This type of PFD provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wears in the water to a face-up position. The Type I PFD comes in two sizes. The adult size provides at least 22 pounds buoyancy, the child size provides at least 11 pounds buoyancy.
This type of PFD is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. The Type II PFD will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water. The turning action is not as pronounced and it will not turn as many persons to a face-up position under the same conditions as a Type I. An adult size device provides at least 15 1/2 pounds buoyancy, a medium child provides 11 pounds. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy.
The Type III PFD is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. It is designed so wearers can place themselves in a face-up position in the water. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face-down in the water. The Type III has the same minimum buoyancy as a Type II PFD. It comes in many styles, colors, and sizes and is generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed with features suitable for various sports activities are examples of this type PFD.
The Type IV PFD is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyancy cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.
The Type V Hybrid Inflatable PFD is the least bulky of all PFD types. It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy, and an inflatable chamber. Its performance is equal to a Type I, II, or III PFD (as noted on the PFD label) when inflated.
Hybrid PFDs must be worn when underway to be acceptable.
A water skier is considered on board the vessel and a PFD is required for the purposes of compliance with PFD carriage requirements. It is advisable and recommended for skiers and PWC (Personal Water Craft) riders to wear a PFD designed to withstand the impact of hitting the water at high speed. "Impact Class" marking on the label refers to PFD strength, not personal protection. Most states require skiers and PWC riders to wear PFDs while underway.
FLORIDA LAW and PFD'sAll persons in the State of Florida under the age of 6, while onboard an underway vessel less than 26 feet, are required to wear an approved PFD. In this situation, the operator of the vessel is the one responsible to insure that small children are wearing an approved PFD. All persons in the State of Florida operating or riding on a personal watercraft must wear an approved PFD. Section 327.50 (1)(b) of the Motor Vehicle Laws of Florida, Vessel Registration and Safety chapter, states: " No person shell operate a vessel less than 26 feet in length on the waters of this state unless every person under 6 years of age on board the vessel is wearing a type I, type II, or type III Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while such vessel is underway. For the purpose of this section, "underway" shall mean at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground." Section 327.39 of the Motor Vehicle Laws of Florida, Vessel Registration and Safety chapter, states: " A person may not operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on or being towed behind such vessel is wearing a type I, type II, type III, or Type V personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard." |
KNOW BEFORE YOU GOCoast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. For a more thorough discussion and complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your vessel, you can request a free copy of Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats by leaving an E-mail message with the Flotilla Communications Services Officer.
In addition to the federal requirements listed above, the owner/operator may be required to comply with additional regulations specific to the State in which the vessel is registered or operated. State laws vary. A vessel in compliance with the laws of Florida may not meet the requirements of another State where operated. To insure compliance with State boating laws, contact the appropriate boating agency of your state. |