BoatSafeNebraska.org | 9
FLOTATION DEVICES
Every vessel, except sailboards, must carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II,
III or V flotation device of suitable size for each person on board. Every vessel, except
sailboards, personal watercraft, canoes, and kayaks, in addition to the required wearable
life preservers, also shall carry one U.S. Coast Guard -approved Type IV throwable device.
• No child age 12 or under is allowed aboard any vessel when not wearing a life
preserver of suitable size, except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored boat.
• The operator is responsible for compliance.
Types of Devices:
Type I – Offshore Life Jacket – This is designed to turn a person who is
unconscious in the water to a vertical or face-up position.
Type II – Near Shore Buoyant Vest – This is designed to turn a person
who is unconscious in the water to a vertical or face-up position.
Type III – Flotation Aid – This is designed to keep a person who is
conscious in the water in a vertical or face-up position. It has less turning
ability than Type II and is designed for water activities, such as skiing.
Type IV – Throwable Device – This is designed to be thrown to a
person in the water.
Type V – Special Use Device – This is designed only for specific
activities. Check label for limits of use. Varieties include board sailing
vests, deck suits, work vests, hybrid personal flotation devices, and
others.
Type III and V – Inflatable Life Jacket – This is highly visibile when
inflated and designed to turn most wearers and unconscious users face up
faster than traditional devices.
