GL: PFD requirements and choices

[Coleen Barger]

Vance wrote: "We will be heading from Florida to the Bahamas in about a
week. Does anyone have a definitive source for requirements for PFDs? West
Marine folks today said we would need to have Type I PFDs beyond 5 miles
off-shore and in the Bahamas. Is this correct? A local Coast Guard Auxiliary
vessel inspector
said they were a good idea, but did not think they were required. I have
looked at the CG web site and others and do not see where they are required
for a recreational vessel of 32 feet. Thanks, we have type II and III
aboard now."

I think the West Marine folks just want to sell you something (smile), but
are also looking after your safety and best interests. You may want to buy
Type I for your own peace of mind, but it?s a matter of choice, not
regulation.

Go to this page for specific information about PFD requirements:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_pfd.htm

To quote:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II, III or Type
V PFD) for each person aboard. A Type V PFD provides performance of either
a Type I, II, or III PFD (as marked on its label) and must be used according
to the label requirements. Any boat 16ft and longer (except canoes and
kayaks)
must also carry one throwable PFD (Type IV PFD).

As you can see, the PFD requirements are triggered primarily by the number
of persons aboard, and secondarily by boat size.

Now all that being said, might it be wise to have a heftier PFD for more
challenging waters? Sure. The lower number the PFD, the higher its
safety/protection
features. The more rugged the water you?ll be in, the more you should
consider
the additional safety of better-grade PFDs.

Here is what the Coasties advise for off-shore safety:

Quote:
Vessels Operating Offshore
If you operate offshore, you should seriously consider carrying additional
equipment beyond the minimum federal requirements. This equipment should
include appropriate communications gear, an Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB), a means of accurately determining your location, and
an inflatable life raft. In cold waters, an immersion suit should be carried
for everyone on board.

Note, however, that it says nothing about which PFDs to use.

As to whether the Bahamas have different requirements, I?ll let someone
with experience there provide an answer.

Coleen Barger
"Calypso Poet" Carver 466
website -- http://www.calypsopoet.net