How many life jackets are you required to have aboard a boat?

Question

My husband and I just purchased a 18ft, 7 person boat. We will probably never have more than 4 people aboard. Do we have to have 7 life jackets or just enough for how many people are aboard?

Answer 1

You need one for every person on board

Answer 2

You need one for every person on board.  Just because it seats 7 does not mean tyou need 7....unless of course you have 7 on board.  I think those floating cushions count.  They are a great option rather than life jackets.

Answer 3

Yes, as others have already said you need one US Coast Guard approved flotation device for each person on board.

Someone suggested using the seat-cushion flotation devices.  This would be technically legal, but you should keep in mind that people that drown in boating accidents are almost never wearing their PFDs.  In my strong opinion, it is much preferable to have wearable flotation devices with the seat cushions as supplemental.  Especially if children are to be on board you should have properly fitting PFDs for them.  

Please remember that a Lifejacket stored under the bench seat might meet the technical requirements, it does not protect a person in a boating accident.  Only the Lifejacket that is actually worn can do that.  Please see the Coast Guard boating safety information at:  http://www.uscgboating.org/

Answer 4

There must be a flotation device for each person on the boat.  I would confirm the local laws with someone (at the marina, boat shop, etc.).

The local laws are what will get most people in trouble.  Age requirements for mandatory use and sizing issues (like a child on the boat but only have adult jackets) are common issues.

Answer 5

You should have enough life jackets as there are people on the boat. (1 per person)

Answer 6

9. 8 for the 8 and one for the cox.

Answer 7

I my belief, 8 Vests, and 6 cushions

Heres a full 7 people on the boat. Your husband is driving. For best safety, I recommend all 6 passengers be wearing full body vests, tightly secured  and always fastened(unless your on dock or in shallow water, you can have it unfastened, but never take it off, if you fall in the water, quickly make sure it stays on and refasten it). Your passergers should all sit on cusions, so that they can be thrown out to assist the overborn person. Since the driver doesn't have a cushion, he should substitute by haveing a better vest. Have the vest INCLUDE a Backflap/Headrest, pockets, both zipper and belts(Twice as much security) and include a crotch strap/harness to prevent the vest from riding up. Hope this helps a whole lot, but no matter what, ALWAYS WEAR A FULL BODY LIFE VEST OUT ON THE WATER, NO MATTER YOUR AGE, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A VEST.