Indiana Boating Handbook - Boat Ed

Required Equipment
When preparing to go out, the operator must
check that the legally required equipment is on board.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
IC 14-15-2-6 (b)
Personal flotation devices
Sec. 6. (b) All boats must be equipped with the number and
type of personal flotation devices listed in this subsection. A
person may not operate a boat unless the boat contains:
1. for each person on board, one (1) personal flotation
device that meets the requirements for designation by the
United States Coast Guard as a Type I, Type II, Type III,
or Type V personal flotation device; and
2. for a boat, except a canoe or kayak, at least sixteen (16)
feet in length and in addition to the requirements of
subdivision (1), one (1) personal flotation device that
meets the requirements for designation by the United
States Coast Guard as a Type IV personal flotation
device.
◆◆ All vessels must carry one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V)
U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD for each person on
board or being towed.
◆◆ In addition to the above requirement, vessels 16 feet in
length or longer (except a canoe or kayak) must have one
Type IV USCG–approved PFD on board and readily
accessible.
◆◆
Each person on board a personal watercraft must wear a
PFD.
◆◆ All persons being towed behind a PWC on water skis or
any other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD. Ski
belts are not USCG–approved.
38 It’s the Law!
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