Ken Warren
I would be glad to clear this up for you, and please pass this e-mail on to the person who was cited for having only an inflatable vest in the boat. There are Type V inflatable PFDs that have restricted approval and are approved only when worn. However, this does not apply to all Type V inflatable PFDs.
There are no wear restrictions for any of the Type II or Type III inflatable PFDs (except for age, see below).
Please read the approval label on the PFD. If an inflatable PFD has a wear restriction it will be clearly stated on the approval label on the PFD.The reason some Type V inflatable PFDs are required to be worn is because of the CO2 inflation system used on that PFD, and not because of the ease or difficulty in putting the PFD on in the water. In the past CO2 inflation systems did not have what we call "cylinder seal indication" and a person had to open up the cover of the PFD and remove the CO2 cylinder in order to see if the cylinder is still good (not spent). But there are newer CO2 inflation systems now available that have cylinder seal indication and when combined with a viewing window on the front of the PFD, allow the user to see at a glance if his inflation system is properly armed (even while wearing the PFD).
The US Coast Guard (USCG) now requires that manufacturers use the new CO2 inflation system with "cylinder seal indication" if they wish to label the PFD as a Type II or III inflatable PFD and thus no wear restrictions. But we also allow manufacturers to continue to use the older inflation system. But these inflatable PFDs must be worn at all time to count towards USCG carriage requirements. The reason for this is that if a person is wearing their inflatable all the time, he or she will most likely inspect it and ensure that it is armed, and in good serviceable condition.
If you have a Type II or Type III inflatable PFD there are no wear restriction except for the age limit. All US Coast Guard approved inflatable are approved only for persons at least 16 years of age and only when used in accordance with the owner's manual. This is true for the older Type II and Type III inflatable PFD which did not have a wear requirement when they were produced and do not have cylinder seal indication. The approval label is what the boarding officer should be going by when inspecting your PFD.
So what does all of this mean to you? You said: "I normally wear it while moving but while fishing I remove it."
If you have USCG approved inflatable PFD Type II, or Type III or a Type V PFD that does not have a wear restriction, then you may continue to use this PFD in this manner and the PFD (if properly armed and in good serviceable condition) will count for carriage requirement even when you are not wearing it. However,
if your inflatable is a Type V PFD approved ONLY WHEN WORN, then if you take it off when you are fishing, you better have another USCG approved PFD that is not required to be worn onboard or you will be at risk of a citation.Something to keep in mind: the main advantage of inflatables is that they are comfortable for continuous wear. So why take if off when you are fishing. There is an article called: "The Other 20%--When Wearing a Life Jacket Is Not Enough" By CDR Kim Pickens, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve (Operation BoatSmart Project Officer) that can be found at the following website:
http://www.usps.org/national/eddept...20__handout.pdfOne of the points in this article deals with wearing your PFD and states: "We know that the greatest cause of death among boaters is drowning due to unexpected entry into the water. And since you as a boater don't know when that entry might happen, the time you need to have your jacket on is before you ever get on the boat!"
I hope this helps clear this up for you.
Dan McCormick U.S.C.G. Headquarters, Room 1308 2100 Second Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202-267-1444 Fax: 202-267-1069
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