Where Is The Best Place To Store Lifejackets And PFDs?
The best place to store life jackets and PFDs is on the top deck of a boat in storage bags and marine nets underneath T-tops and hardtops.
This can be in clear carry bags or boat kits and storage nets affixed to the hull, bow, or cockpit on the top deck.
Life jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) save lives.
Federal and state laws require all sailboats, motorboats, canoes, and kayaks to store at least one US Coast Guard-approved life jacket per passenger when boating on the water.
But, storing life jackets and PFDs can present a challenge, with limited space on many vessels.
Designated storage units and available spaces found underneath boat seats also represent a good place to put PFDs as long as these areas are not locked or have any equipment covering them.
They are an essential part of overall boat safety and need to be stored where it’s easily accessible to all passengers in times of crisis.
Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Life jackets and PFDs are best stored on a boat’s top deck in storage bags or marine nets.
2️⃣ They must be easily accessible in emergencies and kept in cool, dry areas.
3️⃣ The US Coast Guard advises against storing them in locked compartments or below deck.
Where Is The Best Place To Put PFDs While You Are Out On Your Boat?
The best place to store life jackets and PFDs on a boat is where it’s easily accessible to all passengers on board.
The top deck is an ideal location, keeping PFDs easily accessible to all passengers. For larger vessels, consider distributing PFDs in multiple areas to ensure everyone can reach them quickly if needed.
When not in use, store your PFDs in cool, dry, and dark spaces to prevent mold growth and UV damage. Avoid cramming them into tight compartments or placing heavy objects on top, as this can compromise their effectiveness.
For fishing boats or vessels with limited deck space, consider using a heavy-duty storage bag designed for T-tops.
Sailboats may have additional storage options depending on their layout. Always prioritize accessibility over neatness when choosing a storage location.
Remember, the best PFD is the one you’re wearing. Encourage passengers to wear their PFDs at all times, especially in rough water.
Here are some recommended storage options:
Sailing vessels have a couple of extra places you could consider depending on your preference.
Where Is The Best Place To Store Throwable PFDs On A Boat?
A throwable PFD can be anything from a classic ring buoy, flotation cushion, or flotation collar.
When “man overboard” is shouted, these rescue devices are thrown to save the person in the water from drowning.
The best place to store throwable PFDs is somewhere on the boat that’s unobstructed, where nothing impedes a person from grabbing it and throwing it to a passenger in distress.
On center-console boats, a convenient place to store a throwable PFD is on the leaning post.
Why Is It Important To Store Life Jackets And PFDs On A Boat?
Many recreational boaters choose not to wear a life jacket when boating, with the tendency not to wear one increasing on perfectly sunny days.
But, according to the US Coast Guard, most boating-related drownings happen on perfect boating days.
The US Coast Guard requires all recreational vessels to have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board. This includes sailboats, motorboats, kayaks, and canoes. For children under 13, wearing a life jacket is mandatory when not in a fully enclosed area.
Proper storage ensures:
- Quick access in emergencies
- Protection from damage and wear
- Compliance with federal and state laws
Remember, most boating-related drownings occur on seemingly perfect days. In 2020, 86% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. By keeping your life jackets and PFDs in good condition and easily accessible, you significantly increase your chances of survival in case of an accident.
Boat size matters too. For example, California law requires:
- Vessels under 16 feet: One life jacket per passenger
- Vessels over 16 feet: At least one throwable flotation device in addition to life jackets
Failure to have the correct number of approved life jackets on board can result in fines. Prioritize safety by storing your life jackets and PFDs properly on your boat.
Where Is The Worst Place To Put PFDs On A Boat?
When the captain (or boat owner) of a boating vessel doesn’t demand that the passengers wear a life jacket, he still needs to inform everyone aboard where the life jackets and other PFDs are stored before setting sail.
Life jackets and PFDs are required to be stored where it’s readily accessible to all the people on the boat.
Placing these personal flotation devices in difficult-to-reach areas can be the difference between life and death when disaster strikes on the water.
According to the US Coast Guard, the following are some of the worst places to store life jackets and flotation devices:
You don’t want to struggle with safety gear in an emergency, as time is often limited.
When a boat is taking on water, or if a fire breaks out, there’s typically no time to go into the interior of a boat looking for life jackets, as the interior is where disasters originate.
Final Words
Life jackets and PFDs are best stored somewhere on the top deck of a boat. On sailboats, a popular section to keep these lifesavers is in the cockpit area in cockpit lockers or inside storage seating.
The best storing options for hard tops and T-top boats are in a marine net or specially made storage bags for boating safety equipment.
Storing life jackets and PFDs in designated storage compartments, under seats, and at the back of a leaning post. When storage space is limited, a life jacket carry bag should do the trick regarding storage.
Boat cabins can be used to store PFDs on mounted hooks, but it’s best not to keep all the jackets here as this area can be affected by flooding and fires first.
The best and safest place to store life jackets and PFDs on a boat while out on the sea having fun is on every passenger’s body, including the captain and crew.
