EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Florida law requires the owner and/or operator of a vessel to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the federal safety equipment requirements adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
LIFE JACKETS
The life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear for any boater. The U. S. Coast Guard estimates over 70% of boaters who drown in a boating incident would have survived if they had only worn a life jacket. Isn’t that reason enough to buy a good quality life jacket and wear it always? Boating is a sport and having good quality gear is important for everyone onboard the boat.
There must be a wearable USCG-approved life jacket (Type I, II, or III or V) for each person on a boat. The life jacket must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer, in good and serviceable condition (no rips/tears, etc.), and readily accessible. In addition, there must be an immediately available throwable (Type IV personal flotation device) on boats 16-feet and greater in length (except canoes, kayaks, racing sculls).
Other Situations
The best option is to always wear a life jacket, however, the smart boater will definitely wear a life jacket anytime there is a chance of the following:
- High boat traffic – increased boat traffic elevates the risk of collision.
- Severe weather – high seas and winds increase the chance of capsizings and swamping.
- Dangerous water conditions – swift water, especially at or near low-head dams, create unsafe conditions and need to be avoided.
- Dangerous local conditions – rip tides, water intakes and discharges, shoaling and unmarked hazardous are of concern when boating in unfamiliar waters.
- When off-shore – the further away from land you travel, the greater the need to wear a PFD.
- Operating at night – night boating presents hazards such as unseen floating objects, difficult visibility and unlit structures.
- When boating alone – always consider wearing a PFD when boating solo as there is no one available to assist you should you end up in the water. Attempting to put on a vest after you are in the water is a tiring, extremely difficult maneuver, especially in a situation where the water is cold, or the waves are high, and you are experiencing a life-threatening situation.
According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, most boating fatalities occur on calm waters on inland lakes, ponds and streams.
Life Jackets - Selecting the Right One
Life jackets come in a variety of shapes, colors and materials. Some are made for rugged use while others are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure to get one that is right for you, your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Remember, spending a little time now may save your life later.
 Read the inside label of a life jacket for restrictions, size, weight, and USCG approval. Most life jackets are made for general boating activities, but some are only for specific activities. Read the label to ensure the life jacket is appropriate for the intended wearer and activity.
Inherently Buoyant PFDs are foam filled and will float without any additional action by the wearer.
 Inflatable PFDs have CO2 filled bladders. Manual inflatables require action by the wearer. Automatic inflation devices inflate without action by the wearer. Made in adult sizes only (at least 16 years of age and more than 80 pounds). Not recommended for non-swimmers. Not for water sports like skiing and white water or for personal watercraft.
 Hybrid PFDs – combines foam and inflatable air bladder for extra life. Adult and child sizes. Non-swimmers can use.
The Correct Fit
Select a life jacket for the activity you will be participating in. Many large stores sell life jackets, as well as marine retail stores. Follow these steps to ensure the life jacket you select fits properly:
- Put on the life jacket, ensuring all straps, zippers and ties are fastened firmly and correctly.
- Raise your arms over your head (reach for the sky).
- Have someone firmly lift the life jacket straight up by the shoulders.
- The life jacket must stay in place. If it rises above your nose or mouth, so will water!
Test Your PFD
 Test your life jacket in a pool or shallow water to see how you float. Children should always be watched closely.- Relax and let your head tilt slightly back.
- The life jacket must keep your chin above water.
- A life jacket that is too large may slip off and float away.
Types of Life Jackets
Choosing a life jacket you will wear for your planned activity is important. The type of life jacket you choose depends on the activity in which you are participating, such as water skiing, riding on a PWC, or fishing 30-miles off-shore. All new life jackets come with a product information brochure explaining what type of life jacket it is, what the advantages and disadvantages are and how to care for the product. Always check the label to determine the type level of your life jacket and if it is the appropriate size for the intended wearer.
A life jacket may also be referred to as a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). The best life jacket is the one people will wear.
 Inflatable life jackets are rated at different Type levels (I, II, III or V).
There are two basic designs of inflatable life jackets; one stage and two stage. A one stage inflatable means the jacket is worn over the shoulder, and when the jacket inflates, it is on the wearer and ready to use. A two stage inflatable is first inflated, and then the person must place the life jacket over his or her head. Waist packs and waist belts are two stage inflatable life jackets. There are two big advantages to using inflatable life jackets: (1) they are lightweight and comfortable (meaning you’re more likely to wear them) and (2) they take up only about 1/6th the amount of storage space on your boat when compared to the traditional foam filled life jackets. Like all life jackets, the inflatables do require a certain amount of care and maintenance to ensure they are in good and serviceable condition should you ever need to deploy them.
INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS ARE NOT TO BE WORN BY ANYONE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE, PERSONAL WATERCRAFT RIDERS, SKIERS/TUBERS/WAKEBOARDERS, OR WHILE BOATING IN WHITEWATER.
Inherently buoyant life jackets are rated at different Type levels (I, II, III or V) and float without any action by the wearer. They are made of a buoyant material such as foam or neoprene. Foam filled life jackets generally have an outer shell made of nylon, They are worn over the shoulder and are fastened to the wearer by a zipper, buckles, ties or a combination of fasteners.
The US Coast Guard classifies life jackets into 5 “Types”, with each Type having special features. Types I, II, III and V are “wearable” life jackets, while the Type IV is a “throwable” device such as a seat cushion or ring buoy.
Type I – "Offshore". Provides sufficient floatation to keep most adults turned face up, even if unconscious. They are large, bulky, and hot, but provides the most flotation (22 pounds) of the inherently buoyant life jackets. The Type I is recommended for non-swimmers. The Type I Hybrid life jacket provides both foam and an inflatable system in one jacket.
Type II – "Near Shore". Provides a minimum of 15.5 pounds of buoyancy and will turn some unconscious person face up in the water. The Type II is an excellent choice for children (some models have a collar handle and crotch strap for added safety). Inflatable Type II's are available.
Type III – "Flotation Aid". Provides a minimum of 15.5 pounds of buoyancy and will not normally turn an unconscious person face-up in the water. Includes inflatable and foam type life jackets. The Type III is the most versatile and comfortable Type of life jacket. They are an excellent choice for most boating activities including water skiing, wake boarding, tubing, paddle sports, hunters and anglers. Most inflatable life jackets are rated at Type III.
Type IV – "Throwable Special Use Device". The Type IV are manufactured in 3 styles; (1) Seat cushion, (2) Horseshoe, and (3) Ring Buoy. They are designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held. It is not designed to be worn. One Type IV must be on all boats 16 feet in length or longer in addition to the required wearable life jacket (in most states canoes, kayaks and racing shells are exempt from the requirement to carry a Type IV). Currently, there are no approved inflatable Type IVs.
Type V – "Wearable Special Use Device". The Type V Hybrids include wet suits and survival suits. They must be worn for the activity stated on the label for it to meet carriage requirements. Some inflatable life jackets are rated at Type V.
U. S. Coast Guard recreational boating statistics show approximately seventy (70) percent of all fatal boating accident deaths are caused by drowning. Of those who drowned, approximately ninety (90) percent of the victims were not wearing their life jacket. In fact, in a recent 10 year period, life jackets were not worn in 82% of all fatal accidents.Citations and fines are issued to boat operators who fail to carry sufficient PFDs or are found carrying improper life jackets for the number and types of passengers on board.
Serviceability Requirements
No PFD may exhibit deterioration that could diminish the performance of the PFD, including:
- Metal or plastic hardware used to secure the PFD that is broken, deformed, or weakened by corrosion;
- Webbings or straps used to secure the PFD on the wearer that are ripped, torn, or which have become separated from an attachment point on the PFD; or
- Any other rotted or deteriorated structural component that fails when tugged.
- Rips, tears, or open seams in fabric or coatings;
- Buoyant material that has become hardened, non-resilient, permanently compressed, waterlogged, oil-soaked, or which shows evidence of fungus or mildew; or
- Loss of buoyant material or buoyant material that is not securely held in position.
In addition to meeting the requirements of above, an inflatable PFD, including the inflatable components of a hybrid inflatable PFD, must be equipped with:
- A properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation CO2 cartridge and all status indicators showing that the inflation mechanism is properly armed:
- Inflatable chambers that are all capable of holding air;
- Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, detached, or broken;
- A manual inflation lanyard or lever that is not inaccessible, broken, or missing;
- Inflator status indicator that is not broken or otherwise non-functional.
- The inflation system of an inflatable PFD need not be armed when the PFD is worn inflated and meets the rest of the requirements.
Carriage Requirements
As stated before, there must be a wearable life jacket (Type I, II, or III or V) for each person on the boat, USCG approved, and of the appropriate size for the intended wearer. In addition, there must be an immediately available throwable (Type IV) on boats 16-feet and greater in length.
- Type I, II, or III wearable PFDs must be readily accessible unless it is required to be worn.
"Readily Accessible" means the PFDs are stowed where they can be easily reached, or are out in the open ready for wear. A readily accessible PFD cannot be in a protective covering or under lock and key.
- Type IV throwable PFD must be immediately available.
"Immediately available" means the PFD shall be quickly reachable in an emergency situation. An immediately available PFD cannot be in a protective covering, in a closed compartment or under other equipment.
- Type V must meet labeling requirements stamped on the inside of the PFD. In most cases, the Type V must be worn in order for it to meet the legal carriage requirements.
Florida Mandatory Life Jacket Wear Requirements
- Every child under 6 years of age must wear a USCG approved life jacket (Type I, II or III) on a vessel less than 26 feet in length while the vessel is underway. "Underway" shall mean at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
- Each person onboard a PWC, which is underway, must wear a non-inflatable USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V Hybrid life jacket. Check the life jacket label for details. "Underway" shall mean at all times except when a vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
- A life jacket is required for anyone being pulled/towed (skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, etc.).
All required lifesaving devices shall be USCG approved, in serviceable condition and so placed as to be readily accessible.
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