Most everyone knows there is a federal law that requires a life jacket, also known as a personnel flotation device or PFD, be available for every person on the boat and must be readily accessible.  What most boaters do not know is that there are five different types of Pads and each is designed for a specific use or water area.  The type of PFD is listed on the label of the PFD.

A type I device has 25 pounds of flotation, is designed for off shore waters where the sea state is greater than three feet and rescue is not likely for twelve or more hours.  This type of PFD comes in both adult and children size and will keep a unconscious person face up in the water.

A type II device has 15 pounds of flotation, is designed for inshore waters where the sea state is less than three feet and rescue is expected with-in twelve hours.  This type of PFD also comes in adult and children size and can keep an unconscious person face up in the water.

A type III device also has 15 pounds of flotation, is designed for recreation use in protected waters where rescue is expected with-in twelve hours.  This type of PFD is sized like a coat and is not designed to keep an unconscious person face up in the water.

A type IV device is a throwable PFD designed to be thrown to someone who falls overboard.  One type IV device is required, in addition to one PFD per person, on all boats sixteen feet and greater. It can be used as a PFD on boats under 16 feet but is not to be worn.

A type V device is the least bulky of all PFDs. It contains about 7 pounds of inherent flotation and an inflatable chamber which when inflated will provide a total of 25 pounds of buoyancy.  Performance is equal to a type I but must be worn when underway to be acceptable.