Maryland PFD Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
The state of Maryland requires at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV PFD
(ring buoy OR seat cushion) on all recreational boats in excess of 16 feet in length, in
ADDITION to the wearable PFD required for each person onboard all boats.
- Someone being towed behind a vessel is considered to be onboard.
- All PWC occupants must be wearing their PFD while underway.
- Inflatable PFDs are not recommended for children nor are they recommended
for use during high impact sports such as water skiing or operating a PWC.
Children: All boaters or passengers 7 years of age and younger must be wearing
their PFD at all times while on any vessel less than 21 feet in length while it is
underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.