Code of Federal Regulations Title 33. Navigation and Navigable Waters § 33.175.15 Personal flotation devices required

Current as of January 02, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

Except as provided in §§ 175.17 and 175.25:

(a) No person may use a recreational vessel unless—

(1) At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;

(2) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and

(3) Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual, if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.

(b) No person may use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one throwable PFD is onboard in addition to the total number of wearable PFDs required in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) No person may operate a recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either—

(1) Wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the Coast Guard; or

(2) Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code

Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Code of Federal Regulations Title 33. Navigation and Navigable Waters § 33.175.15 Personal flotation devices required - last updated January 02, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-33-navigation-and-navigable-waters/cfr-sect-33-175-15/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Did FindLaw Help You Understand This Legal Issue?

Make It a Preferred Google Search Source

Add to Google

Latest Blog Posts

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)