When is it legal for persons over the age of 16 to use inflatable personal flotation devices

COVID-19 Virus: Cleaning and Storing Your PFD Guidance

Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. A life jacket (PFD) can provide that “extra lift” to keep you afloat until help comes. Your weight isn’t the only factor in how much “extra lift” you need. A person’s body fat, lung size, clothing and the water conditions also play an important part. 

There are different types and styles of life jackets.

• When selecting a life jacket (PFD), read the label to make sure it is for a person your size and weight.

• You also need to consider the type of boating and the area in which you will be boating.

Many boaters object to wearing traditional life jackets because they can be uncomfortable and hot. However, there are many US Coast Guard approved life jackets that are specific to an activity and inflatable life jacket (PFDs), which can be lightweight, comfortable, and provide the wearer with greater mobility and comfort.

Inflatables cannot be used by persons under 16 years of age, persons under 90 pounds, or for high speed water sports such as water-skiing or Personal Watercraft operation or riding. As with all life jackets (PFDs), be sure to read the label carefully to be certain that you are using it correctly

Type I Off-shore Life Jacket

Type II Near-shore Buoyant Vest

Type III Flotation Aid

Type IV Throwable Device

Type V  Special Purpose

• Type I and Type II tend to turn an unconscious person face up with Type I providing the most buoyancy. TYPE V may only be used for its special designated purpose. They must be worn to count.

• All life jackets must be United States Coast Guard approved and in good serviceable condition.

• All life jackets must be readily accessible. Better yet-wear yours!

• Buy the right size. A life jacket should not be able to be pulled up past the ears.

• Buy the right kind - will depend on the type of boating.

• Ski belts are not legal life jackets in Connecticut.

Special PFD Requirements: Connecticut

During the period from October 1st through May 31st, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and no operator, or owner or user of a manually propelled vessel shall allow any person to be aboard who is not wearing such a device.

The operator or owner of any vessel being used for recreational purposes must require any child twelve years of age and under who is aboard such vessel to wear a personal flotation device while the vessel is underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Trying Your Life Jacket

Try on your life jacket to see if it fits comfortably snug. Then test it in shallow water to see how it handles.

Tilt your head back. The life jacket should keep your chin above water so you can breathe easily.

Caring for Your Life Jacket

Follow these points to be sure that your life jacket stays in good condition:

• If your life jacket doesn’t fit, get one that does.

• Don’t put heavy objects on your life jacket or use it for a kneeling pad or boat fender. Life jackets lose buoyancy when crushed.

• Let your life jacket drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. Always stow it in a well-ventilated place.

• Don’t leave your life jacket on board for long periods of time when the boat is not in use.

• Never dry your life jacket on any direct heat source.

• Put your name on your life jacket if you’re the only wearer.

• Practice throwing your Type IV PFD. Cushions throw best underhand.

• Service inflatables regularly as required.

All recreational vessels must carry an appropriate lifejacket for each person on board. Lifejackets must be the correct size for the wearer and must be in good working order. Inflatable lifejackets must be properly serviced.

Lifejackets must be stored in a location that allows quick and easy access. Lifejackets must be visible to passengers, or their location clearly marked by an unobstructed sign which states ‘LIFEJACKETS’ in red lettering against a white background.

Requirements for wearing lifejackets are outlined here and are summarised in the following table.

Lifejacket wear requirements on NSW waters

# You must wear a lifejacket when directed by the master of a vessel. For example, when the master considers there is heightened risk of an incident occurring, or if it might be difficult for you to help yourself if an incident was to occur. Examples of heightened risk include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Boating in inclement weather, such as during a gale warning, storm warning, severe thunderstorm warning or other severe weather event warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology;
• When a yacht does not have safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses or jack lines in use
• Boating with the elderly, non-swimmers and people with serious medical conditions.
• When a vessel has broken down;
• When there is a significant likelihood that a vessel may capsize, be swamped by waves or vessel occupants may fall overboard or be forced to enter the water; and
• Other similar circumstances.

* The above table is a summary only. For full details, see Marine Safety Regulations.

* Penalties apply for not carrying the required number of lifejackets and for not wearing a lifejacket when required.

*For more information on the lifejacket laws, see our FAQs.

Your lifejacket must comply with:

• The Australian Standard for lifejackets (AS 4758); or
• The International Standard (ISO 12402); or
• One of the approved standards for the lifejacket types listed below.

Lifejacket level 100+ (formerly known as Type 1)

One of the following recognised standards for lifejackets (or lifejacket type) that has been approved by a recognised appraiser:

• European Standard EN ISO 12402-2,3,4
• Underwriters Laboratories Standards UL 1180 – fully inflatable recreational personal floatation devices
• New Zealand Standard NZS 5823:2005

Any standard or specification approved by Transport for NSW (including any standard or specification previously approved by Roads and Maritime Services).

Lifejacket level 50 (formerly known as Type 2)

• European Standard EN ISO 12402-5
• Any standard or specification approved by Transport for NSW (including any standard or specification previously approved by Roads and Maritime Services).

Lifejacket level 50S (formerly known as Type 3)

• European Standard EN ISO 12402-5
• Any standard or specification approved by Transport for NSW (including any standard or specification previously approved by Roads and Maritime Services).

A recognised appraiser includes any of the following:

• A certifying body accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS–ANZ); or
• A laboratory with National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation; or
• A notified body in accordance with the European Union Maritime Equipment Directive, Module B (MED–B); or
• A body approved by Transport for NSW (including anybody previously approved by Roads and Maritime Services).

The following lifejacket standards have been superseded. Lifejackets carrying these standards will continue to be recognised as acceptable where the lifejacket is in good working order, existed and was in use prior to the commencement of the Marine Safety Regulation 2016 (7 October 2016).

• AS 1512-1996, Personal flotation devices - Type 1 (and any previous version of that standard)
• AS 2260-1996, Personal flotation devices – Type 3 (and any previous version of that standard)
• AS 1499-1996, Personal flotation devices - Type 2 (and any previous version of that standard)

For more information on the lifejacket standards, see our FAQs.