Personal Flotation Devices
The European Boating Association recommends that, as a minimum, everyone on board a recreational craft has an appropriate Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
Person in charge and/or PFD owners are recommended to familiarise themselves with the information supplied by the manufacturer, particularly instructions on how to check the lifejacket before each use.
The EBA believes that selection of the appropriate PFD when Recreational Boating is critical. If it is to perform as intended, a PFD needs to be suitable for the activity.
The advice of national boating bodies should be sought by regulatory authorities before legislating to ensure that any regulation concerning the mandatory use of PFDs is proportionate, pragmatic and effective.
In addition to recommending that everyone on board a recreational craft has an appropriate Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Anyone on board a recreational craft should wear an appropriate PFD if they:
- are told to by the person in charge; or
- want to wear one.