Are Inflatable PFD's One size fits most ?

[Jared LeBlue]

Can someone show me this in writing? I've always heard it, but never found it on the website or from my boater safety class. I've been stopped several times while fishing with my inflatable PFD laying on the seat and nothing else and never been questioned. Has anyone ever seen this in writing?

Bobby, a fellow club member was stopped by the WLF and was let go with a warning but the agent told him he had to wear his vest the rest of the day. I really don't understand this especially since Louisiana law does not require you to WEAR a life jacket while in the boat. Of course there are the exceptions with smaller boats and engines that there is a requirement but baring that there are no requirements. I don't agree with it at all but it is the law and if you don't want a ticket you best obey it.

[Bobby Saffel]

Here's what I found on the US Office of Printing website. It does say that if your state meets a few requirement on children wearing PFDs, operating a canoe, kayak, sailboat, PWC then federal law doesn't supersede state law. I've attached what I found in case anyone else wants to read it or wants to point anything out.

BTW guys, I'm not trying to be a hard head or nothing. Just curiosity.

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[Jared LeBlue]

So let me see if I'm understanding this, Mine has a full CO2 cylinder (I check mine every year), mine has a status indicator, and has a manual pull cord so does this mean mine is good? I've never seen the verbage  "approved only when worn" or "required to be worn" on the PFD I have. I'm just wondering?

Look on the inside of your vest. There is a tag and will state what type of vest it is. Trust me I was pretty pissed when I found out about this. I think most agents will over look it or give you a warning but with my luck I would get the Ahole who has no sense and gives out tickets like pez, so I carry extra just to make sure.

[analfisherman]

The exact wording on my owners manual is;

Owners manual for model 3042C USCG APPROVED Type V Converible (Manual/Auto) inflatible PFD with Type III performance Aproved only when worn.

So any chance you have the owners manual?
Should so you can properly recharge...another very important task.

[Polaris425]

Here's the way the law set's for alabama

You do not have to wear a PFD by law, but there has to be one in the boat for each boater + a throwable. I think the age limit is 12.

However, the suspender types must be worn at ALL times, if they are the only PFD's you have in the boat.... You must have one for each boater, plus a throwable...

BUT.... if you have multiples... They you're good. I have 2 regular PFD's in my boat, and 1 or 2 suspender types depending on who's with me. And a throwable. So Technically, I do not have to wear the suspenders all the time, since I'm covered with the 2 normal PFD's.

[spetro]

When I am doing safety checks inflatables must be on a person...period!  If not, it is as if it is not onboard.  This goes with a game officer or Sheriff.  If the inflatable is not being worn..it does not exist and you may be subjected to a citation, based on the number of people to PFD ratio.
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EDIT:  I am not a big fan of inflatable PFD's.  There are to many variables.  If in fact you are in forty degree water, the PFD does not inflate, your chances of manually inflating it is low.  If you are in forty degree water and unconscious, your chances of survival, if it does not inflate automatically is ZERO.  I for one use the good old trusted and true.  With that said, that is just my preference.  There has been tons of testing done on inflatables for the most part they are dependable.  I'm just "old school".
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If fishing, I'll put on an inflatable.  When the BIG motor is running, off comes the inflatable and on comes the tried and true.  Most inflatable PFD's are not rated for speed "QUESTION" Are Inflatable PFDs approved for all boating activities?
"ANSWER" No. Fully inflatable PFDs are not approved for high speed applications such as riding a PWC, waterskiing, or tubing. Inflatables are not approved for white water activities.  They are not to be used inflated or not during high speed activities unless they are rated for such.

This is a great website for answers to your questions.
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http://www.stearnsflotation.com/faq.aspx#faq_5