How did I miss this Reg.

[rickhise]

Fishing in Tenn. waters this week, check by G/Warden when I produced the auto inflate PFD, it didnt count. You cant store them you have to ware it, if its stored there must be a normal (ski vest) PFD in the boat.
Help me understand the logic you can store the other PFD, but not not the auto/manual inflate pfd's....( I was ok I had it also,)

[raincheck]

I have aways been told that PFD need to be out for easy access and you have too wear the auto type all the time.

[Netboy Extraordinaire]

I was told the Auto/Manual Type did not count because if the metal canister that inflates the PFD was to fail then the life jacket fails. So there is no guarantee that it will inflate auto or manual, so it isn't considered a PFD until it is inflated.

[markmac60]

I thought that as well netboy, but why would it count if you have it on? Maybe I just read that into it. Were they saying you're legal if you were wearing it Rick?

[Grumpy]

We have been throught this many times on this board and others. The KY Boating Guide on page 41 for REQUIRED EQUIPMENT, says: "Check the label on inflatable types of PFDs. Some older models meet Coast Guard approval only when worn."

According to previous conversations/contacts with KY Fish and Wild Life, this means that if you are using an inflatable PFD that says ONLY WHEN WORN, you must wear it all the time OR have an regular PFD on standby.
All PFDs must be accessable and NOT STORED OR STOWED.

To my knowledge, no one has ever really explained the CG determined that some inflatables must be worn to be legal and others don't have to be. The bottom line is, it is easier to keep an extra PFD on hand than to loose fishing time arguing with a cO.

Gruimpy

[rickhise]

I thought that as well netboy, but why would it count if you have it on? Maybe I just read that into it. Were they saying you're legal if you were wearing it Rick?

yes

[mkmsports41]

That is what my father has, and wears it at all times. Were stopped once and were told by the KY Game Warden that it has to be worn at all times to count as well.

[Carter1]

I was stopped for the same thing. I had my inflatable lying on my seat as did my partner. I told him that the tag on my vest did not state it had to be worn all the time. He told me that was a Coast Guard rule. He said in KY if you use an inflatable you either have to wear it all the time or have a regular PFD lying out in sight if you take the other one off. I did not argue with him as his job is to enforce the laws not write them. I did not get a citation which made me happy.

[lilmule]

I thought the reason people bought them so as not to hinder and be worn all the time.
Dont own one but wear the normal one all the time,except very hot weather.
If you fall overboard when its rolling and pitching how will it help you,I think they are neat,wouldnt be as warm or hot,but why arnt you wearing them?
Out of the half a doz fatalities on ky lake every year,none are wearing their pfds.
As for Tn game wardens they are checking everyone right now due to enforcement of 3 rig alabama rigs its $150 for each rod rigged with more than a 3 rig on deck,from center of lake slightly above blood river to state line at the other end.Gville just below nickajack would be a hot spot as well.As would be any shared waters with a state that has regs that do not match concerning a rigs.

[rickhise]

IM ok with the rule, I took it for granted if it (a CG approved pfd) was handy it was good now I know better.
IM sure there has been many on here hollaring foul, if the normal vest can be stored (but acessible Y is auto manual device required to be worn, if IM O/board what good is the one laying in the boat doing me.....

the reason they were there is another topic.
Tenn. officials admitt they have some fine tuning on the A rig issue, but its getting attention

[roadrunner]

I have always been told when the coast guard approved the inflatables they did so because they were comfortable that they might wear them all the time and that is better than a regular life jacket not worn. So they approved them with the proviso that hey must be worn to be legal.

[alycat]

I didn't know you could get fined just for having an a rig? I'd fight that one in court. They should only be able to fine you for useing it not just having it. Thats like fineing you for having too many rods on your boat deck.