In New Jersey, every vessel is required to have a wearable personal floatation device (PFD), or life jacket, for each person on board. Be safe when you’re on the water and make sure everyone wears a one. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.Wearing a life jacket can help prevent drowning, which is the leading cause of boating deaths in the US.
Each PFD must be:* US Coast Guard approved* The correct size for each person* In good, serviceable condition. Operators must know the appropriate PFD types. Boat Safe US will teach you the requirements and more when you take your mandatory NJ boat safety course and exam with us. Register at www.BoatSafeUS.com.
Not every life jacket functions the same way. Know what kind of PFD you need and when to wear it.
Wearable / Type IA Type I PFD has the greatest required buoyancy and is designed to turn most unconscious persons in the water from a face down position to a face up, vertical or slightly backward position. Wear a Type I when boating alone, cruising, racing or fishing off shore, and when weather conditions may be stormy.
Wearable / Type IIThe Type II is designed to turn its wearer in a vertical or slightly backward position in the water, but the turning action is not as profound as with a Type I. These are best for calm waters when quick rescue is likely
Wearable / Type IIIThe Type III is also designed so the wearer can place themselves in a vertical or slightly backward position. While the Type III has the same buoyancy as the Type II PFD, this type will not turn unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. Many are designed to be particularly useful when water skiing, sailing, hunting, fishing or engaging in other water sports. Watch our Capt. Bob demonstrate an inflatable Type III PFD: https://youtu.be/nGiFEMAor3A?si=EPEf-78FYR-rDseL
Throwable / Type IVThe Type IV PFD is designed to be thrown in the water to help a person who is drowning or unable to swim. It is not designed to be worn. The most common Type IV devices are a buoyant cushion, a ring buoy, and a horseshoe buoy.Watch Captain Bob demonstrate the correct way to throw a ring buoy: https://youtu.be/ixvsLePO_0o?si=6ijzvsf1yvjyDMVJ
Wearable / Type VA Type V is any special use PFD. This class includes vests, deck suits and others used as survival or exposure suits. They are designed for specific activities such as canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Wearable / TYPE V HybridA Type V Hybrid PFD is designed for specific activities. It combines the foam buoyancy with an inflatable chamber. In order for this device to be acceptable, it must be worn continuously and is classified as a "Type V" device, meaning it's a special-use life jacket intended for specific activities like kayaking, windsurfing, or waterskiing.
PFD Requirements for ChildrenIn addition to the previously listed requirements, any child 12 years of age or younger must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever the vessel is underway. When shopping for a child’s life jacket, make sure:* It is a Type I, so the child head will be above water, even if they are unconscious* The leg strap fits snugly between the child’s legs to prevent them from sinking out of the vest* The Chest straps are adjustable to ensure a snug fit on the child’s torso* The PFD has reflective patches, so it will be more visible in stormy conditions or at night
The only time a child does not have to wear a PFD, is if the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin that is a permanent, non-removable part of the vessel that is designed to carry passengers.
The National Safe Boating Council encourages safe boating in the US. Wear your life jacket at work day is Friday, May 16, 2025!
Wear a life jacket to workTake a picturePost the picture on social media with the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkdayTag the Safe Boating Campaign (@boatingcampaign)
Read about it at:
Boat Safe US instructors are certified and approved to instruct by the NJ State Police Marine Division.
Boat Safe US Courses are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Comments