life jacket question

[ikeslayer]

So this question is coming from dietz's post that he almost got pinched by a C.O. for not wearing a life jacket that he was suppose to be wearing. what is this rule. Are there certain kind of jackets that are only valid if you were them. Are there any other sleeper rules that anyone has been pinched for or should have been pinched for that youall could tell us about and maybe save us a ticket???

ike

[ricqik]

That's news to me. My understanding is as long as you have a lifejacket for each person on board. It was not required that it be worn. With the exception of kids 12yr and under is required. I'd like to here some input as well.

[Slyster]

No adults need life jackets! Juts the kiddies. But there does have to be 1 for each person onboard.

[Bobby Bass]

 Originally Posted By: Slyster

No adults need life jackets! Juts the kiddies. But there does have to be 1 for each person onboard.

and the life jacket must be with in reach, it does not count if it is in storage. A CO once told me he has a problem with jackets that are snapped aroudnd the drivers seat/passenger seat as they are not ready to be used either.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I dotn know the rule for sure, but I was told by a CO, that the inflatables that you have to inflate, must be worn to be legal.. The ones that auto inflate do not need to be worn, but do need to be available...

[polarsusd81]

Yep, Dietz is on the right track there. Though I believe all of the inflatable type lifejackets, even the auto inflaters need to be worn to be counted as a life preserver. They don't do much good when they are on the deck and you are in the water. The inflatables are so light and small that they can be worn in most cases without obstructing your movement. I figure if you pay that much for a vest, why not wear it. It is yourself you are saving afterall.

All other life vests, must be within reach or reasonable distance for adults and anyone under 12 must wear one at all times.

Now comes the personal opinion, if you are bringing kids in the boat and they have to wear them, you should probably wear yours as well to set a good example. Its only fair.

[Sandmannd]

I agree Tom, if you are taking kids out with you, lead by example and wear your's as well.

Speaking of the inflatables, I've been wanting to get one. What's a good brand and do you know of anywhere to get them at a reasonable price?

[Nick Kuhn]

I sacrifice the leg room under the console and keep them there.

[JP Z]

Sandmannd,

It really depends on if you are looking for the Vest style, or the fanny pack looking type. But I just picked up a pair of the manual inflate Stearns ones from the Cabelas Bargain cave for $50/ea so with that money I was able to get 2 for the price of 1 auto vest......sure it isn't the same when you need to pull the string to inflate.... But I looked at it like since I never actually was wearing my jacket before having to inflate the one that I would wear all the time is a better compromise.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Float Techs are really nice.