Lifejacket question

[Hoffer]

I understand the rules regarding having a lifejacket for each person on board a boat - and also you must have one throwable flotation device. Can these lifejackets be stored somewhere in the boat?? I have a built in "hatch" up in the bow where I can store some things...I usually keep my liefjackets in there. Am I looking at a ticket if I get stopped and the lifejackets are in the storage area?? How about a fire extinguisher - where does that need to be?

Thanks!

[stmichael]

Lifejackets HAVE TO BE ACCESSIBLE, I got the third degree once...If your boat capsizes, your lifejacket is not going to be of any use inside your storage. The throwable has to be within reach. The fire extinguisher can be mounted just about anywhere within reach. I have mine propped up underneath the console, just so it is out of the way. (I do not know if this is a bad spot for it, I legally do not need one in my boat, never hurts to be on the safe side) I just figured the further away from the gas tank the better, and, out of the way.

Side note: Kids under 10 have to wear lifejackets at all times while on the boat.

[BLACKJACK]

Does the fire extinguisher have to be mounted/accessable? I have mine stowed up front...

[Da Beak]

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Does the fire extinguisher have to be mounted/accessable? I have mine stowed up front...

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Good question, all the rules say is "...must be Coast Guard approved, full charged and readily accessible."

[The_Duckslayer]

I don't know, it seems to me like having a life saving vest stowed away in a storage location on a boat would be a lot like wrapping your fire dectector in plastic wrap to keep it from getting dusty. Life jackets save lifes only if you have it on. Being stashed away in the boat it does nothing and will not keep your boat from sinking either. Sorry, I have been in the lake accidently and was darn glad to have that life jacket on. Not trying to "flame anyone" just my humble opinion. Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[senkoskipper]

I UNDERSTAND IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO SWIM THAT YOU NEED A LIFE JACKET. BUT MY BOAT IS A SMALL BOAT AND WITH 5 RODS 2 TACKLE BOXES, 2 PPL ON THE BOAT, COOLER FOR THE BEVERAGES I DONT HAVE SPACE FOR LIFE JACKETS AND DONUT FLOATERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND DEFIBULATORS AND CATHATERS AND STRETCHERS AND WHATEVER.

[backcast]

When I got my captains license two years ago, it was explained to me "accessible" is not having to do a function to retrieve your lifejacket. If the lifejacket is in a compartment, you would need to open the compartment (that would be a function). Also, if it is in a bag, you would have to open the bag first (that would be a function).

The best place for a lifejacket is wearing it, if not, then right beside you. Accidents do happen and usually happen fast.

As for fire extinguishers, if your MUST store them upright, make sure that you "shake loose" the material inside at least once a month. Standing upright, the material will "pack" and form a solid clump because of the pounding going over the water. Come time to use it, you will only spray out the propellant. You can tell when it breaks loose. Best to store horizontally.

My two cents.

[Kab Dreamin]

In my boat, the rule is that if the boat is underway, everybody wears a lifejacket. When we are sitting still, fishing or relaxing, then they can come off.

The best swimmer in the world would drown without a life jacket if knocked unconscious while going over the side after a collision of some sort or if they accidentally fell overboard in the middle of the lake and their boat kept on going without them. If you wear them, they don't take up any space.

[BobT]

Life jackets are not intended to protect a good swimmer. However, if you are capsized and in the process you're injured, suddenly you are no longer a good swimmer. It is permitted to have a beer or two on board. Add the effects of alcohol and I don't care how you think you feel, you are no longer the strong swimmer you are otherwise. That is where the PFD comes into play.

Also, you mention you have a small boat. Is it 16' or less? If so, unless you have an enclosed fuel tank, you are not required to have a fire extinguisher on board, although it's still a good idea. It doesn't have to be a large extinguisher either. Mine would almost fit in my tackle box if I emptied the top compartment.

Bob

[BobT]

I was informed by a fire inspector one time that this holds true for all fire extinguishers, that you should shake them up periodically because the material can settle and separate. How does storing them horizontally prevent this? I would think it would be necessary in either case.

Bob

[Rip_Some_Lip]

I was checked by a CO a few weeks ago and we asked him about the life jackets. He said they could be in a storage compartment but the throwable had to be out. I dont know if he was confused or what because I thought they had to be out, which is what I do.

[stmichael]

The "throwable such as a bouyant coushion or ring buoy" has to be "immediately available", the lifejackets have to be "readily accessible"

The dnr HSOforum has the boating regulations if one would want to look them up to be on the safe side.

[backcast]

Of the two ways, horizontal is best, and yes, it can still settle there also. The thought is if you pick it up, the material may break loose but shaking it every so often is the best way. It is a good idea to make it a part of your pre-boating checklist to check your fire extinguuisher to make sure it is also charged. When you or someone else needs it, then isn't the time to hope it is in working order.

[Hoffer]

Hey guys - thanks for the input. When I posted that thread I figured i would get the replies saying that a lifejacket wont do any good unless it is accessible. I do agree with that. However, I just wanted to know the laws regarding the situation. If I continue to be less than smart and make the choice of stowing them away in the bow compartment - do I get a ticket or not??? Yes, I am going to do my best next to take them out of the compartment when I go out. So far, the consenus seems to be the throwable has to be out of any compartment - but the lifejackets can be stored??? If we are just looking at the rules - and not what is the smart thing to do - is that within the law?

[stmichael]

This may be a interpretation issue, but, this is my take I would think that "readily available" means out in the open. not someplace you have to go diggin to get them out.

Depends on the CO... which they should all be in agreement on this issue. It should be cut and dry (lifejackets out and in the open). IMO

[BobT]

From page 18 of the 2006 boating guide:

Readily accessible - means easily retreivable within a reasonable amount of time in an emergency. PFDs in plastic bags, locked lockers, under anchors or line are examples of PFDs that are not accessible.

If having a PFD just under line or an anchor is not accessible, I think having it inside of an enclosed storage compartment, locked or otherwise, certainly does not meat the requirement.

Bob

[Sonicrunch]

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I UNDERSTAND IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO SWIM THAT YOU NEED A LIFE JACKET. BUT MY BOAT IS A SMALL BOAT AND WITH 5 RODS 2 TACKLE BOXES, 2 PPL ON THE BOAT, COOLER FOR THE BEVERAGES I DONT HAVE SPACE FOR LIFE JACKETS AND DONUT FLOATERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND DEFIBULATORS AND CATHATERS AND STRETCHERS AND WHATEVER.

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Natural selection at it's finest.

BTW, people don't swim to well when they are rendered unconscious (by a blow to the head for example).

One more thing, DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPS.

[Eastwind]

My impression has always been that if the PFDs are stowed you get a ticket.

If you do not want to wear a PFD, sliding them over the seat back makes a handy, accessible storage spot for them. If you just find them uncomfortable to wear, ( I hate wearing traditional PFDs) consider buying an inflatable. Mine is well worth the $100.00 I paid for it.

I know that you didn't post because you wanted a lecture on boating safety but we FMers hate to read posts about the "Tragic" yet unneccessary drowinings of fellow FMers.

[Eckie]

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I UNDERSTAND IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO SWIM THAT YOU NEED A LIFE JACKET. BUT MY BOAT IS A SMALL BOAT AND WITH 5 RODS 2 TACKLE BOXES, 2 PPL ON THE BOAT, COOLER FOR THE BEVERAGES I DONT HAVE SPACE FOR LIFE JACKETS AND DONUT FLOATERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND DEFIBULATORS AND CATHATERS AND STRETCHERS AND WHATEVER.

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Do catheters help catch more fish??

Seriously, not bringing a life jacket is not only plain ignorant, but it's against the law. Besides, considering the size and thickness of the average life jacket, how much space can they actually take up??

[senkoskipper]

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I UNDERSTAND IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO SWIM THAT YOU NEED A LIFE JACKET. BUT MY BOAT IS A SMALL BOAT AND WITH 5 RODS 2 TACKLE BOXES, 2 PPL ON THE BOAT, COOLER FOR THE BEVERAGES I DONT HAVE SPACE FOR LIFE JACKETS AND DONUT FLOATERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND DEFIBULATORS AND CATHATERS AND STRETCHERS AND WHATEVER.

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Natural selection at it's finest.

BTW, people don't swim to well when they are rendered unconscious (by a blow to the head for example).

One more thing, DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPS.

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WHAT DOES NATURAL SELECTION HAVE TO DO WITH IT? IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME HAVING TO HAVE ALL THAT EXTRA dump IN MY BOAT.

OH ONE MORE THING, NAME CALLING ON THE INTERNET IS PRETTY LAME. I FOR SURE KNOW YOU WOULDNT SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO SOMEONES FACE IRL THAT YOU DIDNT KNOW SO DONT START IT ON THE INTERNET. FOR SOME REASON PEOPLE ALL THINK THEY ARE TOUGH GUYS ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN THEY ARE BEHIND A MONITOR AND A KEYBOARD.

[BobT]

I get the impression that his frustration is not having the PFDs in the boat but the fact that he is being required to do something at all. The, "They can't tell me what to do" attitude is quite common.

The point is, it is the law just as it is for seat belts in our cars. If we don't like the law, we can try to change it. That is our right but until we succeed we must comply or face the consequences.

Bob

[Eckie]

Bob T,

I think you hit the nail on the head...The PFD doesn't seem to the issue here.

[mtreno]

key word in the reg book is locked compartment. key work "locked". my seat cusion comes out and i stash it under the dash. jackets stay in the front compartments. been boarded on mille lacs twice, prior once and spring twice. never been an issue but they do always ask to see them.

is that the best place for them? maybe not - but each to there own. i do have mine on in rough water and when the water temps are really cold. most guys i fish with would never even notice if i had them with or care if i did or not. then i got a couple buddies that bring there own. one has his on all the time and the other when the boat is moving. works fine for me and if thats what makes them feel safer that i am not going to say anything about there jackets taking up fishing room. like having a bigger tackle box or an extra sweatshirt laying around.

so to awnser the question - yes you can store them in your front compartment as long as you can get them easy - nothing else on top of them - and the area they are in is not locked.

[GotOne]

You should know better than to ask a question like that. With all the people on this site that think they can walk on water, you were bound to get an preached to. The guy just asked a simple question-I don't believe he wanted a lecture.

[Sonicrunch]

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WHAT DOES NATURAL SELECTION HAVE TO DO WITH IT? IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME HAVING TO HAVE ALL THAT EXTRA

dump

IN MY BOAT.

OH ONE MORE THING, NAME CALLING ON THE INTERNET IS PRETTY LAME. I FOR SURE KNOW YOU WOULDNT SAY ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO SOMEONES FACE IRL THAT YOU DIDNT KNOW SO DONT START IT ON THE INTERNET. FOR SOME REASON PEOPLE ALL THINK THEY ARE TOUGH GUYS ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN THEY ARE BEHIND A MONITOR AND A KEYBOARD.

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"Natural selection at it finest" means you will get yourself killed and your genes will not be passed on.

I think it's funny that you feel a cooler to be more important than a life saving device. Do you really feel that way, or are you just trying to be Mr. Tough guy?

And by the by the way, please point out exactly where I called you a name.