(a) Except as provided by §28.305 of this chapter, each vessel must be equipped with at least one immersion suit, exposure suit, or wearable personal flotation device of the proper size for each individual on board as specified in table 28.110 and part 25, subpart 25.25 of this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) of §25.25-1 of this chapter, each commercial fishing industry vessel propelled by sail or a manned barge employed in commercial fishing activities must meet the requirements of this paragraph.
(b) Each wearable personal flotation device must be stowed so that it is readily accessible to the individual for whom it is intended, from both the individual's normal work station and berthing area. If there is no location accessible to both the work station and the berthing area, an appropriate device must be stowed in both locations.
Table 28.110—Personal Flotation Devices and Immersion Suits
| Applicable waters | Vessel type | Devices required | Other regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaward of the Boundary Line and North of 32°N or South of 32°S; and Lake Superior | Documented Vessel | Immersion suit or exposure suit. | 28.135; 25.25-9(a); 25.25-13; 25.25-15. |
| Coastal Waters on the West Coast of the United States north of Point Reyes, CA; Beyond Coastal Waters, cold water; and Lake Superior | All vessels | ......do | Do. |
| All other waters (Includes all Great Lakes except Lake Superior) | 40 feet (12.2 meters) or more in length | Type I, Type V commercial hybrid, immersion suit, or exposure suit.1 | 28.135; 25.25-5(e); 25.25-5(f); 25.25-9(a); 25.25-13; 25.25-15. |
| Less than 40 feet (12.2 meters) in length | Type I, Type II, Type III, Type V commercial hybrid, immersion suit, or exposure suit.1 | Do. |
1Certain Type V personal flotation devices are approved for substitution for Type I, II, or III personal flotation devices when used in accordance with the conditions stated in the Coast Guard approval table.
[CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 88-079b, 57 FR 34189, Aug. 3, 1992; CGD 95-012, 60 FR 48048, Sept. 18, 1995; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58458, Sept. 29, 2000]
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