What is required on boats under 16 feet according to PFD regulations?

The requirement for boats under 16 feet is that there must be a personal flotation device (PFD) lifejacket for every person on board. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of all individuals on smaller vessels, where the risk of capsizing and falling overboard can be higher due to limited stability and space. By mandating a PFD for each person, the law aims to increase the chances of survival in the event of an accident on the water, as these devices are designed to keep individuals afloat and in a position to breathe.

Having a throwable flotation device, while beneficial for rescue situations, does not replace the need for individual PFDs, as it serves a different purpose. Likewise, specifying a PFD for every two people would not comply with safety regulations and could potentially lead to dangerous situations. Lastly, claiming that no PFDs are necessary for such boats would contradict safety standards designed to protect boaters. The requirement for personal flotation devices is fundamental to boating safety and reflects broader efforts to enhance safety measures on the water.