Check the "User Weight" on the label, or the approval statement that will read something like "Approved for use on recreational boats and uninspected commercial vessels not carrying passengers for hire, by persons weighing __ lbs". They can be marked "less than 30", "30 to 50", "less than 50", or "50 to 90". |
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| The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing PFDs:
For water skiing and other towed activities (use a PFD marked for water
skiing). While operating personal watercraft (PWC) (use a PFD marked
for water skiing or PWC use). During white water boating activities.
While sailboarding (under Federal law, sailboards are not "boats").
Check with your state boating safety officials.
Federal law does not require PFDs on racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks; state laws vary. Check with your state boating safety officials. If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, other rules may apply. PFD Flotation: There are three basic kinds of PFD flotation in the five types of PFDs with the following characteristics:  |
Inherently Buoyant (primarily Foam)
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Did you know:
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| The Coast Guard and every state have stringent penalties for violating
BUI laws. Penalties can include large fines, suspension or revocation of
boat operator privileges, and jail terms. The Coast Guard and the states
cooperate fully in enforcement in order to remove impaired boat operators
from the waters.
In waters that are overseen solely by the states, the states have the authority to enforce their own BUI statutes. In state waters that are also subject to U.S. jurisdiction, there is concurrent jurisdiction. That means if a boater is apprehended under Federal law in these waters, the Coast Guard will (unless precluded by state law) request that state law enforcement officers take the intoxicated boater into custody. When the Coast Guard determines that an operator is impaired, the voyage may be terminated. The vessel will be brought to mooring by the Coast Guard or a competent and un-intoxicated person on board the recreational vessel. Depending on the circumstances, the Coast Guard may arrest the operator, detain the operator until sober, or turn the operator over to state or local authorities. |
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| Understanding and using the U.S. Aids to Navigation System is an
important part of operating your boat safely.
The Aids to Navigation System is a consistent way to mark the waters of the United States and its territories to assist boaters in navigation, and alert them to obstructions and hazards. This system serves the same function as the safety signals and signs used in driving on streets and highways. The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for the placement and maintenance of Aids to Navigation in U.S. waters. These aids include lighted and unlighted beacons, ranges, leading lights, and buoys, as well as sound signals associated with these aids. Individual states many use markers for information such as shallow water, obstruction such as a rock shoal, or various speed limits or "no wake" zones. |
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| The number of recreational boaters using the nation's waterways
has grown tremendously over the past decade. As our waterways become more
crowded and the types of boats using the water become more varied, it is
increasingly important for boaters to become educated on safe boating techniques
and laws. Boating safety course graduates can help ensure healthy, happy,
and safe voyages for years to come.
Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the country, for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and others sponsor many courses, and many state boating agencies also provide classes. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, and from a "Water 'N Kids" class to courses for boaters who want to learn electronic navigation skills. The most popular basic courses generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. |
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