Understanding Type III Life Jackets: Features, Uses, and Regulations

September 29, 2025

For many years, life jackets were categorized and labeled according to their type. Type III was the most commonly used life jacket, designed for activities where freedom of movement was important and there was a good chance of a quick rescue.

You can still use a Type III life jacket if it is in good condition. But if you need to purchase a new one, you will need to choose a Level 70 PFD instead.

Key Takeaways

The old “Type” classification system (Type I, II, III, etc.) has been replaced by a new, harmonized “Performance Level” system.
New life jackets that would have been labeled as Type III are now labeled as Level 70.
You can continue to use an old Type III life jacket as long as it is in good condition, fits properly, and is age-appropriate.
Both the old Type III and the new Level 70 life jackets are not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water. They are intended for situations where the person is conscious and help is readily available.
Type III life jackets are best suited for calm, inland waters and activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding, where mobility and comfort are important. They are not recommended for offshore or rough water conditions.
Sizing for life jackets is crucial for safety. For adults, it’s based on chest circumference, while for children and infants, it’s based on weight.

Type III Life Jackets: Originally Designed for Low-Risk Water Activities
Type III Replaced by New Labels Showing Targeted Buoyancy Levels
Type III Life Jackets: Equivalent to Buoyancy Level 70
Boating Activities Suited to Type III Life Jackets
Learn More About Safe Boating with Drive A Boat USA!

Type III PFDs: Originally Designed for Low-Risk Water Activities

The “Type III” life jacket designation is no longer added to new life jacket labels. However, even if new labels do not show ‘type’, you can still use an older Type III life jacket if it is in good working condition, fits properly, and is age-appropriate.

Under the old U.S. Coast Guard classification system, the Type III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) was suitable for various recreational activities in calm, inland waters.

Type III life jackets are designed to offer basic protection in situations where a person is:

Within easy reach of help
Conscious (and not likely to suffer from extreme fatigue or hypothermia)

A Type III will not turn an unconscious wearer upright, unlike a Type I.

“Type III” Replaced by New Labels Showing Targeted Buoyancy Levels

The new harmonized labeling system in the U.S.A. and Canada uses “Performance Levels” to replace the old “Type” classifications.

Moderate buoyancy

A Type III life jacket is generally equivalent to a Level 70 life jacket, which means the PFD provides a buoyancy of at least 70 Newtons, or roughly 15.5 to 22 pounds.

Used for calm inland waters and near-shore activities

Type II life jackets are designed to give support to people in the water in relatively safe, calm areas, where a quick rescue is likely. They are not recommended for solo boating.

No turning capability

A Type III life jacket would not turn an unconscious person upright, meaning the wearer had to turn their head away from the water themselves. Level 70 life jackets (the equivalent) also do not provide turning capability, as shown on the label by the icon of a curved arrow with a slash through it.

More comfort, less protection

Type III life jackets were designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. To accomplish this, they are less bulky, and also provide less protection than other types.

Type III life jacket sizes

Choosing the right size of life jacket is very important. A proper fit is snug and doesn’t ride up over your chin or ears when you lift your arms or are in the water.

Type III life jackets came in a variety of sizes based on chest size for adults and weight for children and infants. Wearers must choose proper fit and buoyancy for different body types.

Adult sizes: Chest circumference anywhere from 30 inches up to 52 inches and beyond, often categorized with labels like Universal, Oversize or S/M/L/XL

Children and youth sizes: For children, the primary sizing factor is weight. Size categories for Type IIIs include:

Infant: For babies weighing less than 30 lbs.
Child: For children weighing between 30 and 50 lbs.
Youth: For children weighing between 50 and 90 lbs.

Please note: Measurements can vary slightly between brands. Always ensure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard or Transport Canada approved and that it fits properly before getting on the water.

Type III Life Jackets: Equivalent to Buoyancy Level 70

The United States and Canada have transitioned to a new, harmonized “performance level” system. New labels identify life jacket types and designs according to the level of buoyancy and the suitability for specific activities and conditions.

Level 70 life jackets are ‘wearable’. This falls into the new Type I category – but to avoid confusion when looking for a new life jacket, just focus on Level. And remember, if your old Type III is in good condition and fits properly, you can still wear it.

Boating Activities Suited to Type III Life Jackets

With the above characteristics in mind, you can decide which water activities are best suited to Type III (or Level 70) protection.

For example, you could safely and legally wear a Type III life jacket for the following:

Boating (general recreational): For calm waters near shore.
Kayaking: Especially for recreational kayaking in calm waters.
Canoeing: Good for most canoeing trips on lakes or calm rivers.
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Provides comfort and mobility for paddling.
Water Skiing: And other towed water sports where rescue is typically fast.
Fishing: Comfortable for anglers, especially in calmer waters.
Sailing (dinghy races/regattas): For supervised activities on inland or near-shore waters.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation: Often required or recommended for jet skiing and similar activities.

Learn More About Safe Boating with Drive A Boat USA!

Choosing an appropriate life jacket is a great start, but there’s plenty more to learn about safe boating.

Drive A Boat USA offers approved, state-specific boater safety courses. Our 100% online state-specific boating courses will get your certified and ready to take to the water in New York, Florida and California.