By Bob Currie, Vessel Examiner
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 081-06-08
USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 081-06-08 is based at Coast Guard Station Galveston. The Auxiliary’s vessel examiners perform safety checks on all types of recreational boats. In this discussion of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), we will discuss Personal Flotation Devices (PFD). Acceptable PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved and in good, serviceable condition. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can deteriorate just about anything, including the fabric and buckles used on PFDs. A wearable PFD of suitable size is required for each person on the boat. Children must have properly fitted PFDs designed for children. Wearable PFDs shall be readily accessible. PFDs shall NOT be stored in unopened plastic packaging. Boats 16 feet or longer, excluding canoes and kayaks, must also have one Type IV (throwable) device, which shall be immediately accessible.

Until recently, Type IV PFDs, commonly called a floatable cushion, have all been foam filled. The Coast Guard has recently approved a self-inflating throwable device, the Throw Raft TD2401 (see https://www.throwraft.com/). It works just like an inflatable Type V PFD using a CO2 cartridge. Immediately accessible means that you must be able to reach the device immediately without having to open a storage locker.

The important thing to remember about PFDs is you must be wearing them for them to work. Of deaths due to drowning in boating accidents, 91% of those who died were not wearing a PFD. For Personal Watercraft riders, the PFD MUST be worn. An impact rating is recommended, but not required. If you wear an impact vest, it must be Coast Guard approved. Texas law requires all children under 13 years of age in all vessels under 26 feet in length to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD while underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to shore, or aground. The Coast Guard recommends that you test a child’s PFD immediately after purchase. You should test your PFD in a swimming pool. It should fit snuggly and not slip off.

The Coast Guard has a very good web page on PFD selection, use, wear and care. You may find it at https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp.

Note: Type V inflatable PFDs, which use a CO2 cartridge for inflation, are NOT approved for use by anyone under 16 years of age. Type V inflatable PFDs must be worn while underway in order to meet Coast Guard requirements.

One final note: The Coast Guard has determined that SUP boards operated outside a surfing, swimming, or bathing area are “vessels” under Coast Guard regulations. Paddlers operating outside the above listed areas must have a Coast Guard approved PFD. A paddler 12 years or younger must wear their Coast Guard approved PFD.

For more information on boating safety, please visit the Official Website of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division at www.uscgboating.org.

Questions about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or our free Vessel Safety Check program may be directed to me at [email protected]. SAFE BOATING!
[8-28-2017]