New York State Life Jacket Laws & Requirements

November 28, 2022

According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, 82% of victims who drowned in New York between 2005 and 2021 were not wearing a life jacket. Considering the major role PFDs play in saving lives on the water, they should ideally be worn at all times while boating. However, the law only requires it in certain circumstances.

Requirements for life jackets and PFDs aboard vessels in New York State

All motorized and non-motorized vessels operated on New York State waters are required to have one US Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for each person on board. Vessels that are 16 ft and over are also required to have a Type IV throwable PFD aboard.

All PFDs carried on board a vessel must be:

Serviceable (no rot, tears, punctures etc.)
Readily accessible (easy to reach in an emergency)
Of an appropriate size for the intended wearer

Who must wear a USCG-approved PFD or life jacket in New York State?

According to New York State boating laws, life jackets must be worn by individuals in the following circumstances:

Children under 12 years of age on a vessel 65 ft or less (unless they are in an enclosed cabin)
Anyone being towed behind a vessel
Anyone on a personal watercraft (PWC)
Anyone on a vessel underway between Nov. 1 and May 1 (when the water is coldest)

Contravening these regulations can result in a fine between $25 and $100.

Types of life jackets and PFDs

The old classification system for PFDs is in the process of being replaced. The change is being made in order to harmonize American and Canadian life jacket standards. Life jackets with the new classification can be used interchangeably in both countries. Life jackets labelled under the old system are still approved for use in the US.

The old PFD classification system

Type I PFD: This is the most buoyant type of PFD, made for rougher off-shore waters and designed to turn unconscious wearers face up in the water.
Type II PFD: This type of PFD is made for calmer inland waters. It can sometimes turn unconscious wearers face up in the water, but this is not guaranteed.
Type III PFD: This type of PFD is best for water sport activities on calm inland waters. It has no turning ability.
Type IV PFD: These devices are not worn but rather thrown to someone in the water so that they can hold on until help arrives.

The new PFD classification system

Level 50: This buoyancy aid is best used by strong swimmers who are near shore. It has no turning ability.
Level 70: This buoyancy aid is very similar to the old Type III PFDs, best used for water sport activities and recreational boating on calm inland waters.
Level 100: This life jacket has good flotation in reasonably calm water, and some turning ability.
Level 150: This life jacket has excellent flotation and turning ability and can be used in rough water.

The new labelling system also includes icons to help users understand what the PFDs are designed for. There are icons that indicate the PFD’s turning ability and activities it is not approved for.

Boat in compliance with state law with Drive a Boat USA!

New York’s boating laws are in place to keep everyone safe on the water. In addition to PFD regulations, the state has safety education requirements for recreational boaters. Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must hold a New York safe boating certificate in order to operate a motorized vessel, and boaters of all ages will need to be certified by 2025.
Drive a Boat USA offers an online boating safety course that is approved by NASBLA and the State of New York. Learn you everything you need to know to pass the exam, obtain your certificate and stay safe on the water with our comprehensive course. Register today!