Arizona Life Jacket Requirements
When it comes to boating in and around Arizona, the state’s life jacket requirements are relatively straightforward. Before taking to the water, it is important, however, to be familiar with the law and to ensure that your vessel has the appropriate number of life jackets on board.
For all motorized water vessels — including both boats and personal watercraft — that are powered by a motor or engine of any kind, Arizona law requires that each occupant has a Coast Guard-approved, personal flotation device (PFD) in order to board and ride on the vessel. In the case of a PWC, otherwise known as a jet ski or wave runner, Arizona law states that there must be a PFD on board for each person riding on the craft , as well as another device that can be thrown to a person in the water.
With regard to motor-powered vessels, it is important to know that Arizona law also requires that every vessel must possess an additional life jacket, one that can be worn by a child and that is approved for such use by the U.S. Coast Guard. Child life jacket laws state that if there are children aboard a boat, the boat must be equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD that is easily accessible and available for each child under the age of 12. Arizona law does not require a specific number of child flotation devices on board a recreational boat or aircraft, however, so long as there is one available for each child on board.
Life Jackets for Various Ages
The life jacket law in Arizona requires that individuals under the age of 12 wear a life jacket on certain watercraft. Arizona Revised Statute section 5-383 lists the life jacket requirements for a child as follows for small watercraft:
- A child under the age of six years must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while the vessel is in motion.
- A child ages six to 12 must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while the vessel is in motion, except when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
- Additionally, a child aged 12 to 16 must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while the vessel is in motion on any vessel less than 8 meters (26 feet) in length.
- Also, any child under the age of 13 must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices.
Notice that the requirement for children 12 to 16 years old only applies to vessels under 26 feet long. For adults and seniors, the requirements are more relaxed.
For adults (ages 16 and older), the statute requires one of the following:
– An adult-or any person at least 13 years of age or older-must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device at all times while the vessel is in motion and cannot be below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
– Alternatively, the adult must have a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device of the appropriate size onboard. The device must be readily accessible for immediate use.
There are a few other provisions that apply in special circumstances. For example, Arizona Revised Statute section 5-383 does not require a personal flotation device on vessels less than 2 meters (6.56 feet) long and nonmotorized fishing vessels that are not carrying passengers for hire. The law also allows inflatable personal flotation devices only on unmotorized vessels less than 4.88 meters (16 feet) in length where the operator and all passengers are older than 16 years old.
Arizona Revised Statute section 5-381(5) defines a "motorized vessel" as a vessel or watercraft that is self-propelled or may be propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is affixed to the vessel or watercraft.
Approved Life Jacket Types
The Arizona game and fish department incorporates the United States Coast Guard classifications for approved life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFD’s) with minor modifications.
The most commonly used life jackets include:
Type I – Offshore: Designed for rough open waters, where rescue may be slow. PFDs classified as Type I must be capable of turning an unconscious, face-down person in the water to a vertical or slightly backward position. (A crushed-velvet collar is recommended for infant and child sizes, as the regular collar is uncomfortable and a potential drowning hazard for such children.) The Type Ia is recommended for heavy commercial use, in severe seas (8-10 feet), where rescue may be delayed for hours.
Type II – Near Shore: Also designed for open water, but less rugged than the Type I. A Type II needs only to bring an unconscious, face-down person around to a vertical position (not necessarily a back vertical position), and keep them there. The Type II is for calmer waters where rescue can be expected within several hours, such as lakes, certain rivers and canals. The Type II is the most used PFD in Arizona.
Type III – Hose Bucket, Vest: Also known in Arizona as a hose bucket or vest. Similar to the Type II, but not as high floating. Most popular PFD used in Arizona.
Type IV – Throw Able: A PFD that is designed to be thrown to a person in trouble in the water. An example would be a boat cushion with straps. Many people consider the throw able a substitute for a regular or wearable PFD. This is very dangerous and against the law. NOTE: Unapproved ring buoys are acceptable as long as they are of equivalent size to a Type IV.
Type V – Special Needs: Intended for special uses and must be worn at all times. Many of these PFDs do not meet the general buoyancy requirements. Two examples of these include windsurfing PFDs and the Type III PFD with the collar back.
Failing to Comply and the Penalties
Depending on the watercraft and potential outcomes of a violation with the Arizona life jacket laws, penalties could be significantly more than the price of a fine. There are fines and legal consequences to consider with each of the following possible violations.
Not only will you be slapped with a hefty fine if you are caught violating the life jacket law, the consequence can also extend to the boat insurance policy you have . Depending on the outcome of the circumstances surrounding the violation, your insurance company could drop your coverage. Not only that, they could also refuse to give you coverage for any future applications, leaving you unprotected on the water.
In addition to your insurance, it is your own boating license that can be impacted by the violation. Your license can potentially be suspended or revoked if the violation is serious enough.
Boater Safety Advice
When out on the water, boaters can ensure their families’ safety by closely inspecting all safety equipment and life jackets before boarding. Not only do parents bear responsibility for the safety of children, but a boat operator can receive a citation for anyone on board who does not have a life jacket. That includes adults. Here are some important safety tips for boaters: Perform simple maintenance and inspections on all life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) twice each boating season. Be sure to check for proper adjustment with straps; that the PFD is free of cracks, cuts or snags; that any inflatable devices do actually inflate; and that any plastic buckle or strap is undamaged and works correctly. Remember, PFDs are designed to fit snugly, but not so snugly that the user is uncomfortable. On the other hand, if the life jacket gets too comfy, it’s possible that it can slip over the user’s head while in the water. Buckles should be fastened appropriately; if the jacket has no buckles, a simple knot to connect the straps is preferable to nothing. Always ensure that life jackets are kept stowed in a dry, dark place when not in use, and that they’re not damaged by sun exposure or being folded up for a long period of time. This can lead to irreparable damage in the long run. Check your state for information on requirements for PFDs. Arizona law requires that vessels must have one U.S. Coast Guard approved type I, II, III or V life jacket for each person on board, or one type IV buoyant throwable device. Children under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on board a moving pleasure craft of any kind, unless the moving vessel is within the child’s truly enclosed cabin. In addition to these life jacket safety tips, it’s important for boaters in Arizona to also take measures to protect themselves from the sun. Apply an SPF sunscreen at least 30 minutes before enjoying a day on the water, and make sure to reapply the sunblock every 90 minutes or so, especially if swimming or drinking alcohol. Hats and sunglasses are also important to protect against the desert sun and to prevent eye damage as vision can be directly harmed by ultraviolet light. Finally, remember that it’s always a good idea to have some basic first aid supplies on board in case of an emergency. Ensure that the boat has a properly stocked first aid kit, and that you know how to use each item in the kit. With a little planning, you can enjoy being out on the water in beautiful Arizona.
Recent Legal Developments
Historically, there has been general confusion and uncertainty around the law, particularly with homemade or individual floatation devices. However, this confusion was lifted during a recent legislative session. The Arizona Legislature passed A.R.S. 5-354, which specifies more detailed standards of what constitutes an approved type of life jacket. This new law clarifies which standards are acceptable, and which are not. The impetus for this revision came from an increase in the number of homemade life jackets being used. The law had not been updated to address or specify the use of homemade flotation devices. As a result, Arizona wanted to clarify what life jacket requirements were acceptable , and which were not, to alleviate any confusion. While it is understandable that some may want to avoid the cost of purchasing a life jacket off the shelf, it is important to recognize that there is a reason these standards were put in place, and a reason the Arizona Legislature updated the law this year- safety. Traditional flat material, bonds and fabrics used in the construction of life jackets are proven to keep those in distress above water, preventing them from sinking, whereas home alternatives do not provide any guarantee of safety. So although these homemade devices may prove to be cheaper, and appeal to those trying to save a few dollars, they also come at a cost- safety.