Seat belts, motorcycle helmets... now PFDs?

[Bob]

Safety is not the issue!

I sincerly believe the USCG has the right idea, it seems intuively stupid to mandate something totally unenforcable.In a similar vein, in Massachusetts, if automobile drivers are stopped and found not to be wearing their seatbelt, they are fined $25.00.However, even though seat belts, like PFD's are well deocumented to save lives, none of our schoolbuses (except perhaps the driver) has seat belts for the students. Why? I suppose it is unenforcable.In similar vein, howe do we enforce the wearing of PFD's on any size boat? If they require a rescue and are not wearing seatbelts, do we impound their surfboard, 12 footere row boat or their Hobie Cat?Perhaps stop all the Tourboats and fine Holiday Cruises for each passenger without a seatbelt?Personally, I like the idea of "Personal Responsibility". While the statistics are true that many people drown without flotation devices, there are millions more who have never worn one and may never drown (unless they capsize)?Just my opinion,Bob

 

[Bob Bunsey]

PFD policy: Pretty Friggin Disgusting

OK, so what's next on their list?Turn signals on the bow and stern?Amber Emergency Flasher lights on spreaders? Changing the Nav Rules to require computer-generated English words blasting over a loudspeaker in additon to whistle signals? ("NOW LEAVING THE DOCK", "REVERSE PROPULSION IN EFFECT", "DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, DANGER, DANGER")If the USCG keeps on this course, then all boaters can just be blissfully ignorant and be told what to do, without any need for common sense or accountability. The nautical socialists are here, and it's disgusting.

 

[Windship]

No To Mandatory PFD's

NOOOOOOOO!!Dennis

 

[Tom S]

PFD's already ARE mandatory for kids

I hate to break it to everyone .... lol Most states already have some sort of laws on the books for Kids and PFD's and there is now a federal mandate for those few states that don't. (Effective Dec 23, 2002)"This Rule affects only those States that have not established requirements, by statute or rule, for children to wear life jackets. For the remaining states, the rule recognizes and adopts the existing state regulation, even if it is less stringent. "http://www.uscgboating.org/news/boatingview.aspx?id=47

 

[john]

on my boat

I insist on my passengers wearing a pfd while underway.. don't necessarily agree that it should be regulated or enforced by agencies.. I would rather keep them afloat than trust my ability to get back to them quick enough for them to stay above water.

 

[Bryan Morton]

The Libertarian Solution

Liberty and responsibility go hand in hand. The cost of irresponsible behavior should be borne by irresponsible individuals. On the flip side of that, savings incurred by safe practices should also go to those individuals who choose to act responsibly. The government should have no say in the actions of free citizens unless those actions infringe upon the life, liberty or justly aquired property of others. Insurance companies however, which would have a financial stake in how safely you operate your watercraft, could offer substantial savings to boaters who volunarily take safe boating courses, stock and/or utilize safety equipment such as PFDs or penalize or deny services to those who choose not to.

 

[Bill]

I'd think USCG would have some higher priorities +

these days--and I tend to think quite a few of the Coasties I know would agree. Aside from the very valid arguments dealing with over-regulation, their time and energy is sorely needed with regard to port security, narco traffic ops, etc. FWIW, on our boat, the PFDs go on anytime someone's alone topsides, or anytime someone leaves the cockpit to go forward.Fair winds, Bill"Ngemelis"

 

[Tim Purcell]

You can't mandate common sense

Way too many other problems the government can work on without catering to lobbyists that see a big market surge with every new law.

 

[Tim]

12 Hours to 100 Posts - Must be a Record!

I looks like it took just over 12 hours to register 100 posts on this topic! Wow, that must be some kind of record. I probably won't even be able to read all of them in 12 hours...Tim BroganApril IV C350 #68Seattle

 

[Bob F]

NO, NO, NO.

.

 

[Bruce A. Harten]

personal responsibility

Due to the special performance of our boat , PFD's are worn by all aboard, exception granted to the galley personnel, when under way.At anchor weather and other data determine the need for Pfd 's, (children and certain adults will always be required to wear them) Keep in mind, just as you can make a fast boat slow, but not a slow boat fast...you can always take your pfd off but cannot always put it on. As to another maritime reg. we do not need enforcement of common sense...bruce

 

[C. Thompson]

Manditory PFD's

Difficult issue. While I believe in the freedom of choice I also know that a seatbelt has saved my life and that a motorcycle helmet has saved my best friend's life- twice!I have been sailing/boating for thirty three years. I hope to do so for forty more. We would all like to think that we are in control/experienced enough to not need to wear a PFD at all times. Stuff happens! Maybe we could start with a requirement that would affect vessels under 20 feet long. The industry could study the results and revise the requirements as needed.As for me, I plan on buying an auto- inflating harness for both my wife and myself.Technology has made the choice less cumbersome and less difficult.

 

[Pirate]

ATGATT

ATGATT is a motorcycle term for "All The Gear All The Time"On my boat I decide when conditions or actions require PFD's. This is part of my responsibility as the Skipper.I tend to wear my PFD/Safety harness all the time (except when sleeping). As soon as there are whitecaps on the water no one leaves the cockpit unless they are wearing a PFD. I find that wearing mine all the time means that it is never in the way since I am used to wearing it. Seeing me wear mine sets a good example for crew that might feel more secure wearing on, but do not wish to be the only one aboard in a PFD.Mandatory helmet and seatbelt laws have not had a measurable effect in reducing lives lost on the highway. In fact a case can be made that drivers are worse in supposed "safe" vehicles, they have been brainwashed into thinking that the seatbelt and airbag will save them, so they don't drive well.My answer is yes, PFD's are mandatory in my boat when *I* say they are.

 

[Malcolm Young]

PFDs yes - laws - another perspective...

First - on my boat (was 32' will be 36') - all wear PFDs underway. In port or at anchor children who can't swim around the boat must wear a PFD. ( for everyone's safety the swim ladder is kept down in port). Why? my wife and I and all our children swim well but swiming isn't enough. There are many reasons - 1. Good PFDs are comfortable - cheap PFDs may not be - we have good PFDs that cost over twice as much as the cheap models but the foam is softer, the fit is firm but comfortable. The new inflatable types are even more comfortable as long as you trust the auto inflation device (you do have auto inflation don't you - there is a significant chance that if you fall overboard you may be unconscious) ?2. You can't predict when and why you are going to go overboard. 3. It may be hot on deck but usually the water is cold compared to body temperature - a close fitting foam PFD provides some protection against hypothermia.4. If you go overboard in any kind of wave action without a PFD, you are very hard to see. A brightly coloured PFD is easier to see - ours are orange and our new ones have reflective tape - we sail at night at times.5. Prior to the big boat (and since) we sailed a dinghy and we are used to PFDs - it is insanity to go out in a sailing dinghy not wearing one - it feels like you are entering a construction site without a hard hat and safety boots.Second - should there be a law requiring wearing of PFDs? - Like others replying, I feel that a person should be free to do whatever they like as long as they don't adversely affect others - and that includes your passengers and crew... which leads me to the next point. I would like to introduce another perspective. I believe there are already laws that indicate that a captain has the responsibility and authority to assure the seaworthiness of the vessel and the safety of the passengers and crew. I would think this includes taking appropriate safety precautions based on the type of vessel, seaworthiness of that vessel, current and expected conditions and knowledge and skill of the crew (including the captain) etc. I think that if there is any strengthening of law it should be built around that responsibility. The problem for the authorities of course is enforcement. However enhancement of this type of law to make it more enforceable would be more reasonable than simply saying that people must wear PFDs irrespective of the vessel (and crew) seaworthiness and conditions.Finally - invest in a well designed comfortable PFD (not a cheapy) and try it out - they really are comfortable. There are many types, find one that is suited to your body shape and normal activity. I have dinghy sailed, canoed and big boat sailed in my PFD. The first two require more mobility than a big boat. I simply do not accept that PFDs are not acceptably comfortable if you do some shopping around.

 

[Rich Dolan]

Darwin --- WHERE ARE YOU??????

Enough is enough!! The government should stop putting their "PAWS" into every possible situation. How will Darwin ever be proven right?!?!?!? If you're going out boating and you don't want to put any thought into the situation, THEN DON'T! Live OR die with your decisions. When will people start taking the stand that THEY are responsible for their actions and when will the government start taking the stand that it ISN'T?

 

[J.P. Jones]

New Hampshire has it right . Live Free or Die

nm

 

[Charles Beesley]

PFD's Required? No Way!

I don't think the seatbelt and helmet comparison is valid. If my C22 did 125 mph I'd be wearing lots of safety equip.. I do wear a pfd when the wind is up and or the water is rough or cold. But I don't want to wear one when it's 100 degrees. I'm one who wore helmets when they weren't mandatory for a street bike and I put seat belts in my 1949 Ford when I got it in the mid-50's. But to get hurt on a Catalina 22, someone has to be really stupid or drunk. And stupid/drunk people are going to hurt themselves or someone else no matter how many laws are passed.

 

[Tom Myers]

Only if it makes safety sense

In my opinion, there is no justification for requiring PFD's based on the questionable statistic presented. For instance: What percentage of boats on the water are under 21 feet? Would it by any chance be around 85%?The statistic that can not be argued is this: most boating accidents are due to pilot error. Perhaps PFD's should be required based on pilot experience. A captain who has 10 or more years at the helm, although experience does not physically protect the boat from 'attacks of stupidity' by less experienced pilots, is much less likely to be involved in an accident.We certainly need to consider many issues in a discussion of mandatory PFDs - but boat size is probably the smallest (no pun intended) risk indicator. The experience and helm-savvy of the captain, however, are a much greater indicator.Tom

 

[Howard]

Water

This is an example of government at its worst. It equals prohibition as a misguided effort. It would be equally logical to conclude from these statistics that dwownings occur in water, and therefore we should legislate the eliminatation of water. If the Coast Guard would stick to education and its legitimate purpose it would have vastly greater citizen support.

 

[Ron M.]

"Speed Trap" revenue producer

While wearing a PFD can certainly be a lifesaving measure taken by boaters, I think The Coast Guard has more important on water activities to attend to rather than policing PFD violators unless the primary purpose is to generate a new source of revenue - another "speed trap". Rather than a manadatory law for all boaters operating watercraft under 21 feet, a more sensible law may address two specific areas: children 12 and under engaged in all forms of boating and all PWC operators. Both involve inexperience and on water increased risk taking compared to responsible adult boaters. Otherwise, let common sense prevail