Boats Personal Flotation Devices

UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM

301 KAR 6:020)
For each person onboard a vessel,federal as well as state law requires a Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (PFD) on all boats. Boats 16 feet and over, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry one Type IV throwable PFD.
Operators and passengers of personal watercraft must wear a PFD. Persons under 12 years of age must wear a PFD
while in the open part of a boat that is under way.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife strongly recommends wearing PFDs while boating,especially by children and nonswimmers.
In order for PFDs to be legal, the following requirements must be met:
• Coast Guard approved: A label with an approval number will be on the PFD. Check the label on inflatable types of PFDs. Some older models meet Coast Guard approval only when worn.
• Serviceability: All straps, buckles,zippers, stitching, must be intact and the fabric should not be rotted. Some PFDs contain airtight bags filled with a fibrous material. Squeeze the bags. If air escapes, destroy the PFD and replace it with a new one.
• Size: PFDs must fit properly. Read the label to determine size and weight restrictions.
• Accessibility: PFDs must be readily available for immediate use by all occupants of a vessel. It is advisable for each person to try on their PFD before departing so that they are familiar with the fastening devices and to assure it is adjusted to the person.
PFDs shouldn’t be stored in the plastic bags in which they were sold. This limits access and can promote rotting.

TYPES OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES ( PFDs )

TYPE I (right) and TYPE II (far right)
These devices are designed, when worn properly, to turn a person who is unconscious and face down in the water to a vertical or slightly backward face up position.

TYPE III
These are special purpose devices that include ski vests, fishing vests and float coats. They are not designed to turn a person’s face out of the water, but they do have the same buoyancy as the type I and II PFDs and are more comfortable to wear.

TYPE IV
These PFDs are designed to be thrown to persons in the water who can hold on to them until help arrives. They are not designed to be worn, and could cause drowning if worn on the back.