The Changing US Coast Guard PFD Rules
Did you hear? The US Coast Guard PFD rules — the rules that we paddlers have been following for decades — are changing. This is actually a good thing. Believe it it or not, they are going to be easier to follow, and you can wear a wider range of vests.
Now I believe in wearing a PFD. Always. They are the best protection a paddleboarder can take in the water. (A leash is the second best.) Having had a couple of incidents on the water, I’m not naive enough to think my wits and swimming ability are enough to save me in all circumstances. I also believe in following local PFD laws, which (on the whole) make good sense.
This is an excellent low profile type lll PFD. Unfortunately because it keeps a lot of volume off the shoulders, it ends up being very thick at the stomach. This becomes a problem when climbing on your board after a fall.
It used to be the US Coast Guard divided PFDs into Types l–V. Types l–lll are the standard vest style with the type lll the lightest and the most popular. Throwable floats like cushions and life rings are designated type lV, and inflatable PFDs are type V. There’s a good breakdown of these here, as well as New York State PFD laws here (https://parks.ny.gov/documents/recreation/boating/PFDLawsofNewYork.pdf).
The label on the inside of the PFD will have all the information you need about what type it is. This label says right at the top that it’s a type lll.
PFDs are now measured by type and flotation. Vest style PFDs (the most popular by far) have a designation of how “floaty” the vest is and where that PFD should be used. There are icons on the PFD label that explain this. (All this formation come from www.wearitlifejacket.com, a website about life jacket and PFD use created by the USCG.) The flotation number indicates the newtons of force needed to completely submerge the PFD. The higher the number, the more flotation.
50 flotation (These used to not be USCG legal.)
• Only to be used by competent swimmers
• Near shore use
• Will not turn your face upwards if you fall unconscious in the water
70 flotation (Child-sized type lll vests tend to be here.)
• Calm or sheltered waters
• Will not turn your face upwards if the user falls unconscious.
100 flotation (This is roughly where a full sized type lll PFD falls)
• Calm or sheltered water
• Tends to turn user upwards if unconscious
• Suitable for longer immersion
150 flotation (A larger, bulkier life jacket often used in emergencies)
• Offshore use and extreme conditions
• Will turn user upwards
275 flotation
• Offshore emergency use
• Can support a lot of extra weight including tools, etc.
New label that shows the flotation of the vest (50 newtons), the size (XL), and how it should be worn. The square icon in the upper right corner has the person in the water near a dock, indicating that this 50N PFD should be used close to shore. That icon will change depending on the flotation number.
Former USCG rules were specific to the USA, but these new standards now bring USCG PFD laws in line with Canada and Europe. They also allow for more flexibility. Lighter racing vests like the popular Vaikobi weren’t legal to use in the USA because their flotation (50 newtons) was too low to qualify as a type lll. Now they are legal! As well, the terms “PFD” and “life jacket” are no longer interchangeable. A PFD is now a vest style flotation device without the ability to turn you upward. A life jacket is a larger flotation vest that can turn you upwards. Life jackets are also bulky and tend to be used more for emergencies than normal paddling. BTW, if you’re worried about your older model PFD being legal, please do not. All older, legal PFDs are still legal. You will not have to get rid of your old model to comply (at least until it’s too old to use).
Inflatable and hybrid PFDs are also still legal, but there are warnings that they require more maintenance and skill to use than a vest stye. They are also not appropriate for all situations. I personally do not believe they are the best choice for rough conditions and cold. (Because of the cold water gasp reflex, it’s safest to have a PFD that will automatically hold your head out of water. Anyone who has an inflatable vest should also own a vest style for difficult conditions.) However they are still fully legal and wearing one means you are complying with USCG regulations.
All this is good news to standup paddlers! Standup paddlers have always had to choose between the relative bulk of a type lll PFD or a more complicated inflatable PFD. We now have a larger range of legal PFDs and life jackets to choose from. Slim racing PFDs designed for standup paddlers, like Vaikobi and Mocke, have been legal everywhere except the USA, and now these are legal here. It is important though to make the best choice. If you’re new to the water, go for a safe, floaty 100N PFD. That way you can be safe in different conditions. As a more experienced paddler, I’m interested to see if new, advanced designs come out that take advantage of the new standards.
Special thanks to my daughter Miranda who posed with the PFDs! (And just in case you’re wondering, the bright pink PFD is mine. I like pink.)
