Recently I was told that having only inflatable life jackets on board does not satisfy the requirement of having life jackets on board for each boater. Do I have to have the old school life jackets in addition? I don't want to be in violation, and I sure don't want to have a possible pay check cancelled because I only have inflatable life jackets
In the boat.

This is what an officer told me.

Each person on the vessel must have a coast guard approved life jacket. An inflatable does not count as a life jacket unless it is being worn. So if you have two inflatables during a tournament and no coast guard approved jackets, you would have to wear your inflatable all day and not take it off. The second it comes off, you break state and federal law.

What he said plus don't forget a throw cushion!

That's what I heard also. Guess I'll stuff the old ones back in the boat. I have the throw cushion in the boat. Wish I hadn't bought the two additional inflatables now...

This is correct.

But does thie include the Hydrostatic ones, if you throw that in the water and someone grabs it, it goes off after going under to 4" of water.

For you guys on Falcon and Amistad the following applies to the throwable cushion:

Throwable devices must be immediately available for use. They
should be on the main deck within arm�s reach, hanging on a
lifeline, or other easily reached location.

Not many if any bass boats comply with the cushion being on the deck of the boat.

Thats not what the law says. We have some TP&W Officers deciding to make changes to the rules and regulations. I was told by a Officer that I was required to have a rope attached to the throw cushion. A floatation cushion setting out, plane and simply will be gone.

Remember that in Texas:

Children under 13 years of age in or on vessels under 26 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD while underway.
All vessels under 16 feet (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V for each person on board.

Vessels 16 feet and longer, in addition to the Type I, II, III or V for each person on board, must have one Type IV throwable device which must be readily accessible. Canoes and kayaks over 16 feet are exempt from the Type IV requirement.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_l2000_0014.pdf

The thing is, my inflatables are coast guard approved. So why do I have to wear it all day? Is it written in the law that way?

I believe the thinking is that if your buddy falls out, you can throw your normal pfd to them and they can use it to float until you pick them up.
I've heard from the guys who use inflatables (PFD's) that they will wear them all day and not notice them because they are so comfortable. This is a huge plus-side from a safety standpoint.
I have my throwable where it can be accessed extremely quickly but don't have a rope tied to it... Have never had a GW say anything about a rope.

YES...

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/index.phtml

TYPE V (Hybrid Device) Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD.
Advantages: Least bulky of all Types. High flotation when inflated. Good for continuous wear.
Disadvantages: May not adequately float some wearers unless partially inflated. Requires active use and care of inflation chamber.

They're Coast Guard approved, but not the right class to qualify as the only life jacket in the boat.

Would think having a rope tied to a throw cushion wouldn`t be worth a sh-- rope would be in the way and restrict being able to throw it [pretty sure doesn`t have to be attached]besides if ur in motion need to have a pfd on.........

Well that answers that...anybody wanna buy some inflatables? Lol