You can't wear a Type IV Captain it is a USCG approved throwable device like a boat cushion or a life ring.

Hey I didn't write it I just read it. I was talking type V not IV.

Quote from link:
(f) On each vessel, regardless of
length and regardless of whether carrying
passengers for hire, an approved
commercial hybrid PFD may be substituted
for a life preserver, buoyant
vest, or marine buoyant device required
under paragraphs (b) or (c) of
this section if it is—
(1) Used in accordance with the conditions
marked on the PFD and in the
owner’s manual;
(2) Labeled for use on commercial
vessels; and
(3) In the case of a Type V commercial
hybrid PFD, worn when the vessel
is underway and the intended wearer is
not within an enclosed space.




Spike

Question to Captain Spike

Speaking of PFD's, is there a rule in NH that states you must be within an arms length to a life preserver on a private vessel, not a vessle for hire or charter ???? I heard something about it in Maine.

By the way what are you Captian of, just curious ???

Big John

First off I am a licensed Capt. OUPV six pak. I used to run charters but stopped about two years ago. Nick name was given to me waaay back when just because I boated alot.

As far as State rules go they should pretty much fall in line with the CG rules. If they don't it would only be because the state has a more restrictive rule. They can't have less restrictive rules. That being said I do not know of a "arms length" rule for PFD's. I do know they must be readily available. On every boat readily available can be in various spots. I have a life preserver bag I carry on the floor of my boat, flares inside. I do not keep them stored in a compartment.
I remember being on a friends boat and we got boarded. The jackets were still in the plastic cases he bought htem in and in a compartment. He was told that they were not readily available because they were in the compartment and still in the plastic, needing to be opened. I think there is some leaway as to how strict they can be. Some people I know pull them out when off the dock but store them when tied to the dock. Either case law states readily accessable so they could get you for that. Another interesting event , which is right around the corner, is the 4th fireworks. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people partyingon boats with x amount of persons on board and there is noway the boat has presservers for each person. Some cases the boat has too many people for it's rated capacity. this is however at the dock and I think is overlooked for the most part. Just hope if you are one of those boats something doesn't happen to someone when you have that many people on board as the results could be bad for you. In the years at my marina we have had three people fall in drunk (different years) on the 4th weekend and one drowned.
Not good. None had pfd's on and nobody could throw them one in each case as the tide was ripping out. But had there been an ivestigation the boat owner may have been found negligent if the preservers , or throw ring bouys in larger vessels were not easily accessable.

Better safe than sorry.

Spike