Life Jacket Selector
Please answer these questions so the proper life jacket can be recommended to you.
Are you boating offshore in potentially rough weather or water?
TYPE I
Inherently buoyant jacket or inflatable
- brightly colored
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
TYPE III or V
Float coat, jacket, or fishing style vest
- inherently buoyant jacket or inflatable
- plenty of pockets
- coloration to suit activity
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
TYPE I or III
Vest (depending on class of white water)
- inherently buoyant
- brightly colored
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
TYPE III or V
Paddling vest
- inherently buoyant
- larger arm holes
- brightly colored
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
TYPE III
Vest
- inherently buoyant
- rated for impact
- close fitting
- multiple fasteners
- brightly colored
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
Any TYPE I, II, III, or V
Inherently buoyant, inflatable or children’s hybrid
- approved for the activity
- selected for comfort
Please see below for more information on each type of life jacket.
* Exceptions - inflatable devices, except hybrids, for ages 16 and over only
* Non-swimmers should not use a manual inflatable device
Read manufacturer’s labels for recommended uses.
TYPE I
Offshore Life Jacket
Type I life jackets are designed for rough, open water where rescue may be slow-coming. They are generally bright colors for increased visibility. Most type I life jackets will turn an unconscious person face-up. These PFDs have the most buoyancy of all PFD types.
TYPE II
Nearshore Life Vest
Type II life jackets come in a range of sizes from child through adult. They are for calm inland water where rescue is expected to be relatively quick. These PFDs are often less bulky than Type I. Some models will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.
TYPE III
Flotation Aid
Type III life jackets can often be the most comfortable. They are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes for different boating activities.
TYPE IV
Throwable Device
Type IV devices are not considered by law to be a wearable life jacket. They are to be kept readily available so they can be thrown in an emergency to a person in the water. These include boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.
TYPE V
Special Use Device
Type V are special use PFDs. These work vests, deck suits, and hybrids are often more convenient or useful for specific activities. They must be worn to be considered an approved device.
