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 be worn by all children under the age of 12 on all waters within Pennsylvania on any boat 20 feet in length or less that is "underway." The term "underway" is defined to include drifting. Children in this age range are also required to wear a life jacket while in a canoe or kayak.
INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS
There are two types of inflatable life jackets on the market: manual and automatic. It might seem counterintuitive, but USGS approved manual inflatable life jackets are approved for use under Pennsylvania law where life jackets are required. However, automatic inflatable life jackets are not approved. The law is silent as to whether automatic inflatables meet the requirement for children's life jackets. The best bet is to opt for a non-inflatable approved life jacket for children that has a crotch strap to help prevent the life jacket from floating off the child's torso.
Boating is a tremendously enjoyable pastime, when pursued properly and safely. Being safe means, among other things, knowing who must wear PFDs, when they must be worn, and what types of life jackets meet the legal requirements. This article provides the essentials for Pennsylvania boaters. If you are boating in another state, your laws could be significantly different. Be safe, check before you weigh anchor.