Vessels 16 feet or longer must have one type of IV PFD.
A class of vessel that must have one Type IV USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) on board, in addition to one Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person, is a recreational vessel that is 16 feet or longer. The Type IV PFD serves as a throwable device, providing an additional level of safety for passengers in case of an emergency.
The class of vessel must be 16 ft or longer to be US Coast Guard approved.
Type IV
Children under 7 years of age while underway on the open deck of any vessel must always wear a PFD. A PFD is a Personal Floatation Device. The PFD must be an approved type such as type I,II, or III
Any vessel 16 feet or longer must have at least one Type I, II, or III personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Additionally, vessels must carry a Type IV PFD, which is a throwable device, readily accessible. These regulations ensure the safety of all passengers in case of an emergency.
throwable PFD
Its nine years old
In addition to the wearable personal flotation device (PFD) requirement for all vessels, any vessel 16 feet or longer must also have a throwable PFD on board. This throwable device, often referred to as a buoyant cushion or a ring buoy, is designed to be thrown to a person in the water, providing an additional means of flotation. It's important for safety regulations to ensure that all passengers can be assisted in an emergency.
In the United States, boats that are 16 feet long or over must be equipped with one Type IV PFD (as classified by the United States Coast Guard) per boat. A Type IV PFD is a throwable floating device; whether the classic "lifebuoy" or "lifesaver" type round version, or the square cushion-like type that are placed on the seats of recreational craft.
Everyone on board a PWC must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Children under 7 years of age must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD at all times while on board any vessel, unless the child is confined in a totally enclosed area of the vessel such as the cabin area of a houseboat or day-cruiser.
In addition to having one Type I, II, or III U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board, vessels that are 16 feet or longer must also have one Type IV PFD on board. Type IV PFDs are designed to be thrown to someone in the water, providing additional safety. Examples of Type IV PFDs include throwable cushions or ring buoys. It's important to ensure these safety requirements are met for compliance and the safety of all individuals on the vessel.
According to Wisconsin law, all children under the age of 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on a vessel that is underway. Additionally, any person operating a kayak or canoe must also wear a PFD. It’s important for all boaters to wear PFDs for safety, regardless of age or type of vessel.