Small boat operators throughout the nation accustomed to
using flotation seat cushions (Type IV PFDs) as a legal life
saving device now must have a "wearable device" available for
each person on board.To comply with new U.S. Coast Guard approved regulations, boat operators in watercraft less than 16 feet are required to have wearable devices for each person on board. Previously, regulations considered flotation seat cushions as a legal life saving device in the smaller watercraft.
Throwable devices (Type IV PFDs), such as flotation cushions, are still required on boats 16 feet and longer in addition to wearable devices.
The change in regulations took effect May 1, 1995, according to boating officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "A throwable device is no longer acceptable in boats less than 16 feet," said DNR boating officer Sgt. Donnie Pritcher.
"Wearable devices on board must fit each individual whether child or adult and be serviceable without tears, holes or other damage or wear that would decrease the effectiveness of the device," Pritcher said.
Ninety percent of fatalities associated with boating mishaps and accidents are because victims are not wearing life saving devices and drown, Pritcher said. "We expect this new regulation to save lives."
According to the National Safe Boating Council, the term "Personal Flotation Device" includes a range of devices from cushions that provide only a small degree of safety, to jackets that can keep a person's head above water even if the victim is unconscious.
The Safe Boating Council recommends that each occupant in a boat wear at least a Type III Device, which the U.S. Coast Guard describes as a "Flotation Aid."
The Flotation Aid may require the wearer to be active to remain upright. This device has a buoyancy of 15.5 pounds, is comfortable and allows the wearer to swim. While the flotation aid compiles with the new Coast Guard regulations it should be used only in near-shore waters where quick rescue is possible.
The "Offshore Life Jacket or Type I PFD" will float most people face up even when the victims are unconscious. A Type I PFD has a minimum buoyancy of 22 pounds, which means it can support even heavy adults and is suitable for rough water. However, it is bulky and cumbersome, according to the Safe Boating Council.
The "Near Shore Buoyant Vest or Type II Device" has a buoyancy of 15.5 pounds. Type II PFDs will support some wearers face up if unconscious. An advantage of this device is that it provides good flotation at low cost, but is less comfortable than the Flotation Aid or Type III. It is not suitable for rough or cold water and should be used only near shore where rescue would be quick.
"Type IV Devices or Throwable Devices" cover a wide range of PFDs designed to be thrown to a person overboard. These devices must have a buoyancy of 16.5 pounds for rings or 18 pounds for cushions to be Coast Guard approved. Throwable devices cannot be worn and should be used only where help is readily available.
"Type V or Special Use Devices" are approved for such activities as board sailing and commercial white water rafting. The label indicates if it can be used in specific ways and what restrictions might apply as well as its performance.
An inflatable hybrid device covered under Type V PFDs has a minimum buoyancy of 7.5 pounds uninflated, and can be inflated to give the protection of a Type I, II, or III device. The inflatable device has the advantage of providing high flotation and is good for continuous wear.