OHIO PFD REQUIREMENTS
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
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Ohio boaters are required to carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type IV PFD (ring buoy OR seat cushion) on all vessels that are 16 feet in length or greater, plus a wearable PFD for each person onboard.
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No person shall ride or attempt to ride upon water skis, surfboards, inflatable devices or similar devices being towed by a vessel without wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD or a Type V PFD specifically designed for water-skiing, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size. No operator of a vessel shall tow any person who fails to comply with this law.
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All PWC operators and occupants must be wearing a Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device.
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All vessels less than 16 feet in length as well as canoes or kayaks of any length are required to have one Type I, II or III wearable PFD per person.
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Inflatable PFDs are not intended for children under the age of 16 years.
Child PFD Law
All boaters or passengers younger than 10 years of age onboard a vessel less than 18 feet in length must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.
