by Joseph Hazelbaker

Created on: January 31, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2009

Pennsylvania's life jacket laws govern every aspect of boating, from the boat owner, to the boat operator, to the passenger. The following provides a detailed overview of these laws. First, a note about terminology: A life jacket is also called a personal flotation device (PFD) or life preserver, which are worn on an individual's torso. These are distinguished from throwable flotation devices such as life rings buoys.

THE BOAT OWNER

Pennsylvania law requires that all boats be equipped with at least one United States Coast Guard (USGS) approved wearable life jacket for each passenger. Each life jacket must have the label indicating USGS approval intact and legible, be in "serviceable condition", fit the wearer, and be "readily accessible" to each passenger at all times. Note that the law does not require that the life jackets be worn. Instead, they must be readily accessible at all times. Boat operators, therefore, must make sure that their passengers know where the life jackets are and that the location can be easily accessed at all times.

Boats 16 feet long or larger have additional safety requirements and must be equipped with a USGS approved throwable device (e.g. life ring, approved cushion, or buoy). As with life jackets, the throwable devise must be in good working order and immediately available to the boat operator and passengers.

Canoes and kayaks over 16 feet are excluded from the throwable device requirement.

BOAT OPERATORS

Boat operators are required to ensure that the vessel meets the safety requirements under Pennsylvania law, which includes the proper number and type of life jackets. Operators are also required to make sure their passengers know where the safety equipment is located and that the location is accessible to all passengers.

ADULT PASSENGERS

Generally, adult passengers are not required to wear life jackets while on board a boat of any size. There are three exceptions where passengers must wear life jackets at all times.

1. Anyone being towed behind a boat (e.g. watersking, tubing) must have a USGS approved life jacket on at all times.

2. Anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft must have a USGS approved life jacket on at all times.

3. All sailboarders and windsurfers must have a USGS approved life jacket on at all times.

Boaters should also note that certain waters maintained by federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers require all passengers (child and adult) to wear life jackets at all times.

CHILDREN

A life jacket must

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