Thread: Question that came up today while on the water

If they make them in youth sizes i would say yes look inside vest and see what it says

That is a good question. I would write the state and the coast guard and ask both the same question worded the same way. If their answer was that the child could wear a inflatable I would get them one but I would carry those letters with me as proof because you know you will be checked by someone that is going to say it can't be done.

pfd are weight/size specific nothing about age .

I would say yes,besides it a rule not a law.

Negative ghost rider.... kids under 12 are REQUIRED!

Originally Posted by k_anthony

Negative ghost rider.... kids under 12 are REQUIRED!

Not what the Mississippi Digest says:
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. In addition, boats 16 feet and over must have a (Type IV) throwable device on board. Under the new regulation a throwable PFD (Type IV) will no longer qualify as a life jacket on boats less than 16 feet. PFD requirements remain unchanged on boats 16 feet and over. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft (PWC) unless each person on board or being towed behind is wearing a Type I, Type II, or Type III personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard. Any vessel with an enclosed fuel tank must have a fire extinguisher on board.
The LAW says you have to have it on board not have to wear it. Now the COE has their own RULE about wearing them on COE lakes, not sure what the penalty for breaking a rule is, have never seen a ticket written either, may have been.

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. here is the link !!! http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/s...ssippi.htm#PFD

All vessels must carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD (life jacket) for each person on board.
Besides being U.S. Coast Guard–approved, all PFDs must be:

• In good and serviceable condition.
• Readily accessible,which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
• Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.

In addition to the above requirements, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type IV PFD on board and readily accessible.
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I,II, or III PFD whenever underway in a vessel less than 26 feet in length.
Each person riding on or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I,II, or III PFD.