PFD

[kydonky]

"Heard" today that if you are using one of the "inflatable vests" it now has to be worn "at all times" whereas a "regular" PFD only has to be "in the boat". Anything to this? Was told this was a recent change. I carry both anyway...just wondering!

Yes this is true to a point. To count as a floatation device in the boat it must be worn. So if you have two people on the boat and you have one foam filled vest and one inflatable vest, the inflatable vest must be worn to count as the required number of vests needed on the boat.

However, if you have two foam vests and an inflatable, the two foam vests would count for the required number of vests.

I wear mine in cold temps but I have several foam vests as well to meet the requirements.

[Grumpy]

Kydonky, what you wrote is WRONG. ALL INFLATABLE PFDs do not need to be worn to be approved. I have a Suspenders Inflatable PFD that DOES NOT have the statement: APPROVED ONLY WHEN WORN. I have been checked by KYFWD and local gamewardens and have never been cited for not having an approved PFD.

Go to page 41 of the Boating Regulation I linked above and you can see it for yourself.

Grumpy

[deaconlab]

Thanks for all the feedback. Think I'll keep both types just to be safe. Course I wear one when running and at night anyway. Thanks everybody.

[kydonky]

Kydonky, what you wrote is WRONG. ALL INFLATABLE PFDs do not need to be worn to be approved. I have a Suspenders Inflatable PFD that DOES NOT have the statement: APPROVED ONLY WHEN WORN. I have been checked by KYFWD and local gamewardens and have never been cited for not having an approved PFD.

Go to page 41 of the Boating Regulation I linked above and you can see it for yourself.

Grumpy

You are correct. Most inflatables are class V pfd's though. Class V pfds must be worn to count (this class also includes survival suits). There may be some inflatables rated as class IV or III. I have the belt type and it does not count unless I have it on.

I got my info from coast guard regs. They note the class V has to be "worn" AND used per lable.
TYPE V: Special-Use Devices
These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. Some Type V PFDs are designed to inflate when you enter the water. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be worn and used in accordance with their label.