AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-wearable-pfd-each-person
Federal rules say a recreational boat must carry how many wearable life jackets?
One wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- One for each person on board ✔
- One for every two people
- Two per boat, no matter how many ride
Why: Under 33 CFR 175.15, nobody may use a recreational boat unless at least one wearable PFD is aboard for each person. Each must be Coast Guard approved and the right size for its wearer.
Huh, didn't know that: The Coast Guard says life jackets are the item boarding officers cite most often for violations.
What do you call a guy in a life jacket floating in the lake? Bob.
Like this card?
References
Answer: One for each person on board. Under 33 CFR 175.15, nobody may use a recreational boat unless at least one wearable PFD is aboard for each person. Each must be Coast Guard approved and the right size for its wearer.
- 33 CFR 175.15 Personal flotation devices required (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-175.15
At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person
Checked 2026-10-08. - USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
with personal floatation devices, the item most frequently cited for violations
Checked 2026-10-08.
Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.
More stuff everyone should know
Boating & WaterAt what boat length does federal law add a throwable flotation device to the wearable ones?Boating & WaterUnder the federal rule, kids under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving boat?Boating & WaterYour state's child life jacket age differs from the federal rule. Which one applies on that state's waters?
That's stuff everyone should know.