Regal 3200 Bowrider, Owner'S Manual

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1-7
Safety On Board
REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Personal Flotation Devices
All personal fl otation devices (PFD’s) must be Coast Guard approved,
in good working condition, and must be the correct size for the wearer.
All PFD’s must be readily accessible. This means being able to wear
them in a reasonable amount of time in case of an emergency (
fi re,
boat sinking, etc.). They should not be stored or locked in closed areas.
Also, make sure that all coverings are removed, such as plastic from
any PFD’s. Throwable devices such as a ring buoys need to be available
for immediate
deployment. A PFD should be worn at all times when
your boat is operating on the water. A PFD may save your life, but it
must be worn to do so.
As minimum U. S. Coast Guard requirements all recreational
boats must carry one type I, II, III, or V PFD (wearable) for each
person aboard.
See the explanation following for each type. For type V
to be counted they must be used according to the label instructions. In
addition, all boats over 16’ must carry one Type IV (throwable) PFD.
Some states require that PFD’s be worn by children of speci
fi c ages at
all times. Check with state boating agencies for particular requirements
in your state before taking children on the water.
Remember PFD’s will not necessarily keep you from drowning,
even though they are designed to keep a person from sinking. When
purchasing PFD’s make sure it safely
fi ts the person wearing it. It is
a good idea to test PFD’s in a shallow pool before venturing on the
water.
Refer to the USCG minimum equipment requirements at the end of this
chapter. It is meant to be a guide only. Contact state and local agencies
for additional equipment requirements. Remember as the captain of
your vessel you are responsible for its safe operation.