Thread: Life jackets on the big four

not sure but i was told if big motor was running you had to have life jacket on

This is what I found but lakes can also have their own rules.

A Federal Regulation went into effect May 1, 1995, which requires operators of all boats to have at least one wearable life jacket or personal flotation device, for each person aboard. Under the new regulation a throwable PFD (Type IV) will no longer qualify as a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet.

Laws for Required Wearing of PFDs : In addition to the federal PFD carriage requirements, Mississippi has the following requirements for wearing a PFD:

Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever underway in a vessel under 26 feet in length. Children’s PFDs must be securely fastened and be size appropriate for the wearer. Every person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) or being towed behind a PWC must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not intended for use while participating in tow sports or other high impact sports.

Children 12 and under must wear a PFD underway in boats less than 26 feet!

all persons in a watercraft less than 16 ft. must wear one at all times .If you grabble from a small boat ,just make sure you get out of boat before removing life vest .lol

Here is what I THINK I know. With the big motor running you need to have one on. Other than that, not necessary. Craft LESS than 16 feet, one is necessary ALL the time.

Under 16' wear it 24/7. Over 16' only when big motor is running. Over 16' must have a throwable on board at all times. "Seat cushions with straps"

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Under 16' wear it 24/7. Over 16' only when big motor is running. Over 16' must have a throwable on board at all times. "Seat cushions with straps"

Also on the big 4, if you use inflateable vest you can remove it while fishing. If you use the inflatable belt it must be worn at all times in any size boat. Children under 12 must wear one at all times on any size boat.

Before I got my Auto Inflatable I always removed it when I could. Since I got the inflatable, I never found the need to take it off. I went that way because even though I can swim fine, being older and fat, I can't get back into the boat if I fell out.

One of these are great if you fall out and don't have a mounted one on your boat.
Unified Marine Rope Ladder - Walmart.com