Personal Floatation Devices

When selecting a PFD, be sure to read the label to verify that it is appropriate for a person of your size and weight. Try your PFD on to make sure it fits properly and check to make sure it is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

Craft under 16 feet long:

For Great Lakes and connecting waterways, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all vessels less than 16 feet to carry one wearable approved Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board. For inland waters not connected to the Great Lakes, each person on board must have either a wearable or throwable PFD.

Craft 16 feet or longer:

If your boat is 16 feet or longer, you must have on board at least one throwable PFD (Type IV), PLUS one of any of these wearable PFDs for each person on board:

• Offshore Life Jacket (Type I)
• Near-shore Bouyant Vest (Type II)
• Flotation Aid (Type III)

Michigan law requires:

• Everyone operating, riding, or being towed by a personal watercraft must wear a non-inflatable Type I, II or III PFD.
• Persons less than 6 years old must wear a Type I or Type II PFD when riding on the open deck area of a boat.