R651-206-4. Additional Personal Floatation Device (PFD) Requirements for Vessels Carrying Passengers for Hire

  (1) Wearable PFDs are required. Each vessel shall have an adequate number of wearable PFDs on board that meets or exceeds the number of persons on board the vessel. The wearable PFD shall be approved for the activity in which it is going to be used.

  (2) In situations where infants, children and youth are in enclosed cabin areas of vessels over 19 feet in length and not wearing PFDs, a minimum of ten percent of the wearable PFDs on board the vessel shall be of an appropriate type and size for infants, children and youth passengers.

  (3) Wearable PFDs shall be listed for commercial use on the label.

  (4) If PFDs are not being worn by passengers, and the PFDs are being stored on the vessel, the PFDs shall be stored in readily accessible containers that legibly and visually indicate their contents.

  (5) Each PFD shall be marked with the name of the outfitting company, in one-inch high letters that contrast with the color of the device.

  (6) Vessels that are 26 feet or more in length shall carry a throwable PFD, and it shall be a ring life buoy.

  (a) Vessels that are 40 feet or more in length shall carry a minimum of two throwable PFDs.

  (b) Ring life buoys shall have a minimum of 60 feet of line attached.

  (7) All passengers and crew members shall wear a PFD when a vessel is being operated in hazardous conditions.

  (8) The trip leader or guide is responsible for the passengers on his vessel to be in compliance with this section and R651-215.