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I read a few articles about the MS laws. All I can find is reference to TYPE 1, 2, and 3. What about the type 5 inflatable ones? If allowed does it have to be automatic style? Are the waist belt versions legal or does it have to be a vest style one? Thanks
One thing to verify is does it have to be worn to count. Some states require you to have it on if all you have are inflatable ones. I wear mine all the time anyway, but is is just a mesh type regular one.
inflatable (waist, and suspender type......self inflate or automatic) only counts in MS if your wearing it....thats why I keep regular life jackets in the boat in case I want to take the inflatable off
Down here they are good. One exception on Corps lakes, if you are going to use the belt type it has to be on you to be legal. If you remove the belt type you must have a normal life jacket in the boat.
I guess that is where I am confused. Please correct me if me I am wrong but the law says you only need a jacket on while the big motor is on. SO if I have a throwable seat USCG approved throw cushion in the boat, and I put on a waist belt then I can run across Grenada Lake using the big motor. I can then take off the waist belt and fish using the trolling motor, yes?
Same goes with the standard non -inflatable vests. Motor on=vest on. Motor off-vest off
They have a boat size length limit on corps lakes......I only have to have life jacket on when running big motor because my boat is 18 ft........I think under 15 or 16 ft. You have to have life jacket on all the time. All under 12 years old supposed to always have one all the time
Your throwbacks is required onboard but.....your waist belt or any other inflatable only counts as a life jacket if you are wearing it.....if you take it off when you get through running big motor then you better have a regular life jacket on board somewhere. Its a crazy law but thats how it is.