If memory serves in the last week there've been at least 3 posts about people going overboard and being lost while not wearing a PFD. Even before that I had made the decision that everybody aboard my boat will wear PFD's while the boat is moving. While sailing this past weekend I noticed that mine was one of the few boats where PFD's were being worn. There was a race going on and I noticed that only a couple of the race boat crews had PFD's on. While it may be overcautious I'd rather be labeled an old maid than have someone drown off my boat. At least if they're wearing a PFD it removes SOME of the urgency in the MOB drill. There was speculation in one of the earlier post that one of the guys most likely had a heart attack and I'll bet that's not an entirely umcommon occurence given the stress of falling off a boat. At least with the PFD even if the MOB is unconcious you could hopefully recover him. I'd like to hear what others feelings and thoughts are on PFD's.
What's Your PFD policy?
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situational
My PFD policy is situationally dependent. It depends on the crew. It depends on the weather. It depends on the task at hand. Generally it is not mandatory but welcome. In fact, if I want to quiety encourage wearing PFDs, I will wear one myself. A lot of the time, this works well. I have no qualms making it a mandate, and I will make them mandatory if I see people on the boat that I'm not confident can securely "anchor" themselves to the deck. I also will if the weather is a bit snotty or at night. However, even here there are times they get in the way. Working the foredeck is one place. Oddly enough, it seems PFDs are an hindrance to the foredeck crew when they're generally required for the crew, but often times they are dawned by the same foredeck crew when going forward in calm weather. When single-handing I always wear a PFD on open water.
My PFD policy is situationally dependent. It depends on the crew. It depends on the weather. It depends on the task at hand. Generally it is not mandatory but welcome. In fact, if I want to quiety encourage wearing PFDs, I will wear one myself. A lot of the time, this works well. I have no qualms making it a mandate, and I will make them mandatory if I see people on the boat that I'm not confident can securely "anchor" themselves to the deck. I also will if the weather is a bit snotty or at night. However, even here there are times they get in the way. Working the foredeck is one place. Oddly enough, it seems PFDs are an hindrance to the foredeck crew when they're generally required for the crew, but often times they are dawned by the same foredeck crew when going forward in calm weather. When single-handing I always wear a PFD on open water.
PFD Policy
If I could afford the comfortable harness type PFD's for everyone, I would and make it mandatory while underway. However, other than myself, everyone else is issued the uncomfortable standard orange cheapo ones so I don't enforce wearing them unless they are under 12yrs old (Mass State Law). I do make everyone wear one on deck sailing at night.
If I could afford the comfortable harness type PFD's for everyone, I would and make it mandatory while underway. However, other than myself, everyone else is issued the uncomfortable standard orange cheapo ones so I don't enforce wearing them unless they are under 12yrs old (Mass State Law). I do make everyone wear one on deck sailing at night.
No requirement
Our "policy" is that nothing is required, unless you leave the cockpit and head forward (tend to the anchor, for example), or at night. I'm with Tim; I will suggest that the various inflatable PFD's are one way to encourage use. They are reasonably comfortable and rarely get in the way, versus the traditional orange PFD's. If you offer the inflatables, they tend to get worn and that's the key to safety. Paul
Our "policy" is that nothing is required, unless you leave the cockpit and head forward (tend to the anchor, for example), or at night. I'm with Tim; I will suggest that the various inflatable PFD's are one way to encourage use. They are reasonably comfortable and rarely get in the way, versus the traditional orange PFD's. If you offer the inflatables, they tend to get worn and that's the key to safety. Paul
Not required
They are mandatory only for children on my boat. But I do like to have a couple of the throwable type cushions in the cockpit to toss overboard just in case.
They are mandatory only for children on my boat. But I do like to have a couple of the throwable type cushions in the cockpit to toss overboard just in case.
PFD
When we (my lady friend and I) go sailing we always keep PFD's in the cockpit. If either of us goes forward, we put on the PFD. We also have a tossable baot cushion in the cockpit Better safe than sorry, and it's really not that much trouble.
When we (my lady friend and I) go sailing we always keep PFD's in the cockpit. If either of us goes forward, we put on the PFD. We also have a tossable baot cushion in the cockpit Better safe than sorry, and it's really not that much trouble.
In Theory
You are out on a great hot sunny day with the most beautiful woman. She comes up out of the cabin with the skimpy little bikini that she just got at Victoria's Secrects. Are you really going to make her put on a bulky PFD ?
You are out on a great hot sunny day with the most beautiful woman. She comes up out of the cabin with the skimpy little bikini that she just got at Victoria's Secrects. Are you really going to make her put on a bulky PFD ?
Offshore and
children under 13 as required by law. I offer them to any one that wants one but I don't require them to wear them. If someone can't swim I suggest they wear one. They are not comfortable and I can swim therefore I chose no t wear one! It is my right as an American not to wear a PDF or use a seat belt! Off shore I wear an inflatable with a safety harness so I can be tether to the boat when conditions get rough.
children under 13 as required by law. I offer them to any one that wants one but I don't require them to wear them. If someone can't swim I suggest they wear one. They are not comfortable and I can swim therefore I chose no t wear one! It is my right as an American not to wear a PDF or use a seat belt! Off shore I wear an inflatable with a safety harness so I can be tether to the boat when conditions get rough.
pfd
nobody gets in my car or plane wihout using a seat belt, and nobody gets on my boat under way without a pfd.
nobody gets in my car or plane wihout using a seat belt, and nobody gets on my boat under way without a pfd.
OPTIONAL?
I guess depending on the size and weather conditions and what activities are taking place, ie. going forward; a case could be made for not wearing a PFD, but that is a lot of IF'S. The purpose of a PFD is to counteract the unexpected. No one expects to fall off a moving boat, but it happens. You may be Michael Phelps, but if you are knocked unconscious or have a heart attack- swimming probably won't be an option. Slight discomfort or loss of bravado isn't much to give up to ensure you or your shipmates go home to their families at the end of the day. Enough said from a 25 year Safety Professional PS. I wear a self-inflating PFD starting when I cast off - NO IF'S
I guess depending on the size and weather conditions and what activities are taking place, ie. going forward; a case could be made for not wearing a PFD, but that is a lot of IF'S. The purpose of a PFD is to counteract the unexpected. No one expects to fall off a moving boat, but it happens. You may be Michael Phelps, but if you are knocked unconscious or have a heart attack- swimming probably won't be an option. Slight discomfort or loss of bravado isn't much to give up to ensure you or your shipmates go home to their families at the end of the day. Enough said from a 25 year Safety Professional PS. I wear a self-inflating PFD starting when I cast off - NO IF'S
Always required
I require all crew and guests (myself included) to wear inflatable PFD's 100% of the time that the boat is under way. Unless guests are experienced sailors they are not allowed to leave the cockpit. I ask guests for an assesment of their swimming skills just so I know what to expect if something happens. Non-swimmers are required to wear non-inflatable vest type PFD's.
I require all crew and guests (myself included) to wear inflatable PFD's 100% of the time that the boat is under way. Unless guests are experienced sailors they are not allowed to leave the cockpit. I ask guests for an assesment of their swimming skills just so I know what to expect if something happens. Non-swimmers are required to wear non-inflatable vest type PFD's.
RE OPTIONAL?
We are too hung up with if it save one life it is worth it laws. If you want to be 100% sure your safe never leaves the home. Better yet build a concrete bunker. You have the right to chose your safely factor level. I do not want someone telling me how to live! I respect everyone that you requires a PDF. It is your right as the boat owner, but look around you are the minority. The problem starts when the minority tries to enforce their will on the majority. I wear one outside and if it is clam I take it off and keep it near by. If I go forward it goes on and so does the tether.
We are too hung up with if it save one life it is worth it laws. If you want to be 100% sure your safe never leaves the home. Better yet build a concrete bunker. You have the right to chose your safely factor level. I do not want someone telling me how to live! I respect everyone that you requires a PDF. It is your right as the boat owner, but look around you are the minority. The problem starts when the minority tries to enforce their will on the majority. I wear one outside and if it is clam I take it off and keep it near by. If I go forward it goes on and so does the tether.
Depends on Sailing Grounds..
Around Galveston Bay where the water is not that deep (at high tide 6-7' is normal )and there is alot of boat traffic PFD's are not required in the cockpit.HOWEVER anyone ventureing outside the cockpit to the side decks or foredeck must put on a PFD.The water is'nt deep but Toddlers drown in inches of water so no chances are taken.Having been offshore things change there..if it's calm and you remain in the cockpit no PFD is required but if you leave the cockpit an OFFSHORE JACKET is required and if weather conditions deteriorate,one is required in all places except below decks.Having seen many people swept from the decks of racing boats I wonder how it is people even consider going forward without a vest on..yes your a great swimmer..IF YOUR NOT KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS when you hit the water or as you go over the side..most people clear the boat as they go over the side..but are you willing to bet your life you'll be one of them?Even if your just stunned when you go over the side..you could drown far too quickly...happens all the time.I dont bet my life on being a good swimmer..and I dont allow others to do so when I'm in charge.Call me Capt. Bligh..but you will put on your PFD when going forward or we'll drop you at the dock. Fair Winds >>> David
Around Galveston Bay where the water is not that deep (at high tide 6-7' is normal )and there is alot of boat traffic PFD's are not required in the cockpit.HOWEVER anyone ventureing outside the cockpit to the side decks or foredeck must put on a PFD.The water is'nt deep but Toddlers drown in inches of water so no chances are taken.Having been offshore things change there..if it's calm and you remain in the cockpit no PFD is required but if you leave the cockpit an OFFSHORE JACKET is required and if weather conditions deteriorate,one is required in all places except below decks.Having seen many people swept from the decks of racing boats I wonder how it is people even consider going forward without a vest on..yes your a great swimmer..IF YOUR NOT KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS when you hit the water or as you go over the side..most people clear the boat as they go over the side..but are you willing to bet your life you'll be one of them?Even if your just stunned when you go over the side..you could drown far too quickly...happens all the time.I dont bet my life on being a good swimmer..and I dont allow others to do so when I'm in charge.Call me Capt. Bligh..but you will put on your PFD when going forward or we'll drop you at the dock. Fair Winds >>> David
Always
Inflatable PFD's 100% of the time. It's just not a big deal if it becomes routine.If you ever jumped into the water in Maine in June,you know why PFD's are needed. You won't be under your own power for very long! Same thing with sea kayaking. No one leaves the beach without one. It's just common sense. If I have to fish your soggy a$$ out of the water,I would prefer you to be alive!
Inflatable PFD's 100% of the time. It's just not a big deal if it becomes routine.If you ever jumped into the water in Maine in June,you know why PFD's are needed. You won't be under your own power for very long! Same thing with sea kayaking. No one leaves the beach without one. It's just common sense. If I have to fish your soggy a$$ out of the water,I would prefer you to be alive!
relaxed
My "policy" is a lot more relaxed than most of the posters on here I guess. My daughter always has to wear one, it's law, but I would have her in it anyway. Sailing on the Chesepeake it depends on the conditions. I think I will look into the inflatable ones, it's probably smart to have one of those on when sailing alone or at night. It's just another bunch of $$$ that I don't want to spend. We go out a lot on relaxed sails when the conditions are nice, weather is nice, and wearing an uncomfortable PFD isn't really on my list of comfortable clothing. Especially if it's hot out. As far as children go, my wife and I tried to find the most comfortable PFD for our daughter. She doesn't seem to mind it too much, and at 1 1/2 she actually carries it to us and asks us to put it on her. She then points and says "boat". My wife has mentioned getting a self inflating one for her, but I don't know how they work, how dependable they are, or if they are legal for children that young.
My "policy" is a lot more relaxed than most of the posters on here I guess. My daughter always has to wear one, it's law, but I would have her in it anyway. Sailing on the Chesepeake it depends on the conditions. I think I will look into the inflatable ones, it's probably smart to have one of those on when sailing alone or at night. It's just another bunch of $$$ that I don't want to spend. We go out a lot on relaxed sails when the conditions are nice, weather is nice, and wearing an uncomfortable PFD isn't really on my list of comfortable clothing. Especially if it's hot out. As far as children go, my wife and I tried to find the most comfortable PFD for our daughter. She doesn't seem to mind it too much, and at 1 1/2 she actually carries it to us and asks us to put it on her. She then points and says "boat". My wife has mentioned getting a self inflating one for her, but I don't know how they work, how dependable they are, or if they are legal for children that young.
Inflatable PFD's..
I like Inflatable PFD's for wearing IN THE COCKPIT offshore...but even though they're pretty reliable these days I have a problem trusting my life to something that IF IT FAILS could kill me.Too many things to go wrong..so,if you go on deck (especially Offshore ) your wearing an Offshore Jacket..around the Bay..inflatable may be ok..though I'd prefere not.But,atleast your making an effort and have given thought to the "what if's "...looking at the dead..some others have'nt. Fair Winds >>> David
I like Inflatable PFD's for wearing IN THE COCKPIT offshore...but even though they're pretty reliable these days I have a problem trusting my life to something that IF IT FAILS could kill me.Too many things to go wrong..so,if you go on deck (especially Offshore ) your wearing an Offshore Jacket..around the Bay..inflatable may be ok..though I'd prefere not.But,atleast your making an effort and have given thought to the "what if's "...looking at the dead..some others have'nt. Fair Winds >>> David
pfd
pilots who do aerobics always wear safety harnesses; they understand the difference in the words valor and idiocy.
pilots who do aerobics always wear safety harnesses; they understand the difference in the words valor and idiocy.
Little Ones on board
I take little ones out with me on my boat. We all have life vests that we wear. But we only sail on relatively small mountain lakes. With all that said, there are times that I do not wear a PFD. While I consider myself conservative, I think there are times that the unexpected is not as great of a threat.
I take little ones out with me on my boat. We all have life vests that we wear. But we only sail on relatively small mountain lakes. With all that said, there are times that I do not wear a PFD. While I consider myself conservative, I think there are times that the unexpected is not as great of a threat.
PFDs yes - laws - lets get back to basics
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 (at night we also have a strobe attached). 5. Prior to the first 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? - 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. Lets get back to basic responsibilities. 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 - another statement in favour of foam PFD's - 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 foam PFDs are not acceptably comfortable if you do some shopping around. However if you can't stand to wear a foam PFD then most certainly an inflatable is far better than nothing. I posted most of the above 3+ years ago. This subject always raises my interest as the answer is clear to me. I thought it was worth recycling.
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 (at night we also have a strobe attached). 5. Prior to the first 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? - 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. Lets get back to basic responsibilities. 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 - another statement in favour of foam PFD's - 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 foam PFDs are not acceptably comfortable if you do some shopping around. However if you can't stand to wear a foam PFD then most certainly an inflatable is far better than nothing. I posted most of the above 3+ years ago. This subject always raises my interest as the answer is clear to me. I thought it was worth recycling.
Depends on conditions
As we sail on the Great South Bay of Long Island in relatively shallow water (4-6 feet generally except in the dredged channels) I do not require PFDs to be worn unless the breeze gets up to 12 knots or more. Then a PFD is required if you leave the cockpit. Over 15 kts steady and I insist my daughter wears one unless below. We sail with three on board and we are all good swimmers and competent boat handlers, and the water is warm when we sail. In fact, one of us sometimes leaves the boat to cool off and we come about to effect a pick up: MOB drill while having fun.
As we sail on the Great South Bay of Long Island in relatively shallow water (4-6 feet generally except in the dredged channels) I do not require PFDs to be worn unless the breeze gets up to 12 knots or more. Then a PFD is required if you leave the cockpit. Over 15 kts steady and I insist my daughter wears one unless below. We sail with three on board and we are all good swimmers and competent boat handlers, and the water is warm when we sail. In fact, one of us sometimes leaves the boat to cool off and we come about to effect a pick up: MOB drill while having fun.
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