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I'm taking my nephew out this weekend to introduce him to a little inshore salt water fishing. What does the law require for a 13 year old on my boat?

1) Must he ware a PFD at all times? Just while we are under way? Or is it ok only to have one on the boat?

2) Must the PFD be of a size to fit him or could it be a little large, ie... will the law write me up if the PFD is not rated for his weight? (He's about 80 lbs, a medium child's PFD is for kids 50 to 90 lbs. I only have adult size PFDs that start at 90 lbs.)

I know that PFDs don't cost that much...I just don't need another piece of plunder in, on, or around my boat.

Any other rules/regs for kids I need to be aware of?

Dont worry about the "man". Worry about how you will explain to the boys mother how Jr. fell overboard and slipped thru the oversize life jacket.
If'n you don't want the clutter then give it to the boy as a souvenir

As stated above, don't play cheap with the boys life, put the one you have on him and insure that it is a snug fit if it aint, go buy one that is here is the legal requirments

EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

The owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the U.S.C.G. safety equipment requirements.

A child under the age of six (6) must wear a U.S.C.G. approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is underway. “Underwayâ€

I use expensive PFD's. I want to make sure someone can find my body.

1st hand advice, yes he will check for size...trust me... all adult lifevest and a kid on board and get out the checkbook...

A comment to my post, i did have the right vest, but he made me get it out , hand it to him so he could read the tag..

Another thing to think about is, a large enough life-jacket on a small enough child will have enough floatation low enough on his body to want to hold him head down.

Jumptrout said...

I use expensive PFD's....

What type do you use?

The auto inflatable. When you hit the water it blows itself up if you are conscious or not. I have 2 wearable and 2 fanny packs.It's best to be concious if using the fanny packs,otherwise they may only find your fanny.

Jumptrout51 wrote:The auto inflatable. When you hit the water it blows itself up if you are conscious or not. I have 2 wearable and 2 fanny packs.It's best to be concious if using the fanny packs,otherwise they may only find your fanny.

That's my best feature... Seriously, if my daughter (8) is out with us she has a life jacket on when we are going. If we are in AJ's or other big fish she puts it on or doesn't fish. You can't be too careful in a boat anywhere.

OK...this thread is right where I need it

I sure like the idea of the auto inflatable PFD's. However, I've always been kind of irritated that the cost on them has remained as high as it is. I know... all the arguments about placing a value on safety but I'm sure that the technology used (CO2 and a dissolving tablet) doesn't cost that much more than the manual inflatables. (typically $169 auto vs $99 manual based on my shopping) I have a sneaking feeling that the manufacturers are preying on the consumers willingness to pay what ever for the best safety product available (just my opinion)

Now, to my questions.
1. Has anyone ever actually deployed or tested one of these automatic PFD's and what was the experience? Did it work as expected/advertised etc. Note: Being the sometime cynic that I am, I sort of have this problem of running around wearing something that I'm just supposed to have FAITH in that it will work and save my life or the life of someone that I care about(edited...any life for that matter! ) when I need it to. Having accumulated just over 3000 hours flying over water in the Air Force, I always appreciated the training that I received to that end.

2. How difficult are they to recharge? Any trouble getting the PFD back into the suspender after being deployed? Replacing the CO2 cartridge/activator tablet/etc.

3. Is there a shelf life on the activator system? Is there anyway to check one with out actually deploying the thing?

4. Since this thread originally was directed towards Young'ns...has anyone ever seen an auto inflatable for youth?

Thanks for any input/response

Experience is the best teacher.
Don't expose them to rain.
Don't catch the manual pull cord in the cooler.
Don't let your idiot fishing partner yank on the pull cord to see if it really works.
Don't hop in the water to pull of a bar without taking it off first.

From the above experiences I have found them relatively easy to recharge and repack.

I have two Stearns inflatable PFD's, a manual and an automatic. The manual I bought for $60 several years ago and use it on my kayak and such. The automatic was $90 a few months ago and bought if for use on the boat and such. Most Wal-Marts have the automatic ones right now for $90. I know this because I've been looking for two more manual ones and all I can find is automatics. They are very comfortable. I have no problem wearing one all day scrunched up in my kayak.

Nathan

That's great Information Nathan, and execellent prices as well. I've looked many times at theSuper Wal Mart on Applachee Park Way. Over the past couple of years I've ask management and looked over their vests and jackets and NEVER seen one. Was told to go to West marine(as recently as this week). If one of the other Wal Marts has them I'd sure like to know. Thanks.

I saw them at the Walmart on T'ville Rd. a few months ago; but, haven't looked lately. I'll check it out next time I'm in there.