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PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD)
PFD’s on Recreational Vessels
No person shall operate or permit the operation of a vessel on the waters of the state unless the vessel has on board United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices.
Tennessee Child Life Jacket Law
- All children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD, while on the open deck of a recreational boat, when the boat is underway.
More TN Life Jacket Requirements
- In addition to the wearable Type I, II, III, or V for each person on a boat, all boats 16 feet and greater (except canoes and kayaks) must carry at least one type IV floatation device on board,
- Anyone onboard, or being towed by a PWC, must wear a Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.
Life Jackets Required Below Dams in Tennessee
A U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device must be worn by each person on board vessels being operated within specifically marked areas below any dam.
Life Jacket, Vest, PFD
Whatever you call them, they will save your life…
The life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear for any
boater. It is estimated over 85% of boaters who die in a boating incident would
have survived if they had only been wearing a PFD. Isn’t that reason enough to
buy a good quality life jacket and wear it always? Boating is a sport, and
having the best safety gear available is critical.
PFD- 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.
The Correct Fit
Select a life jacket for the activity you will be participating in. Many large stores (Wal-Mart, K-Mart) 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.
- Relax and let your head tilt slightly back.
- The life jacket must keep your chin above water.
- If you are a large person, consider a Type I or inflatable life
jacket to support your body weight.
The 5 Types of PFDs
Wearable, inherently buoyant and inflatable PFDs are available in
Types I, II, III and V).
Inflatable life jackets are rated at different Type levels (I,
II, III or V). Always check the label to determine the Type level of
your PFD. 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.
| Type I – Offshore. Provides sufficient floatation to keep
most adults turned face up, even if unconscious Large, bulky, and hot,
but provides the most flotation (22 pounds) of the inherently buoyant
life jackets. Recommended for non-swimmers. The Type I Hybrid life
jacket provides both foam and an inflatable system in one jacket. |
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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 are
available. |
| Type III – Flotation Aid. Provides a minimum of 15.5 pounds
of buoyancy. Will not normally turn an unconscious person face-up in the
water. Includes inflatable and foam type life jackets. Most versatile
and comfortable type of life jackets. Excellent choice for most boating
activities including water skiing, wake boarding, tubing, paddle sports,
hunters and anglers. |
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Type IV – Throwable Special Use Device. Seat
cushion or ring buoy styles. Designed to be thrown to a person in the
water and grasped and held. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV PFD
devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. One
Type IV must be on all boats 16 feet or longer (canoes and kayaks are exempt)s in addition to the required
wearable life jacket. |
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Type V – Wearable Special Use Device. Hybrids include some
inflatable life jackets, wet suits and survival suits. Must be worn for
the activity stated on the label for it to meet carriage requirements. |
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, that are large enough to
allow the loss of buoyant material;
- 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 (wearing it is the best choice):
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 one throwable Type IV on all boats 16 feet or longer (canoes and kayaks are exempt).
(1) Vessels less than sixteen feet (4.9 meters) in length, and canoes and kayaks of any length, must have one Type I, II, or III PFD of the proper size for each person on board.
(2) Vessels sixteen feet (4.9 meters) or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, must have one Type I, II, or III wearable PFD of the proper size for each person on board and, in addition, one Type IV throwable PFD.
(3) Alternate PFD requirement. A United States Coast Guard approved Type V PFD may be carried in lieu of any required PFD under this section if it is approved for the activity in which the vessel is engaged in and used in compliance with requirements on the approval label.
(4) Stowage and condition. All personal flotation devices required by this section shall be readily accessible to all persons on board and be in good and serviceable condition. All devices shall be approved by the United States Coast Guard and marked in compliance with Coast Guard standards.
(5) Exemptions. Racing shells, rowing sculls and racing kayaks are exempt from the requirements of this section provided they are manually propelled, recognized by a national or international racing association and designed solely for competitive racing.Other Situations
The best option is to always wear a vest, however, the smart boater will
definitely wear a vest 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.
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