PFD Rules

[djsmarinelectronics]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but the way I read the TWRA rules for Personal Flotation Devices is this: You must have an approved vest in the boat for each person on the boat; but the only time you are required to actually wear a PFD Is in marked areas below dams. I was under the impression you had to wear a vest as long as the boat was moving beyond and idle. Did I read that wrong?

 

[Hiwassee Angler]

Nope you didn't .... Its just a good rule of thumb to wear it when your past idle. Too many stumps, floating debris, and idiots on the water to not!

 

[rsimms]

Virtually all bass tournaments required that your PFD be on anytime the engine is running. But you are correct that state doesn't require it except below dams.

The exception is if you are using Type V CO2 inflatable PFD's. They MUST be worn or they don't count as a legal PFD,

 

[SpurHunter]

Or under 13, if not moored or anchored, they must be wearing it. Even if your just drifting around on a windless day in calm waters.

 

[buzz]

rsimms...I didn't know that. Thanks for that info....you may have just saved me a ticket. emoPolice

 

[Hair Jig]

buzz - 1/27/2012 6:21 PM rsimms...I didn't know that. Thanks for that info....you may have just saved me a ticket. emoPolice

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You ... and a lot of other people. Richard, I wish we could put up a billboard or something on the way to the river. emoDoh I have talked to literally dozens of people who own and use a CO2 vest, but they aren't aware of the regulations concerning them. Of course ... it's their own fault for not knowing, but most of the time they aren't trying to break the law. It's just a lack of knowledge. Two guys were fishing around my dock last week while I was doing some repairs, and they stopped for a chat. I saw a CO2 vest lying in the floor and asked if they knew that it had to be worn at all times. They looked at me as if I had 3 eyeballs. emoLaugh emoRolleyes
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[Strato-G]

The CO2 PFDs instructions indicate that must be worn to be legal under circumstances or laws. I carry other PFDs also in case co-angler needs,(or in case mine blows up) although most of my nonboaters usually bring their own for fit & comfort. emoThumbsup still some good info on the forum for those looking for information............... emoGeezer emoUSA

 

[groomer1a]

You also need to check your inflatable vest a couple of times a year. This mean inflating them and making sure they hold the air from the CO2 cartridge. I also always hook my shutoff cord to the vest or myself.

 

[buzz]

Not wanting to sound dumb here...maybe I misunderstood rsimms. Even while NOT running the big engine,....while trolling...you still have to have those CO2 life vest on? I also have mine snapped to my kill switch, it would be a pain...hooking and unhooking every time you stopped to fish a bank, etc.

 

[EricM]

Basically, a Type V inflatible PFD counts as NOTHING if you're not wearing it. Having it just laying in the bottom of the boat counts about the same as your anchor would. You MUST wear it ALL of the time if it is the only PFD available to someone. I've had 5 total persons in the boat with 4 TYPE III's and 1 TYPE V PFD, so I had to actually wear the type V all of the time to stay legal. Actually, it is very light and comfortable. In fact it is the one I always wear below the dams too.

Unless I am with Spurhunter, then I wear 3 PFD's and a helmet.

 

[Hair Jig]

buzz - 1/27/2012 11:19 PM Not wanting to sound dumb here...maybe I misunderstood rsimms. Even while NOT running the big engine,....while trolling...you still have to have those CO2 life vest on? I also have mine snapped to my kill switch, it would be a pain...hooking and unhooking every time you stopped to fish a bank, etc.

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You didn't misunderstand. Like Eric just said above .... it you aren't wearing it, it doesn't count as a PFD. Which in my mind is a GOOD thing. We all would be better served by wearing these things all the time.
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[Fuzzy]

I've never understood that rule. My high speed styro vest does as much good sitting in my locker as a inflatable one that is not worn. From what I understand there is also an age limit concerning who can wear a inflatable vest due to having to "operate it". I got in the habit of always wearing my inflatable when I fish alone or in the cold weather. Promise to my wife..guess I've grown on her

 

[buzz]

Again, thanks for the info. Guess I've been breaking the law. Like others....I'm getting to old too dog paddle for too long in the middle of the lake. emoLaugh . It isn't that much trouble to wear.